The Expert's Guide to CBD Certifcates of Analysis

CBD products are growing in popularity across the US and Canada. However, there are few ways to hold manufacturers accountable for the make-up of their products. Consumers are often left wondering how potent a product is, or if it includes harmful contaminants.

This is where a CBD certificate of analysis (COA) comes in. Are you wondering about what a COA is and how it's important? Read on for the definitive guide!

What is a CBD Certificate of Analysis?

Think of a COA as you would an ingredients label on any food or medication. It will list the components of the product as well as the amount of each. For CBD products, the certificate will list the number of cannabinoids in the compound.

For credibility purposes, a reputable laboratory should test each product and create a CBD certificate.

Some CBD manufacturers produce their own certificates in-house. In order to maintain objectivity, it's best to have an outside lab test each product.

Most trusted CBD producers have their batches tested and provide certificates for each product. If you can't find a COA for the CBD item you're buying, it might mean that it's low-quality or includes harmful contaminants.

Why is the COA Important When Buying CBD?

The certificate of analysis provides protection for both the consumer and the manufacturer.

The consumer gets the peace of mind of knowing what is in the product they purchase. With news about possible contaminants in CBD consumables, consumers want to be informed before buying. A COA also helps customers understand the potency and strains that work best for them.

With a certificate of analysis, CBD manufacturers can maintain trust with their customers. With so many CBD products on the market - and so many different ways to take CBD - the COA is a vital part of transparency with consumers. The certificate allows better competitiveness for a CBD product.

How is a Certificate of Analysis Made?

Though the testing process is still being developed, labs can provide accurate readings for CBD products. The CBD manufacturer should send some of each batch of product to a lab for testing. The laboratory will go through three steps.

First, the lab will confirm that the potency being claimed is correct. They will then test for any contaminants. Finally, the lab will make sure that the product is stable and maintains its potency over time.

How to Read a COA

The COA may look overwhelming at first glance. With some practice, you can make sense of it.

The first thing listed should be cannabinoids. These are most commonly shown in milligrams per gram or milligrams per milliliter. You can calculate the total amount of CBD in the product by multiplying the milligrams by the total amount of the product.

Next, the COA should prove that there are no microbial contaminants in the product. These might include molds or other bacteria that could be harmful to ingest.

The lab will also test for solvents or heavy metals. Lead, mercury, and arsenic are all poisonous to humans and animals. They should not be present in any product.

Finally, the COA should show any amounts of pesticides present in the oil.

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