Dear Friends, Autumn, 2025, marks Laura’s Mercantile’s 9th year in business! We’re celebrating with a 35%-off-everything sale for four days, starting this Friday, November 28th! I remember our first Black Friday, when we sold healthy chocolate, made from organic hemp grain, dark chocolate and dried cranberries, in beautiful holiday tins. Three of us furiously wrapped…
Dear Friends, What is going on with hemp? I’ve been asked this question many times since hemp legislation was attached to the bill to reopen the government last week. I’ve decided to write to our customers with a full answer. It’s a little shaggy dog but read on! The intention behind the 2018 Farm Bill…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2025 Laura’s Mercantile Launches Premium Functional Mushroom Collection from Ancient Nutrition — A Next-Generation Wellness Offering Winchester, KY – Laura’s Mercantile (Laura’s Mercantile) is proud to announce the addition of four advanced functional-mushroom supplements from Ancient Nutrition to its curated online wellness store. This smart move reflects Laura’s Mercantile’s forward-thinking…
Throughout centuries of Eastern medicine and reinforced by modern research, single‐species mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps have offered targeted wellness support. Now, the next frontier is here: the multi-mushroom supplement — a carefully formulated blend of complementary species that work together to elevate wellness across multiple systems. Our new Multi-Mushroom supplement, crafted from…
For centuries, Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis) has been prized in traditional Eastern medicine for its remarkable ability to restore vitality and stamina. Once reserved for emperors and elite athletes, this rare fungus is now backed by modern science as a potent adaptogen that supports energy, endurance, and recovery — naturally. Our new Cordyceps…
For centuries, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been treasured in Eastern medicine for its unique ability to nourish both body and mind. Today, modern research confirms what traditional healers have long known — Lion’s Mane is a natural nootropic powerhouse that supports brain health, focus, and long-term cognitive resilience. Our new Lion’s Mane supplement, verified…
Two Thousand years of Eastern medicine show that reishi mushrooms have staying power! Our new reishi supplement, made from the Ganoderma lucidium species, and verified for active compounds, offers immune-boosting, stress-relieving and antioxidant benefits.Here’s how: 1.Reishi upregulate white blood cells, aiding in the body’s defense against pathogens. 2. Reishi improves sleep quality and reduce a…
Winchester, KY – Laura’s Mercantile, an online hemp and CBD farm store, is expanding its military appreciation program by increasing its discount from 15% to 25% . “As inflationary price increases impact us all, we wanted to do something to help our military veterans,” says Laura Freeman, whose husband, Green Beret Bill Kingsbury, is a…
Can CBD Lotion Get Into Your Bloodstream? For those exploring the benefits of CBD topicals, a common question arises: Can CBD lotion enter the bloodstream? Unlike ingestible CBD products such as tinctures or gummies, topical CBD is designed to provide localized relief without systemic absorption. How CBD Lotion Works CBD lotions and…
Do You Feel Anything from CBD Lotion? CBD lotion has gained popularity as a natural option for targeted relief from soreness, joint discomfort, and skin irritation. But many first-time users wonder: Do you actually feel anything when applying CBD lotion? Unlike ingestible CBD products that enter the bloodstream and can produce whole-body effects, CBD lotions…
Who Should Not Use CBD Lotion? CBD lotions have become a popular choice for individuals seeking targeted relief from muscle soreness, joint discomfort, and skin issues. While generally considered safe, CBD lotion is not suitable for everyone. Understanding who should avoid CBD lotion—or use it with caution—can help prevent unwanted side effects and ensure safe…
