CBD In Towson Not Always The Real Deal: Report

TOWSON, MD — Towson is among the places where consumers are not always getting what they pay for when it comes to CBD oil, according to an investigation conducted by the Associated Press. When a reporter bought three products from a Towson vape shop selling CBD items, lab tests showed that two contained cannabidiol (CBD), while one was actually synthetic marijuana.

The investigation revealed that 13 states, including Maryland, were selling items and marketing them as CBD when they did not necessarily contain that ingredient, the Associated Press reported.

In Maryland, the Associated Press staffer purchased "Green Machine," which reportedly contained synthetic marijuana, also known as K-2 or spice. One vape pod filled with "Jungle Juice" was filled with the same chemicals that sickened people in the United States and New Zealand, the Associated Press reported.

Maryland has legalized medicinal use of marijuana but not recreational use. It is among the states like Florida, New York, Delaware and Illinois that require some testing of CBD products, according to Consumer Reports.

Read the Associated Press report.

Maryland regulators have cautioned licensed dispensaries that they must warn buyers.

"Cannabidiol remains a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act," the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission said in a July statement about dispensaries selling unregulated CBD products in their waiting areas.

While the commission said it did not plan to take disciplinary action against dispensaries for this, it reminded distributors they should clearly label products that are unregulated so buyers will be aware they have not been tested by the state.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.