top of page
Search

CBD: The Hidden Risks Behind a Booming Trend

  • Jul 11
  • 4 min read

Gummies, oils, e-liquids, capsules, chocolates, herbal teas…


CBD has quietly made its way into our daily lives, promoted as a gentle, natural solution for better well-being. Touted for easing stress, pain, or sleep troubles, it attracts all generations: young professionals, retirees, patients seeking alternatives, and athletes looking for faster recovery.


But behind this soothing image lies a more troubling reality.Since 2024, reports of adverse effects have skyrocketed, non-compliant products are flooding the market, and some intoxications require emergency hospitalization. At Reguloo, we decided to investigate because public safety should always come before commercial hype.


A naturel subtance... in a risky market


Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from hemp, known for having no psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause euphoria, addiction, or altered consciousness.


This reassuring profile has led CBD to expand into countless sectors: food supplements, cosmetics, vaping, herbal teas, sweets…


The issue? This growth happened with almost no safeguards.

Consumers now face a confusing landscape of legal, tolerated, and completely illegal products a grey area that opens the door to dangerous practices.


2024 : The tipping point


Since early this year, French Poison Control Centers (CAP-TV) and Addictovigilance Monitoring Units (CEIP-A) have sounded the alarm.

Cases of poisoning involving CBD-containing products (or products falsely claiming to contain CBD) are surging.


Reported side effects vary and can be serious:

  • Digestive issues: vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea

  • Neurological effects: dizziness, loss of consciousness, drowsiness

  • Psychiatric effects: anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts

  • Critical cases: seizures, comas, emergency hospitalizations


Some incidents involved children who accidentally ingested CBD gummies. Others involved adults exposed to illicit substances hidden in vape liquids or “fortified” hemp flowers.


The problem isn’t CBD — it’s what’s hidden inside


What makes these products dangerous isn’t always CBD itself, but what’s mixed in or left undeclared.


A 2023 study by CEIP units in Lyon, Paris, and Montpellier revealed alarming results:

  • 8 out of 10 products did not match their labelled composition

  • THC levels exceeded the legal 0.3% limit in many samples

  • Illegal substances were detected: HHC, HHC-O, H4-CBD, MDMB-PINACA…


In other words, a consumer thinks they’re buying a relaxing product and ends up ingesting potent synthetic cannabinoids, sometimes classified as narcotics.


Clear laws… poorly enforced


Here’s what the law says (France & EU):

✅ CBD is legal only if THC content is under 0.3%

❌ Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., HHC, HHC-O) are strictly banned

❌ CBD edibles (gummies, chocolates, drinks) are not authorized unless approved as Novel Foods

❌ Medical or therapeutic claims are forbidden without scientific validation or market authorization


Yet, hundreds of non-compliant products remain available, both online and in physical stores even vending machines.

The gap between regulation and reality is striking.

CBD: What the law says vs. what’s really sold
CBD: What the law says vs. what’s really sold

Appealing formats… and invisible victims


Many CBD products use seductive marketing: colorful packaging, fun shapes, calming slogans.The problem? They attract children.


Serious poisoning cases have been reported after kids accidentally ate CBD gummies left on a table or in a parent’s bag.


👉 Just one gummy bear can trigger a medical emergency.These accidents are preventable but only if accurate, transparent information is available to all.


The real threat: synthetic cannabinoids


These are now the top concern for health authorities:

  • HHC (hexahydrocannabinol)

  • HHC-O, H4-CBD

  • MDMB-PINACA and other NPS (new psychoactive substances)


These lab-made compounds mimic THC’s effects but can be up to 10 times more powerful.They come with high neuropsychiatric toxicity and addiction potential.And worst of all? They’re marketed as “next-gen CBD” with no clear mention of what’s inside.


No form is risk-free


The galenic form (type of product) directly affects the risk:

  • Vapes / smokable flowers: fast-acting, hard to dose, high risk of hidden substances

  • Ingestibles (gummies, oils, capsules): slower onset, but higher risk of overdose or contamination

  • Cosmetics: lower systemic exposure, but skin irritation is possible (especially on sensitive or damaged skin)



What to do if you suspect an adverse effect


If you or someone close experiences unusual symptoms after using a CBD product:

  1. Stop using the product immediately

  2. Call emergency services (dial 15 in France) if symptoms are severe

  3. Contact Poison Control: +33 (0)1 45 42 59 59

  4. Keep the product (packaging, bottle, batch number)

  5. Report the incident at signalement.social-sante.gouv.fr or Vigicare.fr


Each report helps trace defective batches, fraudulent products, or high-risk distribution channels.


Vigicare platform interface – final confirmation screen after submitting an incident report.
Vigicare platform interface – final confirmation screen after submitting an incident report.

What we stand for at Reguloo


At Reguloo, we support cosmetic and wellness brands in developing safe, compliant, and transparent products. We believe consumer trust is built on:

  • A deep understanding of regulations

  • Accurate and verified labelling

  • Appropriate safety testing

  • Full traceability and quality control


Inform, support, protect that’s our mission in a fast-changing market that sometimes moves too fast for public health to keep up.


Key takeaways

  • CBD itself is not the issue it’s the poorly controlled market around it.

  • The surge in poisonings is a symptom of lax regulation, not of a misunderstood compound.

  • We must empower both brands and consumers with clear, evidence-based information.

  • Regulatory compliance is not a burden — it’s a shield.


At Reguloo, we remain vigilant.

And we’ll keep making regulatory expertise a cornerstone of consumer safety for the benefit of brands and users alike.


Sources

Comments

Couldn’t Load Comments
It looks like there was a technical problem. Try reconnecting or refreshing the page.
bottom of page