COA

The COA, short for Certificate of Analysis, is a document issued by a laboratory after analysing a product. It presents the main test results used to verify its composition and compliance.

In the hemp and CBD industry, a COA makes it possible to determine the measured concentrations of cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBG or other compounds present in the product. Depending on the analyses performed, it may also contain information on terpenes, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents or the presence of microbiological contaminants.

What is a COA used for?

The certificate of analysis provides greater transparency regarding a product’s composition. It helps manufacturers, distributors and consumers verify that the stated values correspond to the results obtained from laboratory analyses.

In many cases, a QR code or link provides direct access to the COA associated with a production batch, allowing the detailed results to be viewed.

What information is included in a certificate of analysis?

The content of a COA may vary depending on the laboratory and the type of product analysed. It generally includes sample identification, the analysis date, the methods used and the measured concentrations of the main cannabinoids.

Depending on the analyses requested, the document may also present terpene profiles and the results of tests for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents or microbiological contaminants.

Why is it important?

The COA is a reference document that helps provide a better understanding of the composition of a hemp-based product. It promotes transparency between the various industry stakeholders and makes it possible to consult results from laboratory analyses.

It is nevertheless important to check that the certificate corresponds to the relevant batch, as results may vary from one production run to another.