A certificate of analysis, or COA, is a lab report tied to a tested sample. It is one of the best tools a shopper has for checking what a package or product description is claiming.
1. Confirm the product or batch
Start with the sample name, batch or lot identifier, and any product description. A COA is most useful when you can connect it to the product in your hand.
2. Check the lab and dates
Look for the testing laboratory, sample received date, test date or report date, and report identifier. Older reports can still be useful historically, but current batches should ideally be supported by current testing.
3. Read the cannabinoid table carefully
Labs can report cannabinoids in percentages, milligrams per gram, milligrams per unit, or other formats depending on the sample. Always check the units before comparing two numbers.
4. Do not confuse THCA with delta-9 THC
These are separate lines on a typical cannabinoid panel. A report may also show a calculated “total THC” value. Read the column labels rather than relying on one bold number.
5. Look beyond potency when the panel includes more
Depending on the product and testing scope, a report can include additional analytes such as minor cannabinoids or safety testing. The exact panel varies by laboratory and testing request.
6. Match the report to the package
A beautiful COA is not useful if it belongs to a different product or an unrelated batch. Product identity is part of transparency.
PCC keeps customer-facing reports in a searchable library so you can find them without digging through a shared drive.
