This is your window into the product’s safety, potency, and quality. However, interpreting results can be confusing and unless you’re a lab tech, COAs can look like a wall of numbers and scientific jargon.
Acrelabs has issued over 500,000 COAs. Let’s break it down and help you feel confident reading a COA like a pro.
What Is a COA?
A COA (Certificate of Analysis) is a lab report that shows the results of tests performed on a cannabis product. These tests are done by a licensed analytical laboratory and are usually required by state regulations. The goal is to ensure that the product is safe to consume and that it contains what it says it does.
Why COAs Matter
Transparency: A COA tells you exactly what’s in the product.
Safety: It screens for harmful contaminants.
Potency: It confirms how strong the product is (how much THC, CBD, etc.).
Compliance: It shows the product meets state standards.
What You’ll Find on a
Let’s walk through the key sections of a typical cannabis COA:
1. Product Information
This includes basic info:
- Product name or batch ID
- Type (flower, edible, concentrate)
- Date tested
- Lab name and license number
Tip: Make sure the lab is accredited and the report is recent. COAs have an expiration date of one year in most states.
2. Cannabinoid Profile (Potency Results)
This is what most people are looking for.
Common cannabinoids tested:
- THC (Δ9-THC): The primary psychoactive compound.
- CBD: Known for calming effects without the high.
- THCa / CBDa: Acidic precursors that convert to THC/CBD when heated.
- Total THC/CBD: Often calculated as: Total THC = (THCa x 0.877) + Δ9-THC
3. Terpene Profile (Optional but Nice to Have)
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and character.
Some common terpenes:
- Myrcene: Earthy, relaxing
- Limonene: Citrus, uplifting
- Pinene: Piney, alertness
These don’t have a psychoactive effect but can influence the overall effect and flavor.
4. Contaminant Screening
This is where the safety testing happens. Labs screen for things you don’t want in your product:
- Pesticides: Residues from growing practices
- Heavy Metals: Like lead, arsenic, cadmium
- Microbials: Mold, yeast, or bacteria
- Residual Solvents: Leftover chemicals from processing
Results here will usually show the amount detected (if any), along with a PASS or FAIL result based on regulatory limits.
Understanding ND, LOD, and LOQ
These acronyms can sound technical, but they’re pretty straightforward:
- ND = Not Detected
This means the lab didn’t find any trace of the compound in the sample—or it was present at levels too low to measure accurately. - LOD = Limit of Detection
This is the smallest amount of a substance the lab’s instruments can detect, but not necessarily measure with precision. If something is below the LOD, it’s considered “not detected.” - LOQ = Limit of Quantification
This is the smallest amount the lab can reliably measure and report with confidence. If the value is between the LOD and LOQ, it might be detected but too low to accurately quantify
Example:
A report might show a pesticide with this note: “< LOQ” — that means it’s present, but at such low levels it can’t be confidently measured. Still, it’s too small to be a concern in most cases.
5. Moisture, Water Activity (for flower products)
These values show whether the product is likely to grow mold or degrade quickly. For example:
- High moisture or Water Activity = mold risk
- Foreign matter = things that shouldn’t be there (like hair or dirt)
6. Lab Signature & QR Code
- Most COAs include a digital signature or timestamp to confirm authenticity.
- A QR code may link to the official report on the lab’s website. This ensures you’re looking at a legit, unaltered report.
How to Spot Red Flags
- No lab license number or test date
- No ISO accreditation seal
- No contaminant testing listed
- Report looks tampered with or homemade
Final Thoughts
A good COA is your assurance that what you’re consuming is clean, consistent, and what it claims to be. It’s a tool to empower you as a consumer—and its how trustworthy producers prove they care about your health and experience.
Don’t be afraid to ask for COAs or scan those QR codes. The more you learn to read them, the more confident you’ll feel when choosing cannabis products.
Need help understanding a COA? Send one our way—we’re always happy to help break it down.
