UNDERSTANDING LAB REPORTS
How to read a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and what it tells you about your hemp products.
What Is a Lab Report (COA)?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document from an independent laboratory that verifies what's actually in a hemp product. It's the difference between trusting a label and verifying it. Every reputable hemp company should provide COAs for every batch they produce.
What Lab Reports Test For
CANNABINOID POTENCY
How much CBD, CBG, CBN, THC, and other cannabinoids are in the product. This confirms the label is accurate and you're getting what you paid for.
CONTAMINANTS
Tests for pesticides, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium), and residual solvents from extraction. Critical for safety.
MICROBIALS
Checks for mold, yeast, and bacteria. Important for product safety, especially in edibles like gummies.
TERPENE PROFILE
Identifies which terpenes are present and in what amounts. Relevant for full-spectrum products where the complete plant profile matters.
How to Read a COA (Step by Step)
Check the Batch Number
The batch number on the COA should match the batch number on your product. If it doesn't, the COA isn't for your specific product.
Look at Cannabinoid Results
Find the cannabinoid section. CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids are listed with their concentrations. Compare these to what the label claims.
Check THC Compliance
For hemp products, total THC should be under 0.3% by dry weight. This keeps the product federally compliant under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Review Contaminant Testing
Look for "Pass" or "ND" (Not Detected) on pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. Any "Fail" is a red flag β don't use that product.
Verify the Lab
The lab should be ISO-accredited and independent from the brand selling the product. In-house testing doesn't count.
Red Flags to Watch For
No COA available at all β Serious red flag. Walk away.
COA is for different batch β Not your product.
Potency doesn't match label β You're not getting what you paid for.
Missing contaminant testing β Safety not verified.
In-house lab (not independent) β Conflict of interest.
Outdated COA (over 12 months) β May not reflect current batches.
View Our Lab Reports
Every Steve's Goods batch is third-party tested. We publish results for every product. See for yourself.
View Lab Reports