MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama health officials had good reason when earlier this year they warned that products labeled as the cannabis extract CBD may not contain what they claim.
The state's forensic scientists had identified dangerous synthetic marijuana in more than two dozen vapes or edible products marketed as CBD.
The Associated Press gathered the results for an investigation into how some operators are capitalizing on the CBD boom by substituting a cheap street drug for the real thing.
That practice has sent dozens of people nationwide to emergency rooms. Unlike real CBD, synthetic marijuana gives an intense high.
In all, lab testing shows spiked vape or edible CBD products such as gummy bears in at least 13 states.
Industry representatives acknowledge spiking is an issue, but say many companies are reputable.