If you’ve ever shopped for hemp or cannabis products, you’ve likely come across the term COA. While it might seem like just another industry buzzword like CBD or terpene, a COA is actually a crucial element to consider.
Understanding a COA is essential when shopping for hemp or cannabis products. While appearance and aroma can provide some insight, a COA offers a more detailed, in-depth view of the product you’re thinking about purchasing.
What does COA Stand For?
COA is short for Certificate of Analysis. They are the third-party testing results of a laboratory licensed to test for a variety of things. These items can be required by state or federal law (depending on if the product is derived from hemp or marijuana).
What Information Does a COA Contain?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides valuable insights for both industry professionals and consumers.
These third-party lab reports typically assess various factors, including:
- Cannabinoid potency
- Terpene profiles
- Presence of contaminants such as mold, pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals
- Moisture content (especially for smokable flower products)
For hemp products, COAs are federally mandated. This requirement ensures that all products meet safety standards and contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
For cannabis products, legal marijuana programs vary state by state. However, COAs are a common element among all of them. This testing is a quality control measure to help ensure brands are adhering to all safety standards outlined by the individual state program.
How to Find a COA
There are several ways to find a COA. Reputable brands will make sure the COAs for all products they carry are accessible to their shoppers.
The first way is by checking the brand’s website. Reputable brands want to make it easy for shoppers to access the information they need. Updating COAs and ensuring they are current is easy when uploading them directly to the website. Not only is this convenient for the brand but also for the shopper as well.
QR codes can also overlap with this category. Many brands have taken the online experience up a notch by placing QR codes directly on the packaging or the product itself. If a shopper scans a QR code, it can take them directly to the COA on the website. This packaging/labeling addition has rapidly grown in popularity with both shoppers and brands for its accessibility, convenience, and transparency.
Another way to find a COA is by speaking with an employee at the store you are shopping at. Stores that carry these types of products should have copies of all COAs on hand. Asking politely can help get the answers you need.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When reviewing Certificates of Analysis (COAs), there are a few warning signs to be aware of. The first is the COA’s expiration date. Typically, COAs are valid for about a year. Over that time, a product’s composition may change, potentially requiring retesting. The expiration date also gives consumers an idea of how old the product is.
Another red flag is if a brand refuses to share a COA, claiming it’s proprietary information. Such a refusal can undermine trust between the brand and its customers, raising concerns about transparency.
The Bottom Line
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an essential resource for both brands and consumers. Though it may appear to be just a piece of paper, a COA contains a wealth of information. It allows shoppers to verify not only the potency and quality of a product but also its cannabinoid and terpene content.
Understanding how to read a COA is a crucial part of shopping for hemp or legal cannabis products. Think of a COA as a treasure map—it guides you to the perfect product tailored to your needs.