When you see Verified by Herbal Edge, it means we independently reviewed how a product is made, how it’s tested, and whether its quality is consistent over time.

We don’t rely on a single lab report. We review a brand’s testing history, purchase products ourselves, test them independently with an independent lab, compare results to brand claims, and continue spot-checking products after they’re listed on our site.

Verification isn’t automatic. We deny many more brands than we approve, and brands can lose verification if standards aren’t maintained.

All Products Are Verified

Verified by Herbal Edge is a voluntary verification designation based on independent evidence review, fourth-party testing, and ongoing accountability. Verification is earned, maintained through consistency, and may be withdrawn if standards are not upheld. Verification is required for all products carried by Herbal Edge.

What “Verified by Herbal Edge” Means

A product marked Verified by Herbal Edge has undergone an independent review process that evaluates:

• formulation integrity
• labeling accuracy
• testing transparency
• batch-to-batch consistency
• and responsiveness when discrepancies occur

This process goes beyond reviewing a single Certificate of Analysis (COA).
It is designed to identify patterns of good behavior over time, not cherry-picked results.

THC-Free Standard
Herbal Edge evaluates and carries only products that meet THC-non-detectable standards based on laboratory testing. Products that contain detectable levels of THC, or that are formulated to include intoxicating cannabinoids, are excluded from our catalog.

This standard is enforced through review of historical testing data and confirmatory, independent laboratory audits.

How Verification Begins (Before We Ever Contact a Brand)

Verification starts before we reach out to a manufacturer.

We first assess publicly available information, including:

• Formulation quality
  • Ingredient composition
  • Cannabinoid structure and plausibility
  • Whether products are manufactured in-house or repackaged
• Transparency
  • Whether third-party testing is publicly available
  • Whether testing is batch-specific rather than generic or undated
• Label accuracy
  • Full spectrum products should show THC
  • Broad spectrum products should not
  • Isolates should contain one isolated compound only

We look for a history of testing across batches, not a single result.
Products must be accurately described and consistently labeled.

Brand Outreach & Independent Evaluation

If a brand passes initial screening, we then:

• Request any formulation or testing information not publicly available
• Purchase selected products as secret shoppers
  • We almost never test an entire catalog
  • We focus on representative products we intend to carry
• Submit those products for independent laboratory testing
• Compare:
  • brand claims
  • manufacturer-provided testing
  • and our own independent results

We expect reasonable variance between labs. We do not expect contradictions.

Approval, Denial, and Remediation

After review, a brand is either approved or denied. If discrepancies are found:

• The brand is informed
• Issues are explained
• The brand may clarify, correct, or reformulate
• Retesting may be initiated

If a brand is not approved, results may be published in our Brand Audits materials as an educational resource for consumers. These publications are not punitive; they exist to document procedural issues consumers should be aware of when researching products for themselves.

What Verification Does Not Mean

Being Verified by Herbal Edge does not mean:

• Every batch is independently retested
• Herbal Edge accepts liability for manufacturer defects
• Products are guaranteed to work for everyone
• Errors never occur

Mistakes happen in manufacturing and fulfilment. That’s why responsible companies offer returns, replacements, and carry insurance. Our system is designed to identify companies with:

• The lowest rate of error
• The highest value for consumers
• The highest likelihood of making customers whole when rare issues arise

Fourth-Party Testing (Independent Blind Testing)

Fourth-party testing refers to blind testing commissioned by Herbal Edge. We purchase products off the shelf as ordinary customers and submit them to our laboratory without manufacturer involvement.

We expect results to be directionally symmetrical with manufacturer testing. Any differences should fall within the lab margin of error.

We also occasionally test older inventory to establish whether product expiration dates estimated by manufacturers reflect CBD stability or just food safety standards.

Ongoing Review & Random Retesting

Verification does not end when a product goes live.

• Initial testing occurs when a product line is brought on
• Additional testing occurs occasionally and at random
• Brands are not notified in advance

Testing may involve inventory held by Herbal Edge or products purchased independently form the maker. If a batch fails testing:

• The batch is removed form inventory and returned
• Sale of the product is suspended
• Retesting of other product lines from the maker may be initiated
• Product line recertification is required before returning to our shelves

Loss and Reinstatement of Verification

If a verified brand or product line loses its designation:

• The batch is removed from inventory and returned to the maker
• Sale of the product line is suspended until standards can be verified
• Retesting of other product lines from the maker may be initiated

The product line must complete the independent verification process before reinstatement. Verification is not permanent.

Review Frequency

The more often a product sells through, the more often it is scrutinized.

• At least one product line from each verified brand is reviewed annually
• Reviews are random and selective, not exhaustive
• High-volume products are retested more frequently

Scope, Limitations, and Methodology

Our approach uses a random sampling model inspired by quality control and software assurance practices.

We do not perform full-panel testing on every product or every batch. We test some, deliberately and unpredictably, to identify discontinuities. This method is designed to surface systemic issues efficiently without redundant testing. 

This system does not replace independent full panel testing performed by the manufacturer. It acts as a verification of the data they have collected, providing consumers with an expert review of evidence they may not have the tools or time to evaluate themselves.

Important Legal & Practical Notes

• Verified by Herbal Edge is not a government certification
• It does not replace regulatory compliance requirements
• It does not constitute medical advice
• Consumers should always review product labels and consult professionals when appropriate

Verification reflects evidence available at the time of review and may change as new information becomes available. If there is not enough evidence available to issue verification we will not verify a product. 

See our Independent Testing Library here: Independent Testing Library | Herbal Edge