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A certificate of analysis, or COA, is an independent lab report on a specific batch of a CBD product. It is the closest thing to proof that what is on the label is in the bottle. This guide shows you what to look for, section by section, before you buy from our CBD collection.
Key Takeaways
- A COA should match the product name and batch or lot number of the item you receive.
- The potency section shows measured CBD and THC; compare it with the label claim.
- Contaminant panels cover heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents and microbes.
- Look for a lab accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and a recent test date.
What is a certificate of analysis?
A COA is a document produced by a testing laboratory after analyzing a sample from a production batch. For CBD, it usually reports cannabinoid content and, on a full panel, contaminants. Reputable brands publish COAs on their website, often linked by a QR code or batch number on the packaging.
What should I check first?
- Product and batch match. The COA should name the product and list a batch or lot number that matches the one printed on your package.
- The lab. Look for the lab’s name, contact details and accreditation, ideally ISO/IEC 17025, an international standard for testing laboratories.
- The date. A COA from years ago, or for a different batch, tells you little about the product in your hand.
How do I read the potency (cannabinoid) section?
The potency table lists each cannabinoid the lab measured, usually as a percentage and in milligrams per gram or per unit. Find the CBD line and compare it with the label: a 1500mg tincture should show a total CBD content close to 1500mg for the whole bottle. Small variations are normal; large gaps are a warning sign.
Then find delta-9 THC. For full spectrum products it should be within the hemp limit; for broad spectrum and isolate it should read “ND” (not detected) or a value below the lab’s limit of quantification. Our guide to CBD spectrums explains why this matters.
What do the contaminant panels cover?
| Panel | What it checks |
|---|---|
| Heavy metals | Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury |
| Pesticides | Residues from crop treatments |
| Residual solvents | Traces of solvents used during extraction |
| Microbials | Yeast, mold and bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella |
| Mycotoxins | Toxins produced by certain molds |
Each line should show a result and a pass or fail against an action limit. Not every product is tested on every panel, so note which panels are present.
What are the warning signs?
- No COA available, or only on request with no batch number.
- A COA from the brand itself rather than an independent lab.
- Potency far from the label claim.
- THC detected in a product sold as THC-free.
- A test date or batch that does not match your product.
Where do I find COAs for products sold here?
The brands we carry publish COAs on their own websites, usually searchable by batch number. If you cannot find one for a product you bought from us, contact us with the batch number and we will help you locate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ND mean on a COA?
ND stands for "not detected": the compound was below the level the lab's method can detect.
What is LOQ?
LOQ is the limit of quantification, the lowest amount the lab can measure reliably. Results below it are often reported as <LOQ.
Should every batch have its own COA?
Yes. Cannabinoid content can vary between batches, so a COA is only meaningful for the batch it covers.
Full Spectrum Vs. Broad Spectrum Vs. CBD Isolate: What’s The Difference? – Peptide Labs
September 28, 2026 - 10:15 pm[…] How to Read a CBD Certificate of Analysis (COA) […]