How to Read a Cannabis Certificate of Analysis (COA): A Practical Guide for the Cannabis Industry

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is more than just a regulatory checkbox in the cannabis industry. Whether you're a cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, or medical patient, a COA gives you verified insights into the safety, potency, and chemical profile of a product. At Triverity Analytical, we believe understanding your COA should be easy, transparent, and empowering. Here's a complete guide to reading and applying the information in a COA.

1. What Is a COA — and Why Does It Matter?

A Certificate of Analysis is a lab-issued document presenting the results of a cannabis product that has been tested. It confirms that a sample meets safety and compliance standards required by the state. But beyond that, a COA builds trust with consumers and helps businesses stand behind their products.

2. Breaking Down the Potency Section

This section lists the concentration of cannabinoids, typically measured in either mg/g, mg/unit or percentage. You'll usually see values for:

• THCA and Δ9-THC (used to calculate Total THC)

• CBDA and CBD (used to calculate Total CBD)

• Minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and THCV

  
  

The formula for Total THC is: (Δ9-THC) + (THCA × 0.877). The correction for THCA converts the THCA amount to an equivalent to Δ9-THC.

Knowing your product's potency helps determine appropriate dosing and ensures accurate labeling.

3. What Terpenes Tell You About a Product

If terpene testing is included, you’ll see compounds like myrcene, limonene, linalool, and β-caryophyllene. Terpenes influence aroma, flavor, and possibly physiological effects. For example, myrcene is linked to sedative properties, while limonene may offer mood-lifting effects.

Highlighting terpene profiles can differentiate your brand and help customers choose products based on experience.

4. Understanding Contaminant Testing: What Pass/Fail Really Means

To ensure consumer safety, cannabis products are tested for harmful contaminants:

• Pesticides

• Residual solvents (from extraction processes)

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury)

• Microbials (yeast, mold, E. coli, salmonella, aspergillus)

• Mycotoxins (toxic compounds that are produced by molds)

Each test has a state-mandated limit. A "Pass" means the contaminant was either undetected or within safe thresholds. A "Fail" means the product is above the limit and cannot legally be sold.

5. How to Read a COA Across Product Types

Different cannabis matrices have different testing priorities. Here’s what to look for:

• Flower: Moisture content and water activity are crucial to avoid mold.

• Concentrates: Look for residual solvents that are at or above the limit.

• Edibles: COAs should include serving size.

• Tinctures/Topicals: Microbial and mycotoxin testing is often emphasized.

Reading COAs correctly means understanding what's required for each product type.

6. The Anatomy of a Compliant COA

Beyond the test results, a compliant COA must include:

• Lab name and license number

• Client and batch/lot number

• Sample collection and test dates

• Sample matrix (flower, concentrate, edible, etc.)

• Digital signature or responsible party

All of these elements are necessary to ensure your COA is valid and traceable.

7. How Retailers and Budtenders Can Use COAs on the Sales Floor

COAs can be powerful sales tools when used correctly. Train your team to:

• Highlight terpene profiles to match effects with consumer needs

• Point to contaminant-free results for trust and safety

• Explain cannabinoid levels in easy terms ("This product has 25% THC, which is considered strong")

When customers understand a COA, they feel more confident in their purchase.

8. What to Watch Out For: COA Red Flags and Inconsistencies

Unfortunately, not all labs follow the same standards. Be on the lookout for:

• Inflated THC values without supporting cannabinoid breakdown

• COAs missing contaminant testing or critical identifiers

• Identical COAs reused for multiple batches

• No lab license or contact info

If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Reach out to the lab to verify.

9. Why COAs Should Be Used Beyond Compliance

Think of COAs as more than just documents for regulators. They can also:

• Track batch-to-batch consistency

• Evaluate terpene degradation over time

• Compare different phenotypes

• Help in formulation and product improvement

This kind of insight leads to better products, better branding, and better customer loyalty.

10. Common Misconceptions About Cannabis Testing

Let’s clear up a few myths:

• Myth: Higher THC = better product

  • Reality: Quality also involves terpenes, safety, and experience

• Myth: A COA guarantees quality

  • Reality: A COA only guarantees the sample tested

• Myth: All labs report the same results

  • Reality: Methodology and integrity vary by lab

• Myth: Terpenes are just about smell

  • Reality: Terpenes influence therapeutic effects and product performance

    
    

Final Thoughts

A COA is your best tool for transparency, consistency, and consumer trust. If you're unsure about any part of your report, our team at Triverity Analytical is here to help you understand your results.