You may have seen the letters "COA" on products before and wondered what they meant. A COA is a Certificate of Analysis, and it's an important piece of documentation that every CBD and cannabis grower and producer needs. But what is a COA, and how does having one protect consumers? Read on to find out.
What is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that shows the results of tests performed on a product. These tests can include tests for THC and CBD levels, pesticide residue, heavy metals, solvents, microbes, and more. A COA should be conducted by an independent, third-party laboratory.
Why are COAs Important?
COAs are important because they provide consumers with peace of mind that the product they're buying is safe and contains the advertised amount of CBD or THC. Products that don't have a COA may not be safe, and they may not contain the amount of CBD or THC that's advertised on the label. In other words, without a COA, you really don't know what you're getting.
How Do COAs Protect Consumers?
COAs protect consumers by holding producers accountable. If a producer doesn't include a COA with their product, it's a red flag that they might be trying to cut corners somewhere—whether that's in the quality of their product or in the safety of their growing and production methods.
In contrast, when producers include COAs with their products, it shows that they're confident in the safety and quality of their products and that they're willing to provide transparency about what's in their products. This transparency builds trust between producers and consumers. Absolute Aid is one company that seeks to be completely transparent with their customers. Check out this page:
When you purchase CBD, look for the COA
If you see the letters "COA" on a product, it means that the product has undergone testing by an independent, third-party laboratory to ensure its safety and quality. Having a COA is important because it protects consumers by holding producers accountable for the safety and quality of their products. When shopping for CBD or cannabis products, always look for a COA to ensure you're getting a high-quality product.