If you’ve ever purchased hemp or cannabis products, you may have encountered the term COA. While it might sound like just another industry jargon alongside CBD or terpene, a COA is actually a crucial element in your product evaluation.
Understanding a COA is essential when selecting hemp or cannabis products. Although visual and olfactory cues can provide some insight, a COA offers a detailed and thorough examination of the product, giving you a deeper understanding of what you’re considering buying.
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 information for both industry professionals and consumers.
Typically, third-party labs test for several key factors, including:
- Cannabinoid potency
- Terpene profiles
- The presence of mold, pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals
- Moisture content (particularly for smokable flower products)
For hemp products, COAs are mandated by federal regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards, specifically verifying that Delta 9 THC levels are below 0.3% 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 methods to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Reputable brands ensure that COAs for all their products are easily accessible to customers.
The most straightforward approach is to visit the brand’s website. Reliable brands make it a priority to provide easy access to COAs by uploading them directly to their site. This not only simplifies the process for the brand but also for the customer, ensuring that the information is always up-to-date.
Another convenient option is using QR codes. Many brands enhance the customer experience by placing QR codes on product packaging. Scanning these codes can quickly direct shoppers to the COA on the brand’s website, offering a seamless blend of convenience and transparency that is increasingly popular.
If you’re shopping in-store, you can also ask store employees for the COA. Retailers that stock these products should have copies of COAs available. A polite inquiry can provide you with the information you need.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When evaluating COAs (Certificates of Analysis), there are a few key red flags to watch for. First, check the COA expiration date. Typically, COAs are valid for about a year, and products may change over time, necessitating retesting. This expiration date also helps you gauge the age of the product.
Another important indicator is the brand’s response when asked for a COA. If a brand claims that the COA is proprietary information and refuses to provide it, this should raise concerns. A brand’s unwillingness to share COA details can undermine trust and transparency with its customers.
The Bottom Line
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a crucial resource for both brands and consumers. Though it may appear as just a document, it contains a wealth of essential information. Shoppers can use a COA to verify potency, assess quality, and review cannabinoid and terpene content.
Understanding how to interpret a COA is key when selecting hemp or legal cannabis products. Think of it as a treasure map—it guides you to the product that best meets your needs and preferences.