How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)

CBD, THCa, Delta 8, Delta 9, THC-P, THCv, CBG, CBN & CBC Lab Tests Explained

When it comes to buying hemp products—whether it's CBD oil, THCa flower, or Delta 8 and Delta 9 edibles—you'll often see something called a COA, or Certificate of Analysis. It's usually linked on the product page, mentioned in product descriptions, or printed as a QR code on the label.

But what is a COA? And how do you read one?

Let's keep this simple. A COA is a third-party lab report. It confirms the potency, purity, and compliance of your hemp product. It's the proof behind the promises—especially when it comes to CBD, THCa, Delta 8 THC, and Delta 9 THC, as well as rising cannabinoids like THC-P, THCv, CBG, CBN, and CBC.

Not every COA looks the same. Some are highly detailed, some are more streamlined—and that's okay. This post is here to help you understand what you're looking at, without pushing strict rules or assuming all tests are created equal.

Why COAs Matter in the Hemp Industry

The hemp market is regulated… kind of. Brands operating legally must keep Delta 9 THC under 0.3% by dry weight, but beyond that, lab testing standards vary widely. That's where Certificates of Analysis come in—they're helpful and essential.

A proper COA gives you a transparent look at three core things:

• Potency – How much is CBD, THCa, Delta 8, Delta 9, etc., in the product?

• Purity – Are there any contaminants like pesticides, mold, or heavy metals?

• Compliance – Is the product under the legal limit for Delta 9 THC?

Even if you're not looking at every little number, knowing the basics of a COA helps you make informed decisions—especially when buying THCa or Delta 8 flower, which often toe the line on legality and potency.

Where Do You Find a COA?

Trusted brands post COAs in plain sight. You might find it:

• On the product page

• Inside the packaging

• Linked through a QR code

• On a "Lab Results" or "Testing" section of the site

Hempire Innovations provides batch-specific COAs for all our THCa, CBD, Delta 8, and Delta 9 products—some more detailed than others, depending on the lab and product type. What matters most is that the COA is real, third-party verified, and aligned with the product you're holding.

How to Read a COA: What to Look For

Let's break down the key parts of a COA so you can scan it quickly and confidently.

1. Product + Batch Info

Signs of confirmation that the COA belongs to the product in your hand. Look for:

• Product name

• Batch number

• Date of testing

• Lab name and contact info

With upcoming regulations, manufacturers of hemp products may have to provide COAs per batch. Once the regulations are live, if your product's batch number doesn't match the batch on the COA, it's not the right report.

2. Cannabinoid Potency Profile

This section tells you what cannabinoids are present and how much each is in the product. You'll see results in mg/g or as percentages. Here's what they mean:

• CBD (Cannabidiol): Popular for calm, clarity, and recovery; non-intoxicating.

• THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): Converts to THC when heated. Raw form is non-psychoactive.

• Delta 8 THC: Mildly psychoactive, smoother than Delta 9, legally derived from hemp.

• Delta 9 THC: The classic intoxicating cannabinoid; must stay under 0.3% by dry weight in hemp products.

• THC-P (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol): Highly potent; found in small amounts.

• THCv (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): Research is being done to identify potential energy and focus benefits.

• CBG, CBN, CBC: Minor cannabinoids potentially affecting mood, rest, and inflammation.

⚠️ HHC is sometimes present, but not emphasized in our product line or testing priorities. If it’s tested, it’ll be listed in the profile.

3. Total THC vs Delta 9 THC

This part trips people up, especially with THCa flower.

• Delta 9 THC: This is the legally restricted form of THC. Must be ≤ 0.3% by dry weight in any hemp product.

• Total THC: Includes Delta 9 plus potential THC from THCa after heating (decarboxylation).

So if you're buying a THCa flower that shows:

• 0.2% Delta 9 THC

• 21% THCa

It's legally compliant under the Farm Bill, but once you smoke it, that THCa converts to Delta 9—and you'll feel it. The COA helps you know that upfront.

4. Heavy Metal Screening (If Included)

This section shows if the product was tested for toxic metals like:

• Lead

• Arsenic

• Mercury

• Cadmium

If tested, you'll see a pass/fail table. No test doesn't automatically mean the product is unsafe, but heavy metal testing is always a plus if it's flower or concentrate.

5. Pesticide Screening (When Provided)

If this test is included, it will show whether residual pesticides were detected. Common ones include:

• Myclobutanil

• Chlorpyrifos

• Bifenazate

Some products—especially organically grown flower—may skip this section depending on lab availability or costs. That's okay, but worth being aware of.

6. Residual Solvents (For Extracts, Oils, Vapes)

These test results are most relevant for:

• Vapes

• Tinctures

• Edibles

• Cartridges

Solvents like butane or ethanol are sometimes used in extraction. The COA shows if they were properly removed. Again, you want a "Pass" result or "Not Detected."

7. Microbial Testing (If Applicable)

Covers potential contaminants like:

• Mold

• Yeast

• E. coli

• Salmonella

Relevant for flower, gummies, or anything you eat or inhale. If this section is included, look for "Pass" or "ND" (Not Detected).

8. Terpene Profile (Bonus, Not Required)

Some COAs include a terpene breakdown, which explains the smell, taste, and experience.

Examples:

• Myrcene – Relaxing

• Limonene – Uplifting

• Caryophyllene – Grounding

While not required, terpene results show extra care from a brand and can help you pick the experience you're looking for.

Standard COA Terms to Know

• ND: Not Detected (the amount was too low to register)

• LOQ: Limit of Quantification (lowest measurable amount)

• LOD: Limit of Detection (lowest detectable presence)

If you see "Delta 9 THC: ND (LOQ: 0.005%)", that means it's there below the lab's measurable threshold—essentially compliant for hemp.

What If a COA Is Missing Something?

Not every product will have a massive 8-page lab report, which doesn't necessarily mean something's wrong. At Hempire Innovations, some products come with full-spectrum COAs, and others have just potency results. Both are valid.

What matters is:

• The COA matches the product (check the batch number)

• The lab is third-party, not in-house

• You can see what was tested—and what wasn't

We believe in educating, not pressuring. If something isn't on the COA, ask our team. We're happy to explain what's been tested, why, and what it means for your experience.

Final Thoughts: Use COAs as a Tool, Not a Rulebook

A COA isn't about policing what you buy—it's about helping you feel informed. You don't need to obsess over every line item, but understanding a few basics can go a long way in choosing products that align with your needs.

At Hempire Innovations, we provide COAs because we care about what goes in your body and know not everyone wants to guess what they're consuming.

Whether you're buying THCa flower, Delta 8 carts, CBD tinctures, or exploring THCv, CBG, or CBN, take a look at the COA. Use it to guide your curiosity, not as a rigid checklist.

Real wellness isn't about rules but transparency, choice, and confidence.