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Every legitimate cannabis product should come with a COA, or Certificate of Analysis, but if you’ve ever opened one, you know they can be packed with technical language and tiny numbers.
This article breaks down what a COA is, why it matters, and how to read one like a pro so you can make informed and confident choices when buying hemp derived products.
What Is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis is a lab report issued by a third party that verifies what is (and isn’t) in a cannabis product. It shows the potency of key cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and it often includes safety results like tests for heavy metals, pesticides, or mold.
COAs are typically available as a PDF, scannable QR code, or on a product’s website. Brands that don’t offer them should be avoided.
Key Sections to Look For
1. Cannabinoid Profile
This section shows how much of each cannabinoid is present in the product. The most important lines to look at are:
- Delta 9 THC — must be below 0.3 percent for federally legal hemp
- THCa — indicates raw potency before heating
- CBD, CBG, CBN — non intoxicating cannabinoids with wellness benefits
- Total THC and Total CBD — sometimes calculated with conversions for heat activation
2. Serving Size and Dosage
Some COAs include per serving potency so you can see how many milligrams of each cannabinoid are in a single gummy, drink, or dropper.
- Example: 10 mg Delta 9 THC per gummy, 30 mg CBD per dose
3. Safety Testing (Optional but Important)
Top tier labs will also include tests for:
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals
- Residual solvents (used in extraction)
- Microbial contaminants like mold or yeast
If you see “ND” next to a result, that means “Not Detected” which is a good sign when it comes to contaminants.
How to Spot a Fake or Useless COA
Not all COAs are created equal. Be cautious of:
- Lab reports that don’t include the product name or batch number
- COAs issued by the same brand instead of a third party
- Reports that only show cannabinoids but no safety testing
- Old COAs with test dates over 12 months ago
Where to Find the COA
You should be able to access a product’s COA in one of the following ways:
- QR code on the packaging
- Link on the company’s website
- Direct request through customer support
If you can’t find it or it looks suspicious, it’s best to skip that product.
Reading a COA is one of the best ways to protect yourself and ensure you’re buying legal, safe, and effective hemp products.
Once you know what to look for — like Delta 9 percentage, total THC, and the presence of third party lab info, you can shop with confidence. At Longleaf Provisions, every product we sell is backed by a clear, verified COA you can access anytime.
