Structure & Safety

The CBD industry is unfortunately full of mislabeled products. As a consumer, your best defense is the Certificate of Analysis (COA).

What is a COA?

A COA is a document from a third-party, accredited laboratory that verifies exactly what is in the bottle. It tests for:

1. Potency: Does it actually contain 1500mg of CBD?
2. Purity: Is it free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold?
3. Legality: Does it contain less than 0.3% THC?

How to Read It

When you look at a COA for Laura's Mercantile products, look for these sections:

Cannabinoid Profile (Potency)

This lists the cannabinoids detected. You want to see high levels of CBD and trace amounts of CBC, CBG, and THC. This confirms it is a "Full Spectrum" product. If you only see CBD and nothing else, it is likely an isolate.

Pesticides & Heavy Metals (Purity)

This section should show "PASS" or "ND" (Non-Detectable) for harmful substances like lead, mercury, glyphosate, and mycotoxins. Never buy a product that fails these tests.

Delivery Methods

Oils (Tinctures)

• Pros: Fast absorption (sublingual), precise dosing.
• Use: Hold under tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing.

Topicals (Creams/Salves)

• Pros: Targeted relief for specific joints or muscles.
• Use: Apply liberally to the affected area. Does not enter the bloodstream effectively, so no mental effects.

Edibles (Gummies/Chocolates)

• Pros: Convenient, long-lasting effects.
• Cons: Slower onset (digestive system), lower bioavailability.

Safety First

• Consult your doctor: Especially if you take blood thinners or other medication (grapefruit warning).
• Pregnancy: Do not use CBD if pregnant or nursing.
• Quality: Only buy from transparent companies that share their COAs (like us!).