CBD is a popular thing nowadays. People like using it in different forms like drops or tea bags. They spend a lot of money on it, around $2.8 billion in 2020. But because it’s become so popular, there are many products that aren’t very good. A study found that some CBD products don’t have as much CBD as they say, and some even have THC in them.

To help people trust good CBD products, some companies started giving out a CBD certificate of analysis (COA). This paper shows what’s in the CBD product and if it’s good quality.

This post is for companies that buy CBD from wholesalers or makers. It will explain what a CBD certificate of analysis (COA) is, how to read it, and what to check for in each part. It will also talk about signs that show your supplier isn’t making good products and how to get a certificate of analysis.

What is a Certificate of Analysis?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document from a trusted laboratory that shows what’s in a substance, like a CBD product. Each batch of CBD is usually tested separately, and a COA is made for each batch. Most COAs are done by labs that aren’t connected to the CBD maker, so they’re unbiased.

In some places, like certain states, CBD product labels must have a special QR code that links to the COA. This makes it easy for people to check what’s in the product before buying it. It’s important for CBD companies to follow the rules about labels set by their state.

How to Read a CBD Certificate of Analysis

Understanding what each part of the COA says is crucial. While the format might vary a bit between reports, they generally have the same structure. Here’s a simple guide on how to get the most important details from a CBD certificate of analysis.

• Types of Cannabinoids: Hemp plants have various cannabinoid compounds. If you’re selling full-spectrum CBD oil, your certificate of analysis should list all detectable cannabinoids like CBD, CBDV, and CBG. It will also include THC, which you don’t want if your product isn’t labeled and legally sold as cannabis, especially not at levels higher than 0.3% by weight. If you see “ND” next to some compounds, it means “non-detect,” indicating very little of that compound was found.
• Weight Percentage: This column shows the percentage by weight of each cannabinoid. It’s the weight of the product itself, excluding the packaging.
• Concentration: This column shows the concentration of each cannabinoid in milligrams per gram (mg/g) of the whole product. It’s helpful for CBD oils to confirm if you’re getting the right amount. For instance, if you bought a 50-gram product with a total of 600mg CBD, you should see a concentration of 12mg CBD per gram.
• Heavy Metal Analysis: Ingesting too many heavy metals can make you sick. Manufacturers test for these and report the concentration level of each metal found during testing. They also show the ingestion limit set by the government, which should always be higher than the tested concentration level for safety.
• Pesticide Analysis: Hemp products can attract insects, so CBD certificates often contain results for common pesticides. The section lists the name of the pesticide, its detected level, acceptable limits, and whether it passes the test.

CBD Certificate of Analysis (COA) Red Flags

A COA can tell you a bunch of stuff, both good and bad. When you check out the results from a CBD oil test, it can show you if the company is doing a good job or not. Here are three things that might mean your CBD products aren’t as good as they should be:

1. THC Levels

Too much THC in your CBD product could mean it’s illegal in many places. THC levels exceeding 0.3% by weight are problematic, especially if your product isn’t labeled as containing THC. Quality CBD products stick to legal THC limits. It’s essential to ensure that CBD concentrations match what’s advertised. CBD products can be expensive, so a COA helps ensure you’re getting what you paid for.

2. Missing Cannabinoids in “Full-Spectrum” Products

Full-spectrum CBD oils are popular because they contain various cannabinoids alongside CBD. If you expect a full-spectrum product but don’t see other cannabinoids like CBDa, CBN, and CBC listed at detectable levels, it’s concerning.

3. In-House Lab Results

The best manufacturers send samples from each batch to accredited, third-party labs for analysis. Independent verification is more trustworthy than relying solely on results from an in-house lab. It ensures transparency and credibility in the testing process.

Why a CBD Certificate of Analysis (COA) is Important for Selling Your Product

Today’s smart shoppers want to see proof that CBD products are safe and high-quality before they buy them. Having a CBD certificate of analysis has become a normal thing in the industry. These lab reports show that each batch of CBD is safe and good. You can usually find COAs on the company’s website or by scanning a QR code on the product packaging. For people selling CBD products, making it easy for customers to see these results is super important. It can be the deciding factor in whether someone buys your product or chooses another one.

Proof of Quality Builds Trust with Consumers

In the CBD world, not all companies make top-notch products. That’s why CBD certificates of analysis have become crucial. They show that the products are high-quality and safe. When customers see that an unbiased lab has checked and confirmed the quality and claims of the manufacturer, they feel more confident buying the products. It’s a win-win situation when both you and your customers benefit