What Are the Side Effects of CBD Lotion for Pain? As CBD products continue to gain popularity, many consumers are turning to CBD-infused lotions for targeted relief from aches and discomfort. While generally considered safe, CBD lotion—like any topical product—may cause side effects for some users. Understanding these potential effects can help consumers make informed…
What Does CBD Lotion Actually Do? As the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) continues to grow, more consumers are turning to CBD-infused skincare products, including lotions, creams, and balms. But what does CBD lotion actually do, and how does it differ from other topical products? How CBD Lotion Works CBD lotion is designed for topical application,…
Kentucky Mountain Coffee Brings Local Roasting to Specialty Coffee Lovers PAINTSVILLE, KY – Nestled in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky Mountain Coffee is making waves with its selection of specialty coffees, offering unique blends and single-origin roasts to cater to coffee lovers of all tastes. With an emphasis on high-quality sourcing and local…
Zellie’s Gum: A Natural Approach to Oral Health As consumers become increasingly mindful of the ingredients in their everyday products, many are seeking healthier alternatives to traditional chewing gum. Zellie’s Gum offers a compelling option, formulated with 100% natural xylitol—a plant-derived sweetener known for its oral health benefits. Unlike conventional gums that often contain artificial…
CBD Lotion: A Natural Alternative to Traditional Skincare In the ever-growing skincare market, lotions infused with CBD are emerging as a unique complementary and alternative option to traditional moisturizing products. While conventional lotions primarily focus on hydration and skin nourishment, CBD lotions offer an additional layer of botanical ingredients designed to support overall wellness. If…
Targeted Relief with Laura’s Mercantile Full Spectrum CBD Lotion For those seeking a natural way to soothe daily aches and soreness, Laura’s Mercantile CBD Lotion offers a premium solution. Carefully crafted with full spectrum CBD and a blend of therapeutic essential oils, this lotion is designed to provide a refreshing and calming experience with every…
Benefits of CBD Lotion and Lotion Alternatives If you’re looking for targeted relief from daily aches and soreness, CBD lotion offers a practical and effective solution. This premium topical combines the natural benefits of full-spectrum CBD with a blend of therapeutic essential oils, delivering comfort right where you need it most. Key Features of…
Mt. Folly Business Journal Topic: Cannabis Sub-Topic: Industry Developments, State Laws, Regulations, Products Summary of this Article: Most up-to-date laws and regulations regarding the cannabis industry and products in various Top Trending U.S. states, including Kansas, Colorado, and Vermont. Key topics include: Legal Status of Cannabis: Overview of recreational and medical cannabis laws, including possession…
In this blog we’ll discuss: The Best College Degrees for Breaking into the Cannabis Industry The cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries have exploded into a multi-billion-dollar market in recent years. Despite some contraction in mature markets like California and Washington, the overall trajectory remains strong, with legalization efforts expanding across the U.S. and globally. As…
Dear Friends, It’s here and we are on it… World Soil Day is here. This commemoration stumped Bernie Sanders at a Town Hall before the Iowa primary, but now he knows that regenerative farmers feed the soil, and the soil feeds us. You may have heard about the human microbiome, a better understanding of which…
A recently published comparison of many randomized controlled trials testing berberine, not directly focused on weight loss, showed a strong benefit in the body’s ability to process sugars– the A1C number that you may have seen on commercials. Their data also showed it improves insulin resistance, reduces inflammation and improves lipid metabolism. Improving the body’s…
Ancient Nutrition: Men’s and Women’s Multivitamins and CBD Softgels. CBD Oil is derived from USDA certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm.
