Hemp seed certification and labeling are different than hemp-based product labeling. In particular, because CBD is a consumable substance, product labeling requirements make products more transparent and help keep consumers safe. The same is true for all consumable substances.
Products that contain CBD must include a clear identity statement of the product. In other words, it must indicate what the product is. Products with CBD must also include the net weight, a list of all ingredients, and the manufacturer, packer, or distributor’s name and address. Additionally, some states have additional requirements for CBD product labeling, including the clear identification that hemp or CBD is included in the product, even if there is only a small amount within the product.
Some states now also require a scannable QR or bar code that links to additional information about the product. The linked information may include:
- The product names.
- Batch identification number.
- Batch date.
- Expiration date.
- Total quantity produced in the batch.
- Other ingredients used.
Certificate of analysis. Furthermore, in some states, the expiration date must not be more than two years from the manufacture date. These additional labeling requirements are increasingly used to ensure a safe and quality CBD product.
The FDA enforces that CBD product labels or websites must not claim their products have unverified health benefits. While some studies show various potential health benefits of CBD, none of them have been proven yet, so those claims cannot be included on product labels. Some states have also taken it a step further and stated that labels and websites must be free of any health claims regarding CBD. And some states, like Colorado, require CBD product labels to state that the FDA has not evaluated the product for safety or efficacy.