What Is a Cannabinoid COA?
Learning how to read a cannabinoid COA can help you understand what was found in a tested cannabinoid product or hemp extract. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory report that provides information about cannabinoid concentrations, THC levels, and other testing results. By reviewing a COA, you can get a clearer picture of what is actually in a product. Learn more about cannabinoids in our Cannabinoid Education & Resources.
Why Do COAs Matter?
COAs provide an independent look at a product’s laboratory results. They can help confirm which cannabinoids were detected, how much was found, and whether the results are consistent with the product label. A COA can also provide information about testing for contaminants, depending on the laboratory and the type of testing performed.
What Should You Look for When Reading a Cannabinoid COA?
Start by checking the product name, batch or lot number, testing date, and laboratory information. Then look at the cannabinoid profile to see which compounds the laboratory detected and their reported amounts. Depending on the test, a COA may also include results for pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, microbes, or other contaminants.
Understanding Cannabinoid Results
Cannabinoid results usually list compounds such as CBD, CBG, CBDA, CBGA, CBN, and THC. The report may show the amount the laboratory detected in a specific unit, such as milligrams per gram or a percentage. Keep in mind that acidic cannabinoids such as CBDA and CBGA differ from their neutral forms, CBD and CBG, and laboratories may report them separately.
What Does “ND” Mean?
“ND” usually means “Not Detected.” It means the laboratory did not detect that compound at or above the test’s reporting limit. ND does not necessarily mean the compound is absolutely absent; it means it was not detected under that laboratory’s testing conditions.
Checking for THC
If THC is important to you, pay close attention to the THC results on the COA rather than relying only on the product description. Look for the specific THC compounds the laboratory reports and note whether the laboratory detected them and at what level. Keep in mind that hemp products can contain trace amounts of THC, depending on the product and how manufacturers make it.
Check the Product and Testing Information
A good COA should let you connect the laboratory results to the product the laboratory tested. Check that the product name, batch or lot number, and testing date match the product you’re researching. The COA should also clearly identify the laboratory and testing information.
Why Can COA Results Differ From the Label?
Laboratory results and product labels may not always look exactly the same because they can use different units, testing methods, or ways of calculating cannabinoid content. Small differences can also occur between batches. When comparing a COA with a product label, make sure you’re comparing the same cannabinoid, serving size, and unit of measurement.
A Note About Cannabinoid Testing
COAs are useful tools for understanding cannabinoid products, but they are only as reliable as the laboratory testing behind them. When possible, look for testing from an independent laboratory and make sure the report clearly identifies the product or batch being tested.
Learning to read a COA can help you become a more informed consumer and better understand the cannabinoid products you choose.
For additional information about cannabis research and how the FDA evaluates cannabis-derived products, visit the FDA’s cannabis research and drug approval resources.