What is a COA?
If you have shopped for hemp or Cannabis Products, then you probably have heard the term COA. This piece of paper may seem just like another term thrown around the industry like CBD or terpene, but a COA is actually a very important piece of the puzzle.
Understanding a COA is an important part of shopping for a hemp or cannabis product. While sight and scent can tell you a lot about a product, a COA gives shoppers a closer, more in-depth look at the item they are considering purchasing.
What does COA Stand For?
COA is short for Certificate of Analysis. They are the third-party testing results of a laboratory licensed to test for a variety of things. These items can be required by state or federal law (depending on if the product is derived from hemp or marijuana).
What Information Does a COA Contain?
A COA can contain a wealth of information for both industry professionals and shoppers alike.
Some of the most common things these third-party laboratories test for include (but are not limited to);
- Cannabinoid potency
- Terpene content
- The presence of any mold, pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals
- Moisture content (specifically for smokable flower products)
For hemp products, COAs are required by federal law. This is to ensure that all products fall within safety standards and contain less than .3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight
For cannabis products, legal marijuana programs vary state by state. However, COAs are a common element among all of them. This testing is a quality control measure to help ensure brands are adhering to all safety standards outlined by the individual state program.
How to Find a COA
There are several ways to find a COA. Reputable brands will make sure the COAs for all products they carry are accessible to their shoppers.
The first way is by checking the brand’s website. Reputable brands want to make it easy for shoppers to access the information they need. Updating COAs and ensuring they are current is easy when uploading them directly to the website. Not only is this convenient for the brand but also for the shopper as well.
QR codes can also overlap with this category. Many brands have taken the online experience up a notch by placing QR codes directly on the packaging or the product itself. If a shopper scans a QR code, it can take them directly to the COA on the website. This packaging/labeling addition has rapidly grown in popularity with both shoppers and brands for its accessibility, convenience, and transparency.
Another way to find a COA is by speaking with an employee at the store you are shopping at. Stores that carry these types of products should have copies of all COAs on hand. Asking politely can help get the answers you need.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When it comes to COAs, there are a couple of red flags to look out for. The first is the COA expiration date. On average, COAs are valid for about a year. In that time, a product could change and may require retesting. This expiration date can also provide the shopper with a good idea of how old a product is.
Secondly, if a brand is asked to provide a COA and they reply with a denial saying the COA is proprietary knowledge, this is a red flag. A refusal to provide a COA creates distrust between a brand and its customers.
The Bottom Line
A COA is a valuable tool for both a brand and a consumer. While seeming to only be a piece of paper, a COA holds a wealth of information. Not only can shoppers check potency and quality, but also cannabinoid and terpene content.
However you look at it, knowing how to read a COA is an important part of shopping for a hemp or legal Cannabis Product. If you think about it, a COA is a bit like a treasure map. It can lead you to the ideal product for your needs.
