Why Every Hemp Buyer Needs to Read a COA Correctly
A Certificate of Analysis is the single most important compliance document in the hemp supply chain. Yet many buyers accept a COA at face value without knowing what to check for, what's missing, or what red flags should stop a purchase. Here's how to read one properly.
The Core Sections of a Complete COA
Cannabinoid potency panel. This should list every detected cannabinoid, not just the ones relevant to legal thresholds. Look for Delta-9 THC, THCA, total THC (calculated), CBD, CBDA, and any other cannabinoids present. The total THC calculation should be clearly shown, not just the raw Delta-9 number.
Pesticide screening. A complete panel tests for the pesticides relevant to the state where the hemp was grown and processed, typically covering dozens of compounds. Look for a clear pass/fail against established action limits, not just a list of detected compounds without context.
Heavy metals. Testing should cover at minimum arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, with results compared against established limits (often based on state cannabis/hemp regulations or USP standards).
Microbial testing. Should include testing for total yeast and mold, E. coli, Salmonella, and other relevant pathogens depending on product type.
Residual solvents. Relevant for any extracted product (not raw flower), tests for solvents used in extraction (ethanol, butane, CO2 processing aids) to confirm they're below safety thresholds.
Red Flags to Watch For
Missing total THC calculation. A COA that shows only Delta-9 THC without a total THC calculation (accounting for THCA conversion) may be omitting information relevant to compliance under stricter interpretations.
No lab accreditation information. A legitimate COA should identify the testing laboratory and its accreditation status (ISO 17025 is the standard to look for). Absence of this information is a significant red flag.
Batch/lot mismatch. The COA should clearly correspond to the specific batch or lot you're purchasing. A COA that can't be tied to a specific lot number provides limited assurance.
Outdated testing. Cannabinoid content can degrade over time. A COA from testing done many months before the sale may not accurately reflect current product composition, particularly for products with THC levels close to legal thresholds.
Questions to Ask Your Supplier
- Which laboratory performed this testing, and what is their accreditation status?
- Does this COA correspond to the exact batch/lot I'm purchasing?
- Can you provide the raw total THC calculation methodology used?
- How frequently is this product retested, and can I see historical COA data?
Building COA Review Into Your Procurement Process
The strongest procurement processes require complete COA review before any purchase is finalized, not as a post-purchase formality. Establish clear internal standards for what a complete, acceptable COA includes, and be willing to walk away from suppliers who can't provide one.
Low Gravity Hemp provides full-panel COAs on every lot, from ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, with clear total THC calculations and batch-specific documentation. Contact us to see a sample COA and understand exactly what documentation comes with every order.
