COA (Certificate of Analysis)
Also known as: Certificate of Analysis
Definition
A COA is a document from an accredited third-party lab certifying what is — and isn't — in a CBD product.
A complete CBD COA shows: cannabinoid potency (mg of CBD, CBG, CBN, etc., and confirmation of THC under 0.3%), heavy metals panel, pesticides panel, microbials, mycotoxins, and residual solvents.
Reputable CBD brands publish a current COA for every batch, ideally with a batch number printed on the bottle so buyers can verify. If a brand can't produce a current COA on request, walk away.
Related terms
- Third-Party TestingThird-party testing means a CBD product was analyzed by an independent, accredited lab — not by the manufacturer themselves.
- ISO 17025ISO 17025 is the international quality standard for testing and calibration laboratories. CBD COAs should come from labs accredited under this standard.
- Batch NumberA batch number identifies a specific production run of a CBD product. Batch numbers let you match a bottle to its specific COA.
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