A recent investigation by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has uncovered a troubling gap between cannabis product labels and their actual THC content. Published this month in Scientific Reports, the study reveals that nearly half of cannabis flower products sold throughout Colorado may contain significantly different potency levels than advertised.
Study Methodology & Scope
- Samples collected: 277 cannabis products—including loose flower and pre‑rolls—were clandestinely purchased from 52 dispensaries across 19 Colorado counties.
- Testing protocol: State‑accredited laboratories chemically analyzed each product, blind to the labels.
Key Findings
- Label inaccuracy in flower products: Approximately 44% of the flower samples failed to meet Colorado’s 15% acceptable deviation standard for THC potency. Most of these overclaimed THC levels, while a smaller portion understated actual potency.
- Average potency: THC in flower averaged 21%, with concentrates averaging 71% and some reaching up to 84%.
- Concentrates more reliable: Only about 4% of concentrate samples were inaccurately labeled, suggesting stronger consistency in more homogenous product types.
Implications for Consumers
- Patient safety concerns: Individuals using cannabis therapeutically may receive inaccurate dosages, risking ineffective treatment or adverse effects.
- Recreational risks: Misleading potency claims could cause inexperienced users to consume more THC than expected, heightening the risk of over‐intoxication.
Factors Influencing the Discrepancies
- Lab practices: Some evidence suggests testing labs might inflate THC readings to enhance marketability for higher-priced products.
- Product variability: Dried flower is naturally heterogeneous, making consistent sampling more challenging compared to uniform concentrates .
Beyond THC: The Broader Cannabinoid Spectrum
While THC has been the primary focus of labeling, the study underscores that other cannabinoids—such as CBG (cannabigerol) and its precursor CBGA—are frequently present at higher levels than CBD. These compounds are associated with potential anti‑anxiety and anti‑inflammatory properties. However, only around 16% of products included information on these lesser-known cannabinoids.
As senior author Cinnamon Bidwell, director of CU Boulder’s Center for Health and Neuroscience, Genes and Environment, observed:
“Focusing on THC on the label can actually do a disservice for consumers … Our data suggests that multiple other cannabinoids should also be reported”.
What Comes Next
Funded by the Institute of Cannabis Research, the team plans to expand their audit to include packaged cannabis edibles. Their goal is to provide regulators and industry stakeholders with actionable data to improve testing standards, ensure label accuracy, and maintain consumer trust across all product types.
Summary
This rigorous analysis signals a call to action for the cannabis industry and regulators. Maintaining accurate labels not only safeguards consumer health—especially for medical users—but also strengthens confidence in legal cannabis markets. As the sector evolves, transparent disclosure of the full cannabinoid profile could become a vital step forward.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into the specific lab techniques, regulatory requirements, or comparisons to other state markets.
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