Mt. Folly: Wellness Initiative and Products. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Mt. Folly Farm stands as a shining example of sustainable agriculture in action. With a deep commitment to circular economy practices, Mt. Folly, along with its sister companies—Laura’s Homestead Alternatives and Regeneration Distilling Co.—is redefining what it means to farm sustainably. These three…
Understanding the Differences Between Marijuana, CBD, THC, Delta 8, and Delta 9 In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis products, it can be challenging to keep up with the terminology and understand the differences between various compounds and derivatives. Today, we’re breaking down the distinctions between marijuana, CBD, THC, Delta 8, and Delta 9 to…
How To Take CBD Oil? Full Spectrum CBD. USDA-certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
Top 5 Key Considerations when buying CBD. Full Spectrum CBD. USDA-certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
Farming Microbes Soil Sunflowers Microbiomes and Health. Full Spectrum CBD. USDA-certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
What Full spectrum CBD oil means. CBD isolate. USDA-certified organic hemp grown at Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
What is the Difference Between CBD and Delta 8? Full Spectrum CBD. USDA-certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
What is CBDA? Full Spectrum CBD made from USDA-certified organic hemp grown at Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
Wild Spring Greens nutritional supplement. Full Spectrum CBD. USDA-certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
Dear Friends, “Stress will kill you,” said his doctor, this story recounted to me by a close friend long before COVID made anxiety the proverbial elephant in the room. For me, a Type A personality to the max, stress manifests in my sleep cycles. I wake up at 4:00 a.m., my mind racing. I know…
Goldenseal Herbal Supplement. Lauras Mercantile. Full Spectrum CBD. USDA-certified organic hemp. Mt. Folly Farm. Winchester, KY
While hemp is a popular topic today, this isn’t the first time the plant has been involved in our culture. It turns out that hemp has a well-documented history in the US.
“Last month, Mt. Folly Enterprises, the parent company for Laura’s Mercantile, The Mercantile on Main, and Wildcat Willy’s Distillery, was awarded a prestigious 5-year grant from the USDA to help farmers adopt practices that benefit the environment in measurable ways.” Letter from Laura. Full Spectrum CBD made from USDA-certified organic hemp grown at Mt. Folly Farm. Laura’s Mercantile. Winchester, KY
Cover crops protect the soil from erosion and feed the microbial life in the soil when there’s no cash crop growing; or they can be interseeded with cash crops in a supportive role.
Berberine sounds about like a miracle compound (!) – protects your liver, fights tumors, regulates blood sugar, kills aggressive germs, reduces inflammation and other damage to cells. This is why the plants which contain this compound-of-many-uses have been honored by plant-medicine traditions for centuries, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and others.
Over the winter I was blessed to attend a fantastic trio of ecological farmer conferences– Acres, USA; The Organic Association of Kentucky; and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association; and more recently also The Real Organic Project’s symposium on the future of organic and regenerative ag and the lightning fast evolution of the use…
Eastern Miner’s Lettuce: ‘America’s gift to salad’ & jewel of our Wild Greens Tincture As Hank Shaw from Hunt-Gather-Cook shares, “The plant got its name because the Gold Rush miners ate it to stave off scurvy, which is caused by a Vitamin C deficiency… Combine this with stinging nettles and you have everything you need…
Is red meat good for the immune system? There’s a question that definitely was not “trending” five years ago, though a community of people have been saying this for decades. So why would beef be good for immunity? One reason is that it has Vitamin D. In lab-speak, “Red meat and meat products can contribute…
Dear Friends, And the winner is Julia Truitt Poynter! Thanks to all who signed up for the Mt. Folly Farm newsletter and entered to win a stay at the Homestead. Julia and I will tour the farm, visit the distillery and the new Mercantile on Main, see our downtown. She plans to visit in October…
Dear Friends, At Mt. Folly farm, we are doing big things, simply. We are part of the drawdown movement, which seeks to sequester carbon dioxide in plants, trees and soils. We have long been a part of the organic movement as well, for us meaning our products are raised in soils, part of the underground…
Dear Friends, Last week we hosted a garden club here. We talked first at the Homestead Cabin, then toured on a tractor-pulled farm wagon. Necessarily, these tours are but a snapshot of what we do at Mt. Folly. One of the most innovative undertakings for the year (and for many years to come, I believe)…
