A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the independent lab report that proves what is actually inside a hemp product. Learning to read one is the single most useful skill for buying CBD or THC safely — it is how you separate transparent brands from the rest. Here is exactly what to look for, in plain English.
What is a COA?
A COA is a document from a third-party laboratory that tests a specific batch of product and reports its cannabinoid content and safety screens. Reputable brands publish a COA for every batch. At Nutrition Elements, every product is third-party tested — view our COAs here.
The 6 things to check (in order)
- Potency matches the label. The CBD (and CBN/CBG) milligrams on the COA should match what the package claims — within a small margin.
- Total THC is compliant. For hemp, total THC should be at or under 0.3% by dry weight. If you want zero THC, look for "ND" (non-detected) on a broad-spectrum product — see full vs broad spectrum.
- Batch / lot number matches the code on your product.
- The test date is recent and from the current batch — not a years-old report reused.
- An accredited lab ran it (look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation).
- Contaminant screens pass — pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbials, and mycotoxins should all read "Pass" or below limits.
COA section by section
| Section | What it means | Green flag |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabinoid profile | How much CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, etc. | Matches the label |
| Total THC / Delta-9 | Intoxicating-compound level | ≤ 0.3% (or ND for THC-free) |
| Pesticides | Farm-chemical residue | Pass / not detected |
| Heavy metals | Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury | Pass / below limits |
| Residual solvents | Leftovers from extraction | Pass / below limits |
| Microbials & mycotoxins | Mold, bacteria, toxins | Pass |
Red flags to avoid
- No COA available, or only a screenshot of cannabinoids with no contaminant tests.
- A COA that does not name the lab, or an unaccredited lab.
- Batch numbers that do not match your product, or an old test date.
- Total THC over 0.3% on a product sold as hemp — see is hemp Delta-9 legal? If you are drug tested, also read does CBD show up on a drug test?
New to hemp overall? Start with CBD 101.
Frequently asked questions
What is a COA for CBD?
A Certificate of Analysis is a third-party lab report showing a batch's cannabinoid content and safety screens (pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, microbials).
How do I know a COA is legit?
It should name an accredited lab, list a recent test date, and use a batch number that matches your product.
What should total THC be on a hemp COA?
At or below 0.3% by dry weight. For a THC-free (broad-spectrum) product, look for non-detected (ND).
Where do I find Nutrition Elements COAs?
On our Product COAs page, available for every batch.
About the author: Evan Bosma is the Founder & CEO of Nutrition Elements, a Minnesota-based hemp and wellness brand focused on customer education and product transparency. View third-party lab results (COAs) for every batch →
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is educational and not medical or legal advice.
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