Decoding and Understanding Cannabis COAs
Cannabis is an amazing plant and arguably the one with the most interesting history. It’s been stigmatized, scrutinized, and criminalized, but now we can finally say it’s becoming more and more legalized.
However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some "bad seeds" out there, making it clear that quality and legitimacy matter (a lot) and that they need to be proven. Enter Cannabis COAs (Certificates of Analysis). These are the all-important gatekeepers of quality cannabis, and they offer a treasure trove of information about that cannabis product you just bought.
So, let’s dive into the ins and outs of cannabis COAs, including why they are important, what to look for, and how to access them.
COA’s in a nutshell
Because of its history and the effects that a poorly-produced batch could have, cannabis products go through a rigorous testing process (usually by a third-party testing lab) before hitting the shelves at licensed dispensaries. All licensed cannabis products, including topical, ingestible, transdermal, and inhalable forms, must be tested in compliance with the laws of each state.
A passed test results in that product getting certified with a COA which will include a detailed breakdown of its chemical makeup, including the levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. Think of a COA like a nutrition label for your cannabis.
Why should this matter to you?
The importance of a COA goes beyond providing information about the chemical composition of a product. It also gives you an idea of the potential effects that the product should have. This is because the different levels of THC and CBD can greatly impact the experience.
But it's not just about knowing what's in your cannabis – it's also about knowing what's NOT in it. A COA can provide peace of mind by assuring you that the product has been tested for contaminants, microbes, pesticides, and any other potentially harmful substances.
So, what info can you find on a COA, and how do you know what’s what?
It may look like a bunch of numbers and technical terms, but don't let that intimidate you.
Here, we'll give you a full breakdown of what is tested for and why:
Cannabinoid potency
This measures the mg levels of various cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and will give you an indication of the effects and potency of the product.
Terpenes
Understanding the terpenes and flavor profiles of a cannabis product can enhance your overall cannabis experience. The levels of different terpenes influence the all-important taste and aroma of a product. By checking a COA, you can make more informed decisions about the products you choose, and tailor your experience to your personal preferences.
Residual solvents
This test checks for any solvents that may have been used in the extraction process, such as ethanol, propane, or butane.
Pesticides
Pesticides are commonly used in cannabis agriculture, but since their primary function is to kill things, it’s safe to assume that ingesting them is best avoided. Therefore, these tests will ensure that the product is pesticide-free and safe to enjoy.
Microbial pathogens
This test is one of the most common required tests under cannabis state laws and checks for any harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria or mold.
Foreign materials
Although less common, it is possible for substances like dirt, insect fragments, and various other foreign materials to contaminate a product. This test will ensure that your product doesn't have any of these unintended extras.
Heavy metals
Cannabis is known as a bio-accumulator, which means it can absorb and concentrate heavy metals and other contaminants from the soil and water it is grown in. This is why heavy metal testing is a mandatory state requirement and a very important section to check on a COA.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold. This could happen for a variety of reasons, but it is most commonly due to high humidity and/or poor storage conditions. Passing this test will show that your product was produced in optimal conditions and was properly packaged and stored.
How to read and understand a COA
Note: Although not all COAs use the same specific layout and terms to refer to each section, most of them will be fairly similar across the board.
How to verify the authenticity of a cannabis COA
It's important to note that not all COAs are created equal. This is because laws and regulations will differ from state to state and because there is currently no single governing body to standardize cannabis testing. However, there are ways you can check that a COA was done by a legitimate testing facility:
Check for a valid certificate number
Each COA should have a unique certificate number that can be used to verify its authenticity. Make sure to check that the certificate number on the COA matches the one on the product packaging or the company's website.
Make sure that the testing laboratory is accredited
A reputable testing laboratory should be accredited by a recognized organization, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). You can usually find this information on the COA or on the testing laboratory's website.
Check that the COA is current and up-to-date
A COA should include the date of the test results and the date of the product's expiration. Make sure to check that the date on the COA is not expired and that it matches the date on the product packaging.
Where do you find the COA of a product?
That is the big question. The simple answer is: it depends. Not all companies invest in creating a COA, and even if they do, they don't always make it easy for consumers to find.
Some places you could start would be to:
Look for a QR code or a LucidID
Some cannabis products will have a QR code that you can scan with your smartphone, and it will take you directly to the COA on the company's website. If they have a LucidID QR code, even better, because you are guaranteed an easy-to-find COA along with so much more valuable information about the product and the brand itself.
Ask the budtender
If you're buying cannabis from a dispensary, the budtender should be able to provide you with the COA for the product you're interested in. They can also answer any questions you might have about the product.
Check the company's website
Many cannabis companies will post their COAs on their website, so you can easily find the information you're looking for.
Ask the company directly
If you're still having trouble finding the COA, don't be afraid to ask the company directly. They should be more than happy to provide you with the information you're looking for.
When cannabis brands and growers take testing seriously, it shows they care about more than just making money. They want to make sure their products are high-quality and safe for customers. And by being open and sharing their test results, they're being honest about what they're putting out there. The cannabis industry is still new and there's a lot of confusion about what's legal and what's not. But, when growers are transparent about their products, it makes it easier for regular people to understand what they're buying.