You've probably heard us say it before: every product at Elevated Flowers has a COA available. But what does that actually mean? And more importantly — do you know how to read one?
A Certificate of Analysis can look overwhelming at first glance. Numbers, abbreviations, panels, thresholds. But once you know what each section means, it becomes one of the most powerful tools you have as a hemp consumer.
This is your complete, section-by-section guide.
New to COAs? Start with the basics: What Is a COA and Why Does It Matter?
What Is a COA, Quickly?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an official document from an independent, third-party laboratory confirming the contents of a hemp or CBD product. It verifies cannabinoid potency, and whether harmful contaminants are present.
Think of it as a product's report card — and as a consumer, you have every right to see it before you buy.
Who Issues a Trustworthy COA?
COAs must come from independent, third-party laboratories with no financial relationship to the brand being tested. The most credible COAs come from labs that hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation — the international gold standard for laboratory testing competence.
At Elevated Flowers, every product we carry has been tested by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited third-party lab. COAs are accessible via QR code on every product, in our in-store compliance binder, or by simply asking any team member.
Section 1: Product & Sample Information
At the top of every COA, you'll find the basic identification details. This section seems simple — but it's where most consumers miss a critical detail.
Here's what to look for
Product Name: Must match the product label exactly
Batch / Lot Number: ⚠️ Must match the batch number on the product packaging
Sample ID: The lab's internal tracking reference
Date Tested: Should be within the last 12 months
Receiving Lab: Should be the third-party lab, not the brand
The most important check: The batch number on the COA must match the batch number printed on the product you're holding. A COA from a different batch does not validate the product in your hands — even if it's from the same brand.
Section 2: The Cannabinoid Panel
This is the heart of the COA. The cannabinoid panel lists every cannabinoid detected in the product and its measured concentration — typically shown as a percentage (%) or milligrams per gram (mg/g).
Key Cannabinoids to Understand
Delta-9 THC :Must be ≤ 0.3% by dry weight for federal hemp compliance
Total THC: Delta-9 THC + THCA (converted); increasingly required by state law
THCA: Raw, non-intoxicating precursor to THC; converts to THC when heated
CBD: Primary non-intoxicating cannabinoid; should match label claims
CBDA: Raw form of CBD before activation
CBG: Minor cannabinoid; sometimes called "the mother cannabinoid"
CBN: Minor cannabinoid; found in aged or oxidized hemp
CBC: Minor cannabinoid common in full-spectrum products
What to Verify in This Section
✅ Delta-9 THC is listed at ≤ 0.3% — this is the federal compliance threshold
✅ CBD or cannabinoid potency matches what's advertised on the label — if a tincture claims 1,000mg CBD and the COA shows significantly less, that's a mismatch
✅ Total THC is calculated and disclosed — this is especially important under Pennsylvania's updated 2026 regulations, which require total THC (including THCA) to remain at or below 0.3%
✅ "ND" (Not Detected) is acceptable for cannabinoids that aren't expected in the product type
Section 3: Terpene Panel (When Included)
Not all COAs include a terpene panel, but premium products — especially hemp flower — often do. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for a strain's flavor, scent, and overall character.
If your COA includes a terpene panel, look for:
Dominant terpenes listed by concentration
(e.g., Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool)
Whether the terpene profile aligns with the strain description on the label
At our Bud-dy Bar, we use terpene data to help customers match strain profiles to their preferences — the kind of education that turns a first visit into a regular ritual.
Section 4: Contaminant Testing Panels
This section is non-negotiable. A responsible lab — and a responsible retailer — tests hemp products for a full range of potentially harmful substances.
Pesticides
Hemp is a natural bio-accumulator, meaning it absorbs compounds from its growing environment — including pesticides used in or around the soil. Pesticide-free COAs are essential for any ingestible product.
Look for: Pass or ND (Not Detected) across all pesticide markers.
Heavy Metals
Testing covers lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury — all of which can accumulate in hemp plants grown in contaminated soil.
Look for: Results below state and federal threshold limits, or ND.
Residual Solvents
Relevant primarily for extracts, oils, and concentrates processed using solvents like ethanol, butane, or CO2. The COA should confirm solvents are below detectable or safe limits.
Look for: ND or Pass across all listed solvents.
Microbials
Testing for biological contamination including mold, yeast, E. coli, and salmonella. This matters most for flower, edibles, and any ingestible product.
Look for: Pass or ND across all microbial markers.
Mycotoxins
Mold-produced toxins that can be harmful even at very low concentrations. Not all COAs include this panel — but it's a sign of a thorough lab when it's present.
Look for: Pass or ND.
Reading Contaminant Results at a Glance
ND: Not Detected — best possible result
Pass: Detected but below the regulatory threshold — acceptable
Fail: Exceeds threshold — do not purchase
Section 5: Lab Accreditation & Certification
At the bottom of every legitimate COA, look for:
Laboratory name and full contact information
Accreditation number
— specifically ISO/IEC 17025 certification
Analyst signature or electronic certification
confirming the results are valid
If this section is missing, vague, or lists a lab that shares a name with the brand — treat the entire COA with caution.
Quick Reference: 🚩Red Flags vs. ✅Green Flags
🚩Batch number missing or doesn't match packaging vs. ✅Batch number matches product label exactly
🚩No lab accreditation listed vs. ✅ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation visible
🚩Delta-9 THC above 0.3% vs. ✅Delta-9 THC at or below 0.3%
🚩Missing pesticide or heavy metal panels vs. ✅Full contaminant panel included
🚩COA older than 12–18 months vs. ✅Recently tested — within past 12 months
🚩COA issued by the brand's own lab vs. ✅Issued by an independent third party"
🚩Total THC" not calculated vs. ✅Total THC clearly calculated and disclosed
🚩Any contaminant result showing "Fail" vs. ✅All contaminant results show Pass or ND
