CBD and heavy metals

Heavy metals are often found in soil, and when this happens it can accumulate in plants.  This can be the case, particularly in hemp used for CBD products.  It is important you source your CBD products from a reliable company, so you can guarantee they have been farmed and manufactured correctly.

Although the human body will naturally have metals present, it can be harmful if they build up too quickly.  The majority of CBD products are safe, but when choosing your supplier, it is beneficial that you have a clear understanding of how to reduce unnecessary risks.

The metals most often found in soil include the following:

• Mercury
• Lead
• Chromium
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Copper
• Zinc
• Nickel

These heavy metals can be a concern in the production of food and supplements.  They build up in the soil, and contamination can occur to unsafe levels.

Contamination can happen in several ways.  These can include metal waste, industrial emissions, fertiliser, manure, sewage, pesticides and wastewater. When the metals are identified, the soil needs to be treated before using it again.

What is a bio-accumulator?

Metal contamination is a problem, and CBD products can be a risk due to hemp being a bio-accumulator.  It means that the hemp absorbs the metals and gradually builds up in the leaves and flowers.

Hemp plants can reach down as far as 8 feet into the ground.  This can result in traces of contaminants being collected from a large area of soil and then into the plant tissue.

Why are heavy metals dangerous?

As previously mentioned, we all have a certain amount of metals naturally stored in our body.  The human body can only get rid of a small amount of metals at a time.  So, if you continue to unknowingly add more to your bloodstream, they can reach an unsafe level which can make you feel unwell. Some side effects can include headaches, tiredness, feeling weak and general aches and pains.  Exposure to long term heavy metals can start to affect your internal organs.

How to test if CBD products are contaminated

If you have chosen a well-established, reputable company to purchase your CBD product, you will have every right to ask if their products have been lab-tested.  If so, each batch will have been independently tested, and you can request proof.

Supercritical CO2 extraction

Supercritical carbon dioxide is a form of extraction in hemp. Impact Sports ensure that all of their products have gone through this process, extracting the CBD oil from the hemp/cannabis plant and also any potential heavy metals that may be present.

Conclusion

Heavy metal contamination continues to be a problem. Because hemp is a bio-accumulator, if you don’t choose the right company, a low-quality product might not be safe.  Reliable companies provide third-party lab tests to verify if there are any contaminants present.  Impact Sports follow these guidelines and will happily provide lab reports for all of our CBD products upon request.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist.