20 December 2023

Ensuring Quality and Safety: Decrypting CBD Certificates of Analysis




Ensuring Quality and Safety: Decrypting CBD Certificates of Analysis

As the CBD industry continues to grow, it’s important for consumers to be well-informed about the products they are purchasing. One essential aspect of ensuring quality and safety when it comes to CBD products is understanding and interpreting Certificates of Analysis (COAs).

What Are Certificates of Analysis?

Certificates of Analysis are documents provided by CBD manufacturers that detail the results of laboratory testing on their products. These tests are conducted to assess the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and the presence of any contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents.

Deciphering the Data

When reviewing a COA, it’s important to look for a few key pieces of information:

  • Cannabinoid Content: This section will outline the concentration of various cannabinoids present in the product, such as CBD, THC, and others.

  • Terpene Profile: Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that can contribute to the overall effects of the product. A COA should include a breakdown of the terpene content.

  • Contaminant Testing: A quality COA will also include the results of tests for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents. These results should show that the product meets safety standards.

Ensuring Accuracy and Legitimacy

It’s crucial for consumers to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the COA provided by a CBD manufacturer. One way to do this is to confirm that the testing was conducted by a reputable third-party laboratory. Look for hyperlinks to the lab’s website or contact information on the COA to ensure that the lab is trustworthy and accredited.

Further Resources

For those interested in learning more about reading and understanding COAs, there are several helpful resources available. The Project CBD website offers a comprehensive guide to interpreting COAs, and the Leafly website provides a detailed breakdown of testing terminology and what to look for in a COA.

By arming themselves with the knowledge to decrypt COAs, consumers can make more informed decisions when purchasing CBD products and ensure that they are receiving a safe and high-quality product.