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How to Read COAs

COAs (Certificates of Analysis) are the primary documents that verify what’s in a hemp or CBD product. This page explains how to read COAs with a focus on THC-free products and drug-testing awareness, what to watch for, and practical verification steps.

What this page covers

Short, practical guidance to identify cannabinoids and contaminants on a COA, understand LOQ/LOD and “non-detect” results, and evaluate whether a THC‑free claim is supported by a batch COA.

What this page doesn’t cover

This is not a general guide to CBD basics or product selection — for broader context see the site’s Guides section. This page also does not replace legal or occupational advice about workplace testing.

Key COA terms and definitions

  • COA (Certificate of Analysis): A lab report showing tested results for a specific sample or batch.
  • LOD (Limit of Detection): The smallest concentration a method can reliably distinguish from zero but may not quantify accurately.
  • LOQ (Limit of Quantification): The smallest concentration that can be quantified with acceptable precision and accuracy. LOQs vary by lab and method.
  • Non‑detect (ND): The analyte was not detected above the method’s LOD/LOQ. Check which limit the lab used.
  • Delta‑9 THC and THCa: Delta‑9 is the primary psychoactive form; THCa is the acidic precursor that can convert to delta‑9 THC when heated. Labs often report both.
  • Total THC: A calculated value often equal to delta‑9 THC + (THCa × 0.877). That 0.877 is the decarboxylation factor.
  • Units: % (w/w), mg/g, mg per serving, or ppm (mg/kg). Understand the units to compare values correctly.
  • Method: Common methods include HPLC (measures acid and neutral cannabinoids) and GC (may decarboxylate acids during analysis).

Step-by-step: How to read a COA (practical checklist)

  1. Confirm the COA is batch-specific: Look for a batch/lot number that matches the product packaging and a sample date.
  2. Check the lab identity and accreditation: Prefer ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or other reputable third‑party labs. Verify the lab’s name and contact info on the report.
  3. Find the cannabinoid panel: Look for delta‑9 THC, THCa, CBD, CBDa, and any other cannabinoids listed separately. Avoid reports that only show “total cannabinoids” without breakdowns.
  4. Note LOQ/LOD values: The report should state LOQ (and sometimes LOD) for each analyte. “ND” should be accompanied by the LOQ so you know how sensitive the test was.
  5. Check total THC calculation: If both delta‑9 THC and THCa are reported, verify total THC = delta‑9 THC + (THCa × 0.877). If a COA lists “total THC” without showing the components, ask for the full cannabinoid breakdown.
  6. Review contaminants: Look for panels on pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbial contaminants, and mycotoxins. A THC‑free claim is incomplete if contaminants are untested.
  7. Confirm units and serving calculations: Convert percent to mg/g (1% w/w = 10 mg/g) or use the formula: mg per serving = (percent / 100) × serving weight in mg. Always match units when comparing values.
  8. Check the testing method and date: HPLC is preferred for cannabinoid profiling because it reports acidic cannabinoids. Ensure the testing date is recent and within the product’s shelf-life.
  9. Look for signatures/QR codes and authenticity: Verified electronic signatures, QR codes linking to the batch COA, or a lab contact provide extra confidence. But verify the COA content—not just the presence of a QR code.

Quick formula examples

  • Total THC: total THC = delta‑9 THC + (THCa × 0.877)
  • Percent to mg per gram: 1% = 10 mg/g
  • mg per serving: mg per serving = (percent / 100) × serving weight in mg. Example: 0.01% THC in a 1,000 mg serving = 0.0001 × 1,000 = 0.1 mg

THC‑free phrasing: Non‑detect vs. below a limit vs. legal limits

Manufacturers may use different phrases: “THC‑free,” “non‑detect,” “below LOQ,” or “meets legal THC limit.” Important distinctions:

  • Non‑detect (ND): Lab did not detect delta‑9 THC above its method LOD/LOQ. Confirm the LOQ value to understand how low “ND” means.
  • Below LOQ: Detected but too low to quantify. The numerical LOQ tells you the maximum possible concentration.
  • Below legal limit: A product may be legally compliant while still containing trace THC (for example, in jurisdictions that allow up to 0.3% total THC). “THC‑free” ideally means non‑detect at a suitably low LOQ, not just “below legal limit.”

Pitfalls and common red flags

  • COA not batch‑specific or the batch number on the COA doesn’t match the product.
  • The COA shows only “total cannabinoids” or an incomplete panel (no contaminants tested).
  • No LOQ/LOD values provided, or LOQ is high (low sensitivity).
  • The lab lacks accreditation or contact information, or the COA shows inconsistent formatting that suggests alteration.
  • GC method used without clarifying decarboxylation — acidic cannabinoids may not be reported accurately.
  • Vendor provides a product-level COA but the QR code links to a generic product page rather than a batch report.
  • COA reports unusually high impurity results or missing contaminant panels.

What to do if you need very low THC (workplace drug testing)

  • Ask the seller for a batch COA showing delta‑9 THC as “ND” with an LOQ below a threshold you and your employer/tester consider safe.
  • Prefer products tested by ISO/IEC 17025 labs that provide full cannabinoid breakdowns and contaminant panels.
  • If absolute certainty is required, discuss alternatives with your employer/test administrator and consider using products explicitly marketed and COA‑verified for zero‑THC (with very low LOQs).
  • Remember: no COA can 100% guarantee a negative workplace drug test because tests and thresholds vary — see FAQs and the compliance disclaimer below.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Does a COA guarantee I won’t fail a drug test?

No. A COA shows results for a specific sample and method. Drug-test outcomes depend on the test type, cutoff thresholds, individual metabolism, and cross‑contamination. Use COAs to reduce risk but consult your testing authority for workplace decisions.

2. What LOQ is “safe” for THC‑free products?

There is no universal LOQ considered safe for every scenario. Lower LOQs (for example, 0.01 mg/g or lower) increase confidence, but a product’s acceptability depends on the test cutoff and your risk tolerance. Ask your employer or test provider about allowable limits.

3. What does “non‑detect” mean on a COA?

It means the analyte was not detected above the lab’s LOD/LOQ. Always confirm which limit the lab used; “non‑detect” with a high LOQ is less reassuring than “non‑detect” with a very low LOQ.

4. Can THCa become THC and affect testing?

Yes. THCa converts to delta‑9 THC when heated (decarboxylation). That is why COAs should show both delta‑9 THC and THCa and report total THC using the conversion factor (0.877).

5. How do I verify a lab is legitimate?

Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, contact details on the report, and a lab website. You can call or email the lab to confirm the COA and batch number. Scanned or altered COAs are a common fraud vector.

6. What if the COA is missing contaminant tests?

Request a full COA that includes pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, and microbial testing. A reliable THC‑free claim should not come with untested safety panels.

Compliance disclaimer

This information is educational and not medical or legal advice. Laws, employer policies, and drug‑testing procedures vary by location and over time. Consult legal, medical, or occupational professionals and check local laws and testing rules for specific advice.

For a THC‑free product selection that includes batch COAs and lab information, see this resource: https://www.cannagea.com/thc-free

Call to action: If you want products that emphasize THC‑free verification and batch COAs, explore the THC‑free product options and lab reports available at https://www.cannagea.com/thc-free.

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