The CBD market is booming, with oils , gummies , creams , and even CBD-infused coffee popping up everywhere. But while this growth is exciting, not all CBD products are created equal. In fact, the industry is still largely unregulated, meaning some brands are taking shortcuts, making bold claims, or selling products that contain almost no CBD at all.
If you've ever been unsure about what's in your CBD or whether it's working as it should, you're not alone. Many consumers unknowingly waste their money on low-quality CBD products or even fake CBD products that provide little to no benefits and, in some cases, can be unsafe to use.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to spot a bad product. In this article, we’ll go over 5 clear signs that a CBD product isn’t worth the money, and show you how to find high-quality products that actually deliver results.
TL; DR:
Not all CBD products are created equal. To avoid wasting money or risking your health, be aware of these red flags:
- No third-party lab tests (COAs): If a product doesn't provide lab results, you can't trust what it contains.
- Vague or misleading labels: Look for a clear CBD content (in mg), not just “hemp oil.”
- Exceptionally low prices: High-quality CBD costs more due to proper cultivation, extraction, and testing.
- No transparency around the brand: Legitimate companies share information about their purchases, lab tests, and offer contact information.
- Fake or suspicious reviews: Use trusted platforms like Trustpilot or Reddit to find honest customer reviews.
Stick to reputable brands like CBDanmark, and always check for lab reports, clear labeling, and transparent practices.
1. CBD brands without third-party lab testing or COAs
One of the biggest red flags when buying CBD is the lack of third-party lab testing, specifically a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is a document issued by an independent lab that states what is actually in the CBD product you are purchasing. It verifies important details like CBD and THC levels and checks for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and mold.
Why is this so important? Because without third-party testing, there’s no way to confirm what’s in the bottle. A 2020 FDA study found that many CBD products on the market had inaccurate labeling, with some containing zero CBD or far more THC than legally allowed ( PubMed ).
A COA helps ensure that the product is:
- Potent (contains the advertised amount of CBD)
- Clean (free from harmful contaminants)
- Safe (legal THC levels and tested by an accredited lab)
Red flags you should be aware of:
- No COA available or only available upon request
- QR code on the packaging leading to a broken or generic page
- COAs without batch numbers that match your product
- Old or outdated lab reports (more than 12 months old)
Pro tip: Only buy from CBD brands that publish up-to-date COAs for each product directly on the product page, like our products at CBDanmark . Trusted companies make this information easy to find and verify. Always check the batch number of your product with the lab report to make sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
2. CBD products with vague or misleading labeling
When buying CBD in Europe, one of the biggest red flags to watch out for is vague or misleading product labeling. As the CBD market in many European countries is still developing, some brands are exploiting regulatory gray areas to sell products that may not contain what they claim, or worse yet, may contain ingredients that are not clearly stated.
A common problem is confusion between CBD and hemp seed oil. Many low-quality products sold online or in stores are labeled as “hemp oil” or “hemp extract” without specifying the actual CBD content. Hemp seed oil is legal and widely used in skincare and cooking, but does not naturally contain CBD unless specifically added. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has highlighted this issue as part of its ongoing review of CBD as a novel food ( EFSA ).
Always look for labels that clearly state:
- The amount of CBD in milligrams (mg) per bottle or dose
- Whether the product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate
- A complete ingredient list, including carrier oils and flavorings
- Batch or lot numbers and expiration dates
In the EU and UK, products are not legally allowed to make medical claims unless they are approved medicines, but some brands still promise to “cure anxiety” or “treat arthritis.” Be extremely cautious with these claims. Both the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have taken action against companies for making unauthorised health claims ( MHRA guidance ).
Pro tip: Stick to brands that comply with local regulations, publish clear information about the CBD content, and don’t try to sell you a miracle cure. At CBDanmark, we value transparency about the content of our CBD products and the safety of our customers above all else, because you should never be in doubt about what you’re consuming. In a growing but loosely regulated market, transparency is key to finding high-quality CBD in Europe.
3. CBD products with exceptionally low prices
If you come across a CBD product that seems too good to be true, it probably is. While everyone loves a good deal, high-quality CBD simply isn’t cheap to produce, and rock-bottom prices are often a red flag that the product may be low-quality, diluted, or even fake.
So why does good CBD cost more? It starts with the cultivation. In the EU and UK, CBD must be extracted from EU-approved industrial hemp strains grown under strict agricultural guidelines. Organic, pesticide-free hemp is more expensive to grow but results in a purer product. Then there’s the extraction process; high-end brands often use CO₂ extraction, which is safer and more efficient, but also more expensive. Add in third-party lab testing, packaging, regulatory compliance, and distribution, and you can see why a quality product comes at a premium.
On the other hand, cheap CBD products often compromise on quality. They may contain:
- Very little or no CBD
- Pollutants such as pesticides, mold, or heavy metals
- Inaccurate labeling or no lab reports at all
- The UK Food Safety Authority (FSA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have warned consumers to be cautious, especially with products purchased online or from unverified sellers (FSA CBD Guidance).
Rule of thumb: If a product claims to offer high-potency CBD at a suspiciously low price, it’s worth questioning its quality. Investing a little more upfront can protect your health and ensure you actually get what you paid for. At CBDanmark, we never compromise when it comes to your well-being: All of our products are lab-tested by independent third-party laboratories for quality, purity, and safety!
Take the first step on your journey to wellness today with CBDanmark's trusted products.
