As the cannabis market grows and new producers and distributors appear, it’s more important than ever to verify the quality of the product you’re buying. That’s where the Certificate of Analysis (COA) comes in—not just as a tool for sellers but also as a way for you, the consumer, to stay informed and choose a THCa product that meets your expectations.
What Is a Certificate of Analysis?
A COA is a document issued by a third-party lab that analyzes a product sample. The lab tests for cannabinoids and potential contaminants, ensuring the product meets safety and potency standards. This independent testing helps validate the product’s quality and compliance. Here’s an example of the COA for our THCa vapes.
Why Is It Important?
A COA tells you exactly what’s in your cannabis product. From the THCa strain to the cannabinoid profile and potential contaminants, a COA gives transparency to your purchase. This builds trust in the brand and gives you confidence that you know what you’re consuming.
How to Read a Certificate of Analysis
Now that you know what a Certificate of Analysis is, let’s dive into the details you’ll be able to verify. The COA formats vary by lab, but most include the following key sections:
Product Information
Here’s what you’ll usually find:
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- Product name
- Unique batch ID (helps trace the tested product)
- Type of cannabis
- Producer or brand information
- Date of testing
Potency Analysis
This section measures cannabinoid content by weight (mg/g) and percentage:
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- Total THC: Shows the total amount of Delta 9 THC and THCa. Delta 9 THC should be at or below 0.3% as per federal law.
- Total CBD: Indicates how much Cannabidiol is present. CBD doesn’t cause a high.
- Cannabinoid Breakdown: Displays other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC.
Laboratory Information
This section—often at the beginning or end—includes:
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- Lab name and contact info
- Accreditations and license number
Authorization and Verification
The document ends with the lab director or technician’s signature, confirming the test’s validity.
Access to this information allows you to make informed decisions about a product’s safety and strength.
Do COAs Vary by Product Type?
Yes—depending on the form, some COAs include additional testing details:
- Vapes: May show terpene profiles and any synthetic compounds used.
- Flower: Includes naturally occurring terpenes that impact aroma and effects.
- Pre-rolls: Might contain multiple strains or filler material. A COA verifies what’s inside and ensures safety.
Where to Find Certified Headies’ COAs
It’s easy. Just scroll down on any product page on our website and click “See Lab Results Here.” This will open the COA in a new window for your review.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to read a Certificate of Analysis, you can shop with confidence. Always check lab results before buying to ensure you’re getting a safe, compliant, and effective product. At Certified Headies, we offer a variety of premium THCa pre-rolls, vapes, and flowers—all third-party tested for your peace of mind.