Saplings and seedlings, sprigs, and sprouts oh my! Trees all around the world are starting their lives this very week. Humankind celebrates this holiday of the future of these trees as they sequester carbon, create unique micro-ecosystems for our forests and woodlots, provide shade to rotationally graze livestock and stand tall while fighting soil erosion…
March was Women’s History Month, and to celebrate, Laura asked for stories about the “women who’ve been role models, inspired you, accomplished the impossible, and have improved the well-being of humanity.” We received several heartwarming stories and we have compiled them here for you to read. Submitted by Jan Ward: My grandmother born in 1892…
Dear Friends, March is women’s history month. As a woman, I’d rather an eon than a month, which we deserve. Still, I ask you to send me a vignette, long or short, about the women who’ve been role models, inspired you, accomplished the impossible, and have improved the well-being of humanity. I’ll get these notes…
Dear Friends, At the fall equinox, farmers pause to reflect on the growing season, with harvest upon us. Here at Mt. Folly, I’m dispensing with happy talk. From Covid to climate, the year has been rough, so rough I’ve had to summon my inner mule. Here is the back story, some of which you may know:…
Dear Friends, January was farm meeting month. I’ve attended hours of Zoom meetings and virtual farmer meet-ups. (1) Now, I turn to summarizing the information for our farm team and our customers. The main theme of our discussions was how to use biology to solve our environmental and health problems. From the gut microbiome to…
Dear Friends, Several Fridays ago, I tuned into a live-stream conference at the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The conference speakers reported on their research into the properties of full-spectrum hemp, under the title Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying Analgesic Properties of Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes. Homestead customers may not know much about…
Dear Friends, By now you may realize that Laura’s Mercantile is part of an effort to build a regenerative agricultural system. For our part, this involves our regional Laura’s Homestead Alternatives accounts and our online store. In addition (this is Kentucky, right?) it also includes a distillery, Wildcat Willy’s (now: Regeneration Distillery)! One of the…
Dear Friends, Yes, I’m stubborn. At a close friend’s birthday party, she circled her guests around, and recognized each of us for what she admired. Was I brilliant? No. Was I beautiful? No. I had the quality of “perseverance.” Let’s just say I’ve embraced my inner mule. Here, you see me with Bingo, our Jerusalem…
Dear Friends, For me, at least, reality is setting in: with Covid, we are in for the long haul, until there is a widely available and effective vaccine. Having just started new businesses to complete our circular economy, particularly Wildcat Willy’s farm-to-table restaurant, the stressors on me and our teams are obvious. I have two…
Dear Friends, We are almost through with planting here at Mt. Folly, and my mind has turned to next year’s seeds. This May, to mark the Covid cancellation of the Kentucky Derby and increased demand for milled organic grains, Laura’s Mercantile sent Bloody Butcher corn seeds to our grain customers. During the lockdown,…
Dear Friends, Obviously, these are disquieting times. If one more person instructs me to “stay safe,” I’ll set my hair on fire! Of course, we need to avoid getting sick. Simultaneously, we need to think hard. When I’m trying to figure something out, the first thing I do is assess where the information is coming…
We’re happy to share Laura’s Homestead Alternatives CBD has topped the list at CBD Validator, an independent website ranking the highest-quality CBD oil products on the market. CBD Validator bases their ratings on a few select qualities: The type of CBD (full spectrum vs. isolate) Extraction method Assurance: availability of certificates of analysis for CBD,…
Dear Friends, By golly, I think we’ve got it! “Got what?” you ask. A way to farm which is regenerative, coupled with hemp and a local food system which reduces carbon emissions, builds community, and creates jobs in a coal state. Many of you know that my story has 35 years of twists and turns.…
Dear Friends, Deep in January, I love to wake early and look at pictures from the year past. The pictures show much nature, from our discovery of endangered Running Buffalo Clover, to bees in the buckwheat cover crop. A couple of my favorites are below. One of the reasons it became endangered was the loss…
March is Women’s History Month, and several groups have asked me to speak about my life and work. I was born in the late summer of 1957, which makes me a “boomer,” but one too young for the jolting summer of 1968.
From NBC Nightly News to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, this has been a week to remember. Here’s how we’re making things better for you.
A Letter from Laura: Why I’m Grateful for Full Spectrum CBD Oil I’m Laura, well-known agricultural innovator and entrepreneur, once knocked back hard in a horseback riding accident. My bones mended, but until I discovered CBDs, I hurt. I recently dug out the box of records I kept from my stay at the Cardinal Hill…