A Certificate of Analysis, usually called a COA, is a laboratory report that shows what was measured in a specific cannabis or hemp sample. Learning how to read one helps you compare products, confirm potency information, and check whether the report matches the item in your hand.
What Is a Cannabis COA?
A COA is created after a laboratory analyzes a submitted sample. Depending on the testing requested, the report may include cannabinoid potency, terpene content, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbial contaminants, mycotoxins, moisture, or water activity.
Not every COA includes every panel. Some reports show potency only. Read the full report and check which tests were actually performed before assuming a product passed a complete safety panel.
1. Confirm the Report Matches the Product
Start at the top of the report. The identifying information matters just as much as the potency percentage.
- Product or sample name: It should match the strain or product label.
- Batch or lot number: Compare it with the number printed on the package or product listing.
- Sample type: Look for flower, concentrate, edible, vape, or another accurate category.
- Date received and date tested: Recent dates help show that the report belongs to the current product batch.
- Laboratory name: The report should clearly identify the testing laboratory and its contact information.
- Report or sample ID: A unique ID helps verify the document with the laboratory.
2. Read the Cannabinoid Potency Panel
The potency section lists measured cannabinoids as percentages, milligrams per gram, milligrams per unit, or a combination of these. Flower reports commonly use percent by weight. Edibles may use milligrams per serving or package.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| THCA | The acidic form of THC found in raw cannabis. Heat can convert THCA into delta-9 THC. |
| Delta-9 THC | The form of THC measured after it is already active, before any additional conversion from THCA. |
| Total THC | An estimate that combines measured delta-9 THC with the potential THC available from THCA. |
| CBD and CBDA | CBD and its acidic precursor. Reports may also show a calculated Total CBD value. |
| CBG, CBGA, CBC, CBN | Other cannabinoids that may appear in smaller amounts. |
How Total THC Is Commonly Calculated
A widely used calculation is:
The 0.877 factor accounts for the molecular weight lost when THCA converts into THC. Calculations and rounding can vary slightly by laboratory, so compare the printed Total THC value with the laboratory method shown on the report.
For a deeper explanation, read our THCA vs. Delta-9 THC guide.
3. Understand Terpene Results
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to a product’s scent and flavor. A terpene panel may list compounds such as myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, and terpinolene.
Look at the total terpene percentage and the leading individual terpenes. Two products with similar cannabinoid percentages can smell and taste different because their terpene profiles are different. A potency COA does not automatically include terpene testing, so check whether a separate terpene panel is present.
4. Check the Safety Panels
A complete safety review can include several separate tests. Each panel should show the analytes tested, the laboratory’s reporting limits, and a result such as Pass, Fail, Not Detected, or a measured amount.
Pesticides
This panel checks for listed pesticide compounds. Results are normally compared with an action limit set by the applicable testing program.
Heavy Metals
Common analytes include lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Read the measured result and the laboratory’s listed limit.
Residual Solvents
This panel is especially relevant to extracts and concentrates made with solvents. It may include compounds such as butane, propane, ethanol, or other processing solvents.
Microbials and Mycotoxins
Microbial testing may include yeast, mold, and specific bacteria. Mycotoxin testing checks for toxins produced by certain molds. These may appear as separate panels.
Moisture and Water Activity
Flower reports may show moisture content or water activity. These measurements help describe the condition of the sample and its potential for microbial growth, but they are not the same measurement.
5. Know the Common Lab Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ND | Not detected at or above the laboratory’s reporting threshold. |
| LOQ | Limit of quantitation, the lowest amount the method can reliably measure and report as a number. |
| LOD | Limit of detection, the lowest amount the method can detect. |
| <LOQ | The compound may have been detected, but the amount was below the reliable quantitation limit. |
| Pass | The reported result met the laboratory’s stated action limit for that panel. |
| Fail | The reported result exceeded the stated action limit or did not meet the required criterion. |
6. Verify the QR Code or Report Link
Many product labels include a QR code that opens the COA. Scan it and confirm that it goes to the laboratory report or a clearly organized batch library. Check that the web address is legitimate and that the report details match the package.
A screenshot of only the first page may leave out safety results, testing methods, signatures, or accreditation details. When possible, review the complete PDF.
COA Red Flags to Watch For
- The batch number on the report does not match the package.
- The report is missing the laboratory name, sample ID, or testing dates.
- Only a cropped image is provided when the report contains multiple pages.
- A potency-only report is presented as proof that every safety test passed.
- Numbers or identifying details appear edited, covered, or inconsistent.
- The QR code leads to a generic homepage instead of the relevant report.
- The report is too blurry to read or does not include a laboratory signature or verification method.
Find Plenny Lab Reports and COAs
We organize available laboratory reports so customers can compare the report with the product and batch they are considering. If you cannot find the correct report, contact us before making a purchase and we will help locate the available documentation.
This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace laboratory guidance, legal advice, or medical advice. Products are intended for adults age 21 and older. Always follow local laws and product directions.