4. CBD brands without transparency or contact information
One of the clearest signs that you’re dealing with a low-quality CBD product is when the brand offers little to no transparency about who they are or how their products are made. Reputable CBD companies ( like CBDanmark ) are proud to share information about their sourcing, extraction methods, lab testing, and production standards. If a company doesn’t clearly tell you where their hemp is grown, how it’s extracted, or who tests it, that’s a big red flag.
Start by checking the brand’s website. Is there an “About Us” page that shares their mission, values, and background? Is there a physical business address, a customer support email, or at least a contact form? If you can’t find this basic information, or if it seems too vague or generic, it’s best to avoid that brand. In the UK and EU, CBD is still closely monitored by regulators, so legitimate companies are often extra careful and transparent in order to comply with the rules.
Many low-quality or fly-by-night CBD sellers only operate through online marketplaces and disappear when the complaints start pouring in. Therefore, it is safer to stick to established brands that are open and accessible.
Other reputable CBD companies besides CBDanmark, such as CBDfx , Love Hemp (UK), Endoca (EU) and Cibdol (Netherlands), also offer:
- Complete laboratory reports
- Clear contact information
- Information about the origin of the product
- Transparent business practices
In a growing but loosely regulated industry, brand transparency is your best defense against wasting money or, worse yet, risking your health. Always do a quick background check on a company before making a purchase.
5. CBD products with negative or fake reviews
Another key sign of low-quality CBD is suspicious or fake reviews. When a product page is filled with nothing but glowing 5-star reviews, it may look convincing, but if you dig a little deeper, you may find that the rose is not entirely real.
Fake reviews often follow certain patterns. Watch out for vague or overly general statements like “Amazing product!”, “Life-changing!” or “Best CBD ever!” without providing details about how the product was actually used. Another red flag is when many reviews are posted at the same time or on the same day, which may indicate that they are generated by bots or paid reviewers. In Denmark, the Consumer Ombudsman actively monitors misleading marketing practices, including fake online reviews, which are illegal under Danish consumer protection law ( Consumer Ombudsman ).
To get a more accurate picture, look beyond the brand’s own website. Independent review platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit (r/CBD), and health-focused forums often provide more honest insights. These reviews typically cite real-world factors, such as:
- Delivery speed and packaging
- Customer service experiences
- Actual effects (e.g. sleep quality, pain relief, side effects)
- Product consistency over time
You can also check social media platforms or YouTube for authentic, unpaid reviews, where users often document their experience with the product over a few weeks.
Tip: Look for reviews that include both pros and cons; this is usually a sign of authenticity. When buyers are honest about both what worked and what didn't work, you're more likely to get a balanced picture of the product's quality.
Read our authentic, satisfied customer reviews on CBDanmark Trustpilot!
Conclusion: Know what you're putting in your body
When it comes to buying CBD, it's imperative to know what you're putting into your body. From lack of third-party lab testing to vague labeling, unusually low prices, lack of brand transparency, and fake reviews, these 5 warning signs can help you avoid low-quality products that could do more harm than good.
A brand that stands out in the Scandinavian CBD market is CBDanmark. We are known for our focus on transparency and quality. CBDanmark provides detailed third-party lab reports on all of our products, so you can see exactly what's in each bottle. Our hemp is sustainably produced from EU-certified farms, and we use clean extraction methods to ensure purity and potency. In addition, our website offers clear product information, contact details, and real customer reviews, making it easy to trust that our products are safe to try.
Choosing a trusted brand like CBDanmark means you’re investing in safe, effective CBD products that deliver real benefits without the guesswork. Remember: quality is important when it comes to your wellness journey, and there should be no doubt about safety when it comes to your health!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying CBD: Avoid Low-Quality and Counterfeit Products
How can I tell if my CBD is low quality?
Look for signs like missing third-party lab tests (COAs), vague labeling without clear CBD amounts, suspiciously low prices, lack of brand transparency, and fake or overly positive reviews. These red flags often indicate poor quality or counterfeit CBD products.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and why is it important?
A COA is an independent, third-party lab report that verifies the potency, purity, and safety of a CBD product. It confirms actual CBD and THC levels and checks for contaminants, helping to ensure you’re getting a safe, high-quality product.
Why are some CBD products so cheap?
High-quality CBD costs more due to strict farming standards, advanced extraction methods, and third-party lab testing. Extremely low prices often mean the product is diluted, contains little to no CBD, or may contain harmful contaminants.
What should I look for on a CBD product label?
Check for clear information about the amount of CBD (in milligrams), ingredient lists, type of CBD (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate), batch numbers, and expiration dates. Avoid products that simply state “hemp oil” without specifying the CBD content.
How can I avoid fake CBD reviews?
Read reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, or health forums instead of relying solely on brand websites. Genuine reviews usually mention both pros and cons and include details about shipping, customer service, and product effects.
Works cited
“Cannabidiol (CBD) Guidance.” Food Standards Agency , www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/cannabidiol-cbd.
Gidal, Barry E, et al. “Product Labeling Accuracy and Contamination Analysis of Commercially Available Cannabidiol Product Samples.” Frontiers in Pharmacology , vol. 15, 18 Mar. 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1335441.
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. “MHRA Statement on Products Containing Cannabidiol (CBD).” GOV.UK , 13 Oct. 2016, www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-statement-on-products-containing-cannabidiol-cbd.
Nutrition and Food Innovation Unit Frequently Asked Questions: Cannabidiol 1.
"The Consumer Ombudsman." Consumer ombudsman.dk , 2025, consumer ombudsman.dk/consumer-ombudsman . Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.