Synthetic Marijuana Sold as CBD in Los Angeles, Tests Show

An Associated Press investigation shows a dark side to booming sales of the cannabis extract CBD. Some people are substituting cheap and dangerous street drugs for the real thing.

As part of the investigation, a reporter in Los Angeles purchased five vape cartridges or pods that were advertised as delivering smokable CBD. Lab testing showed two of them contained synthetic marijuana.

The practice of spiking CBD vapes with synthetic marijuana has sent dozens of people nationwide to emergency rooms. Unlike real CBD, the street drug gives an intense high.

In all, lab testing shows spiked vapes or edible products marketed as CBD in at least 13 states. Some of the brands are available online.

Industry representatives acknowledge spiking is an issue, but say many companies are reputable.