What Is COA?
A COA (Certificate of Analysis) is the lab report that accompanies every cannabis product, showing potency, terpene profile, and contaminant test results.
COA Explained
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an official document from a third-party testing laboratory that details the composition and safety of a cannabis product. A typical COA includes cannabinoid potency (THC, CBD, CBN, etc.), terpene profile, and results for contaminant screening (pesticides, heavy metals, microbiological, residual solvents). COAs are batch-specific, meaning each production batch gets its own test results. Licensed dispensaries must have COAs available for all products they sell.
Why It Matters
COAs are the proof that a cannabis product is what it claims to be. Reading a COA helps you verify potency, understand the full cannabinoid and terpene profile, and confirm safety.
Also Known As
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read a COA?
Look for total THC and CBD percentages, the terpene breakdown (top 3-5 terpenes), and confirm that contaminant tests all show "pass."