– Case Study – 
Cheap / fake vs Real CBD

Case Study

Cheap’n Fake VS Real CBD

Let’s start with the differences between QUALITY CBD and FAKE CBD.   Consumers know that Cannabidiol (CBD) has the potential to improve lives and there are tremendous business opportunities in the emerging cannabis market. Some sources believe CBD will soon be a billion-dollar industry.

With such enormous potential comes the danger for companies to incentives, cut corners, and offer fake products to consumers. An example of this already taking place is what is happening on Amazon.  Amazon does not currently allow CBD products, but if you search with the term “CBD” or “CBD OIL” you will find many hemp related products. Soon, we expect things to change, and YES you will be able to sell quality CBD on Amazon, but for now it’ just not the case.

The Problem:  These hemp products are worthless, not all but most. I hate to say it but, it’s true. If you try to offer your CBD product, lab certified and completely legal, made in the USA CBD OIL or Gummies, expect to be blocked, or worse banned.  If you sell cheap hemp from China, you may slide, or you may also get banned for fake product listings. It’s a lose-lose for consumers and verified American Made CBD /Hemp products. Ordinary folks who try to purchase CBD Oil or other products on Amazon should know the truth and unfortunately looks terrible for the reputable companies like YOU who are trying to do good by your quality product.

The Dangers:  Products are untested, unregulated, and labels falsified. The hemp plant absorbs anything and everything out of the soil, including heavy metals or pesticides. We encourage consumers to look for the CBD-H Badge, check brand websites for a Certificate of Analysis, or CoA and do their due diligence. Companies are here, gone tomorrow and trust is often lost with consumers.  Test results found on websites can sometimes be overrated, and in some circumstances falsified to cut corners. This is an extreme situation but may occur. We post companies are that are CBD-H certified by use, and those that are not letting consumers choose for themselves which CBD oil or product they should buy and trust.

Fake Products:  People are buying cannabis and hemp products at a record pace.  New counterfeiters have gained access to surplus labels and cartridges to create knock-offs that mimic products from reputable brands. We spoke with several labs across the country, and even the more established labs are adding new tests, getting new equipment, and busy with an influx of requests with new CBD companies popping up and offering different types of products. Fake or synthetic CBD oil sickened 52 people in Utah. Many of those people bought a brand called YOLO CBD oil.

A leading brand told us they have trouble keeping products stocked because of the limited amount of quality, safe hemp. This is a national brand with a developed supply chain that struggles to find enough good hemp. So imagine what the supply chain might look like—or how it may be supplemented—by an upstart brand that is trying to catch the cannabis wave.

Cheap Bargains:  There is a lot of money to be made on a product that promises amazing benefits with few side effects. If your competitors are selling products at prices you can’t compete with, they are most likely fake. Some consumers may fall for this tactic, but most are realizing that CBD is not all created equally. The public is now reading labels and comparing products.

Consumers are smarter than you think “If you see a product that stands out as being dramatically cheaper than every other brand, think twice.”

The best opportunities are ahead:  CBD in coffee, jellybeans, chocolate, even pasta is just starting to make its way into the market.  If you aren’t already in this sector, consider the future growth about to come.  Having the CBD-H Badge of authenticity can make or break the sale.  Have you noticed that Non-GMO and Organic marketing is now the most sought after label by consumers. Price is important, but so is quality. Those companies who separate themselves from the rest as better, and worth the price will always stay ahead.

We don’t talk about the dangers of fake or mislabeled CBD to scare people away. We all have expectations and want what we paid for. The CBD space is not different, and having the CBD-H Badge brings an additional layer of confidence to your customers. Stay smart and protect your company from the fakes.  We have talked to enough people who feel their lives changed using hemp derivatives for a healthier life. Consumers find it worthwhile and spend an extra minute reviewing labels, reviews and studying a brand before making a purchase. You want customers to choose your brand because it’s better, and you want them to come back again and again because of trust in your product.