How to Read a COA (Certificate of Analysis)

How to Read a COA (Certificate of Analysis)

In the world of hemp-derived products, trust is everything — and nothing builds trust like a COA. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the single most important document you should check before buying any THC product. Whether it’s a gummy, vape, flower, or drink mixer, a COA tells you exactly what’s inside — and whether it’s legal, safe, and effective.

But most consumers never read them.

This article breaks it all down, so you’ll know what to look for and how to verify that your Delta-9, THCA, or CBD product meets the highest standards.

✅ What Is a COA?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a third-party lab report that provides a chemical breakdown of a hemp or cannabis product. It’s issued by an independent laboratory (not the manufacturer) to verify what’s in the product — and what’s not.

Every COA should answer these three questions:

  1. Does this product comply with federal THC limits?
  2. Are the cannabinoid levels accurately labeled?
  3. Is it free of contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or solvents?

If the answer to any of those is “no” — or if there’s no COA at all — that’s a red flag.

🔬 Why COAs Matter (and Why the FDA Cares)

Because hemp and cannabis products are not federally regulated like pharmaceuticals, it’s up to brands to self-certify their safety and legality. That’s where COAs come in.

The FDA has issued multiple warnings to companies making unverified claims or selling mislabeled products. The most common violations? Products with too much THC, fake potency claims, or toxic contaminants.

A COA protects you by providing third-party validation — and protecting the brand from liability.

🧪 How to Read a COA

Let’s break down a typical COA for a hemp-derived Delta-9 THC product:

1. Cannabinoid Profile This section shows the potency of each cannabinoid, including:

  • Delta-9 THC
  • CBD (Cannabidiol)
  • THCA, Delta-8, CBG, etc.

✅ Make sure Delta-9 THC is <0.3% by dry weight ✅ Check that the actual THC mg matches what the product label says (e.g., 3mg per serving)

2. Total Cannabinoids This tells you how much active content is in the product overall. A good mixer, for example, might show 84mg of Delta-9 THC in a 28-serving tube.

3. Contaminant Testing Look for separate sections on:

  • Pesticides
  • Heavy metals
  • Microbials (mold, bacteria)
  • Residual solvents (especially for vapes or extracts)

These should all say “ND” (none detected). If there’s a detection above the safe threshold, avoid the product.

4. Lab Name and Accreditation Check that the COA comes from a reputable, third-party lab. Look for:

  • Lab logo and address
  • ISO accreditation
  • A testing date within the last 6 months

📌 Pro Tip: If the lab and product manufacturer share the same name — walk away.

🧾 PostalBud’s COAs: What Sets Us Apart

At PostalBud, every single product we carry includes a batch-specific COA, accessible right from the product page. We:

  • Test for potency, purity, and contaminants
  • Work with certified third-party labs only
  • Clearly display lab reports and ingredient breakdowns
  • Include QR codes on product packaging for fast mobile access

Transparency isn’t optional — it’s our standard.

📍 Example: View the COA for our Black Cherry THC Mixer to see the real breakdown: THC content, serving size, total cannabinoids, and zero contaminants.

🧠 Common Questions

Q: Do all cannabis products need a COA? A: Absolutely. Any responsible hemp brand should provide one. If it’s not listed online or available by request, that’s a red flag.

Q: Can I understand a COA as a non-scientist? A: Yes! You don’t need a chemistry degree — just check for key fields like THC %, total cannabinoids, and contaminants. Most COAs are designed for consumer readability.

Q: Can a COA be faked? A: Unfortunately, yes. Always check for:

  • Matching batch/lot numbers
  • Reputable third-party lab name
  • A scannable QR code or official link

🛒 Shop Only What’s Verified

Hemp-derived THC products are a growing industry — but they’re only as good as the testing that backs them up.

At PostalBud, every single product is backed by third-party data. Whether you’re shopping for Delta-9 mixers, THCA flower, or vapes, you can trust:

  • Verified labels
  • Clear dosing
  • Real science

🧾 Check the COA. Know what you’re buying. Protect your peace of mind.

🛍️ Explore our compliant, lab-tested catalog: https://postalbud.com

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