How To Read A Certificate Of Analysis
Cannabis testing verifies product quality for a positive consumer experience, brand reputation, and above all, consumer safety. But how is that information communicated? A certificate of analysis (COA) records the many pieces of information verified by cannabis testing, including what precisely is contained within a product and what is not contained within that product.
In this blog, you will learn:
What information a COA includes
How to read a COA
What New Jersey’s cannabis testing regulations require
What is a certificate of analysis?
A COA is a document produced by an accredited third party analytical laboratory following testing of a sample. In cannabis, it outlines key pieces of information, such as phytocannabinoid profile, terpene profile, and levels of any contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, and mycotoxins.
A COA offers consumers transparency into a product’s quality and helps to establish trust between consumers and brands. This is made even more valuable when a COA is prepared by an unbiased, third-party cannabis testing laboratory that is simply there to state the facts. In nearly all states with a legal cannabis program, some form of testing is required under state law. In New Jersey, cannabis testing is required for cannabinoid profiles, pesticides, and more.
What information is in a COA?
The information contained in a COA depends on two factors: what is legally required and how much information you want to disclose about your products. These two factors shape what is ultimately found on your COA. Here are some of the items that are commonly found on a certificate of analysis.
Cannabinoid and terpene profile: Two pieces of information of most interest to many consumers are the product’s phytocannabinoid profile and terpene profile. Cannabinoid profiling examines the levels of phytocannabinoids like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) that are present in the product, both by weight (in milligrams) and by percentage. Similarly, terpene profiling details the terpene content by weight (mg/g) and percentage. This is particularly important, as terpene content is shaping consumers’ buying decisions more and more.
Heavy metals: Lead, nickel, and other heavy metals are common pollutants found in soil, water, and other sources in cannabis’ growing and processing environments. As a bioaccumulator, cannabis can absorb and retain heavy metals at any stage of the cultivation or manufacturing process. Heavy metals testing is often required under state law. A COA will confirm that a product passed or failed the screening for heavy metals.
Pesticides: Many states maintain regulations around pesticide testing, although how many pesticides -- and which pesticides -- can vary. In New Jersey, the use of all pesticides on cannabis is banned. This is because cannabis absorbs and retains pesticides at a higher rate than other plants, and consuming these pesticides may be harmful to human health. A COA will note if tested pesticide levels in a cannabis product exceed acceptable levels for consumer safety.
Residual solvents: When manufacturing cannabis concentrates, extractors rely on solvents like ethanol to separate phytocannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants. However, residual solvents can remain in a cannabis product that is improperly purified, potentially putting consumer health at risk. Testing for residual solvents is required under most state laws and the results should be included on a COA.
Microbes and mycotoxins: Testing for microbials, like mold or mildew, is one of the most common required tests under state law for cannabis products. Similarly, when microbes are present, they may lead to the development of harmful mycotoxins. Cannabis testing labs can identify both microbes and mycotoxins before products hit dispensary shelves.
Additive testing: Certain additives in vape products, specifically Vitamin E acetate (VEA), can be harmful to consumer health if inhaled. Cannabis testing labs can identify these additives and confirm on a COA that they are not detected.
How to read a COA
The format of the COA will vary depending on the laboratory that is preparing the document. However, there are generally five broad categories to look for when reviewing a COA. These sections include:
The who, what, where, and when
The COA includes pertinent information like the lab name and location, the date the tested sample was received, the date the test was conducted, the type of cannabis product tested, the lab “batch number” to identify like products, and the name of the client for which the test was conducted.
Potency results
The potency results focus on the phytocannabinoid and terpene content of a product. The COA will list all phytocannabinoids and terpenes found in the product, even if only trace amounts or insignificant amounts show. You may also choose to include if a certain phytocannabinoid or terpene is not detected in the sample.
Safety results
Safety results are focused on contamination testing. Depending on the state’s requirements and your company’s decision on how much to publicize about your products, the safety results section may vary from state to state, and even from company to company within the same state.
Authorization and verification
The authorization and verification on a COA are simply a signature of a certified inspector from the laboratory. This may also include a QR code that a reader can scan to verify that the COA is valid. Always look for the date of the test and a verifiable signature to ensure the test results are valid and legitimate.
Laboratory information
Every COA will include information about the laboratory, as well as a licensing number and accreditations. Always look for an ISO/IEC standard 17025 certification at minimum to guarantee the laboratory is operating by best practices, from sterilization of equipment to testing process.
Verified, reliable, and safe cannabis
Certificates of analysis are essential for compliance, reputation, and building strong and transparent relationships with your customers. As a third party analytical laboratory partner, True Labs for Cannabis ensures that your results are accurate and tell the full story of what is going on underneath the product label. Our East Hanover, New Jersey facility offers more than one dozen laboratory tests for cannabis products, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest, most accurate methods. Contact True Labs to learn more.