Amazon may dominate online shopping, but when it comes to CBD (cannabidiol), buyers need to be cautious. Many don't realize that not everything on Amazon is of high quality, especially when it comes to CBD products. Here’s why you can’t buy quality CBD on Amazon.
Understanding Amazon’s CBD Policies
The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the industrial growth of hemp, paving the way for CBD to become mainstream. However, there’s still confusion surrounding CBD and hemp, especially on Amazon. The key to understanding why quality CBD isn’t available on Amazon lies in their CBD policies.
Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD due to its classification under federal law. Even though the Farm Bill legalized hemp, cannabis (from which both hemp and CBD are derived) is still considered a Schedule 1 drug, similar to heroin and marijuana. While CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, it falls under this classification, making it prohibited for sale on Amazon.
Amazon does allow the sale of hemp seed oil, but with strict restrictions. The products must contain only trace amounts of THC and CBD, not enough to produce any psychoactive effects or violate laws in areas where cannabis remains illegal.
The Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Hemp oil and CBD oil both come from the cannabis sativa plant, but they are not the same. Hemp oil is derived from the seeds and stalks, which aren’t rich in CBD. In contrast, pure CBD oil is extracted mainly from the flowers of the cannabis plant. Many products on Amazon may claim to contain CBD but only have trace amounts.
Moreover, there's a distinction between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. CBD isolate is a purified form of CBD, separated from other compounds found in the plant. Full-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, includes all the plant's compounds. However, if a product on Amazon claims to be CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD, it’s likely not genuine, as selling CBD on Amazon is prohibited.
Are Fake CBD Products Sold on Amazon?
Yes, fake CBD products can be found on Amazon. Despite Amazon’s efforts to maintain product quality through seller restrictions, the platform’s reliance on third-party sellers allows for the possibility of counterfeit CBD products.
Since CBD sales are prohibited on Amazon, any product claiming to be CBD is likely fake. While hemp extract is beneficial and offers therapeutic properties, it does not contain CBD when derived from the seeds and stalks.
There’s also a risk of encountering fake sellers who claim to offer CBD or hemp extract from reputable brands. Customers may receive products that don’t match their expectations in quality or effectiveness, indicating that the item is counterfeit.
Why Does CBD Appear in Amazon Search Results?
When searching for CBD on Amazon, you might notice results that seem to offer CBD products. This occurs because Amazon’s search engine, like Google or Pinterest, pulls information from product descriptions and customer reviews. Some buyers mistakenly equate hemp extract with CBD, leading them to mention CBD in their reviews. As a result, Amazon displays these products in your search, even though they don’t actually contain CBD.
Carefully checking product labels will reveal that the products don’t specify CBD content but rather mention hemp. Additionally, verified buyers often clarify in reviews that the product doesn’t contain CBD, which can be a clue for those unfamiliar with the difference between hemp and CBD.
Why Is Hemp Extract Priced Higher Than CBD on Amazon?
Hemp tinctures on Amazon often come in much larger quantities than CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD oil. Hemp seed oil is cheaper to produce, which allows sellers to offer it in larger amounts. The larger quantity is often an indicator that the product is hemp extract rather than CBD.
Be wary of vendors claiming that their product contains massive amounts of CBD, such as 10,000 to 50,000 mg, at a very low price. Many buyers fall for these claims, thinking it’s worth trying. Since hemp does offer some benefits, they might believe the misleading labels.
Are There Better Prices for CBD Products on Amazon?
While CBD products on Amazon might seem cheaper, they aren’t genuine. The apparent low cost is because these products are hemp extract, not true CBD, due to Amazon’s restrictions on selling CBD.
Even if you’re looking for hemp extract, Amazon might not offer the best deal. It’s worth checking the brand’s official website, where you might find comparable or even better discounts. Many CBD companies offer direct discounts to encourage customers to purchase from their sites, avoiding the fees Amazon charges sellers.
When buying directly from the CBD company, you might receive a better deal, especially considering that pure CBD is more expensive than hemp. Although pure CBD costs more, you typically need a much lower dose, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Conclusion
It’s not possible to purchase quality CBD on Amazon due to their restrictions. For the best and most authentic CBD products, it’s better to buy directly from the brand’s website or a trusted seller who can offer real CBD. While hemp extract has its benefits, CBD is far superior for therapeutic purposes, and when it comes to your health, you deserve the best.