If you’ve purchased hemp or cannabis products, you might have come across the term COA. While it may seem like just another industry buzzword like CBD or terpene, a COA is actually a crucial element in your product evaluation.
A COA, or Certificate of Analysis, is essential for making informed decisions when shopping for hemp or cannabis products. While visual and olfactory assessments provide some insights, a COA offers a detailed and thorough examination of the product you’re considering.
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) offers valuable insights for both industry professionals and consumers.
Typically, these third-party labs test for several key factors, including:
- Cannabinoid potency
- Terpene profiles
- Presence of contaminants like mold, pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals
- Moisture levels (particularly for smokable flower products)
For hemp products, COAs are mandated by federal regulations to verify that products meet safety standards and contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
Legal cannabis programs differ from state to state, but Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are a standard requirement across the board. These tests serve as a quality control measure, ensuring that brands meet the safety standards set by each state’s regulations.
How to Find a COA
There are several effective ways to access a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for products. Reputable brands ensure their COAs are readily available to consumers.
Firstly, you can visit the brand’s website. Trusted brands often provide easy access to COAs online, keeping them updated for convenience. This not only benefits the brand by simplifying updates but also offers shoppers quick and straightforward access to the information they need.
Additionally, many brands enhance the shopping experience with QR codes on their packaging. Scanning these QR codes with a smartphone can directly link you to the COA on the brand’s website. This method is becoming increasingly popular for its ease of access, convenience, and transparency.
If you’re shopping in-store, you can also request the COA from an employee. Stores that offer these products should have COAs available upon request. A polite inquiry should help you obtain the necessary information.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When evaluating Certificates of Analysis (COAs), watch for a few key warning signs. First, check the COA’s expiration date. Typically, COAs are valid for around a year, and a product may need retesting if it has been on the market for a while. This expiration date also helps indicate the age of the product.
Another red flag is if a brand refuses to provide a COA, claiming it is proprietary information. This refusal can undermine trust between the brand and its customers, as transparency is crucial for building confidence in a product.
The Bottom Line
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an essential asset for both brands and consumers. Although it may appear to be just a document, a COA contains a wealth of crucial information. It allows shoppers to verify not only the potency and quality but also the cannabinoid and terpene content of a product.
Understanding how to read a COA is key when shopping for hemp or legal cannabis products. Think of a COA as a treasure map—it guides you to the product that best meets your needs, ensuring you make an informed choice.