The role of independent laboratories in CBD reliability

CBD is the star of wellness plants, but with its popularity, scams and dubious products are on the rise. Fortunately, there are independent laboratories. They are the ones who ensure trust between brands and consumers. Mama explains why they are essential.

Things to remember

• Independent laboratories verify the quality, purity, and safety of CBD products.
• Their analyses ensure market transparency and legal compliance.
• Without them, consumers would not be able to distinguish between a safe product and a misleading one.

What exactly do laboratories test for?

A laboratory specializing in CBD does not just taste an oil or a flower. It will actually break down the product into several chemical elements to analyze every detail. And believe me, the list is long!

I will tell you the main aspects they check:

• The cannabinoid profile: to find out the exact content of CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, etc.
• Terpenes: aromatic compounds that give the plant its scent and subtle effects.
• Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, mercury, etc., which you definitely don't want to find in your tea.
• Residual solvents: traces left behind by certain chemical extraction methods.
• Pesticides and herbicides: still too prevalent in industrial farming.
• The presence of mold or bacteria: a real health hazard.

Analyses are performed on different types of products. Each category has its own standards, and a good laboratory knows how to adapt to them.

These tests result in a certificate of analysis, also known as a COA. This is a public document that any reputable brand should be able to show you. It contains the complete results in black and white, often accessible via a QR code on the packaging. If a brand does not display its analyses or hides them, this is never a good sign.

By the way, if you don't know how to decipher this valuable key, I've written an article to teach you how to read a CBD certificate of analysis.

The role of laboratories in market transparency and trust

A guarantee of transparency

Brands that work with independent laboratories show that they have nothing to hide. They know that transparency is the foundation of trust. They publish their certificates, explain their extraction processes, and help you understand the results.

This allows you to compare brands and choose the one that meets your expectations, whether it's natural, organic, local, or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified.

Market regulation

Independent testing also serves as a regulatory tool. In the event of an inspection, it provides proof that a product complies with the law. This protects honest brands and gradually eliminates dubious players.

Certain European authorities, such as the European Commission andEFSA (European Food Safety Authority), rely on this data to refine their recommendations. In the United-Kingdom, the DGCCRF (Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control) also carries out spot checks on CBD products sold online or in stores.

And often, when a product is withdrawn from the market, it is because it has failed to pass compliance tests carried out in the laboratory.

Consumer education

Laboratories are not only used for testing, but also help to improve understanding of CBD. By publishing their reports, they contribute to collective education on product quality and composition.

This is what enables everyone to learn how to read a certificate of analysis, recognize a good product, and avoid marketing pitfalls.

How can you identify a brand that uses independent laboratories?

Mama has prepared a short checklist for your CBD products:

• The website or packaging displays a QR code that links to a recent analysis.
• The certificate comes from a recognized independent laboratory, often accredited to ISO 17025.
• The results detail the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.
• The analyses are less than 12 months old.
• The brand clearly communicates its extraction method and origin.