HOW TO SPOT FAKE CANNABIS PRODUCTS

When shopping around for cannabis, most buyers are looking for the best deal. Unfortunately, some of these great deals involve fake cannabis products such as hemp seed CBD oil and vape cartridges.

Many people do not know how to spot fake products or know that they even exist. These fake products often contain synthetic cannabinoids which are very dangerous and have even caused deaths amongst users. Keep reading to learn more about synthetic cannabinoids and how to avoid fake cannabis products.

SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS

The National Institute of Drug Abuse describes synthetic cannabinoids as human-made mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dried shredded plant material so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices.

Manufacturers sell these products in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles to attract consumers. They market these products under a wide variety of specific brand names. Hundreds of brands now exist, including K2, Spice, Joker, Black Mamba, Kush, Mr. Happy, Scooby Snax and Kronic. It’s very important to avoid these brands.

Synthetic cannabinoids act on the same brain cell receptors as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana. So, using these fake products can make you feel the same “high” as actual THC products. However, synthetic cannabinoids users often experience more serious side effects such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting,
• Violent behavior
• Suicidal thoughts

Synthetic cannabinoids can be addictive and overdosing can sometimes lead to death. Use of synthetic products can cause:

• Toxic reactions
• Elevated blood pressure
• Reduced blood supply to the heart
• Kidney damage
• Seizures

Deaths can also occur when dangerous synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are added to the packaged mixture without the user knowing it.

CHECK THE LAB TEST

So how do you avoid purchasing a fake cannabis product? The first thing you should do is check the lab test. This should be on the packaging already depending on the legislation of the state where you’re purchasing the product. If it’s not, licensed brands provide test results to retailers, so ask your budtender or seller for the product’s COA (certificate of analysis).

If you want to be extra cautious, you can always check with the lab the product was tested at to confirm the results are real. If there are no lab tests available, do not purchase the product.

PRODUCTS BEING TOO CHEAP

Another strong indicator that a cannabis product is fake is a low price. Fake brands often attract users with their below-average pricing. Counterfeiters have also been selling reputable vaping and cannabis brands on the internet.

If you see a well-known, reputable brand being sold far below the average price, it’s likely counterfeit. Essentially, if a product’s price seems too good to be true, avoid purchasing.

CANNABIS BRANDS MAKING WILD CLAIMS

Another thing to look out for is a cannabis product or brand making wild claims. These claims can include promises of curing health conditions, free trials or not showing up on a drug test. Real cannabis products and brands do not offer free trials or make claims to their users.

FULL SPECTRUM PRODUCTS THAT ARE CLEAR

Be on the lookout for product color. If a product is claiming to be “full spectrum” it should not be clear. Cannabis extract contains natural plant phytonutrients that make the consistency of the oil dark. If you come across a clear product being sold as “full-spectrum”, do not purchase.

CHECK THE PACKAGING

When purchasing a cannabis product, make sure to check the packaging. Look for misspellings and grammatical errors as well as listed ingredients. Labels on products should display:

• Manufacture date
• Packaging date
• Batch number
• Lot number

KNOW YOUR CANNABIS BRANDS

To best avoid fake products, stick to purchasing well-known and trusted brands. Research top cannabis brands that have been established for many years and have a good reputation. Stay loyal to the brands that you know and trust.

At Origins, we sell lab-tested products that are "Origins Certified" which upholds the highest standards of product quality.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Fake cannabis products with synthetic cannabinoids are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. While shopping for cannabis products, remember to:

At Origins Cannabis, we want to make shopping for a high-quality product easy. Check out our store page for a wide range of lab-tested cannabis and cannabis products. With our unique lifestyle recommendations, you'll never have an easier time finding your ideal strain.