- COAs Ensure Product Safety: A Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifies that cannabis products are tested for potency and contaminants, ensuring safety for consumers.
- Full-Panel COAs are Critical: Retailers should demand full-panel COAs, which test for more than just cannabinoids—checking for pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
- Third-Party Testing Provides Trust: Using third-party labs for COAs ensures unbiased and reliable results, giving retailers confidence in the quality of their products.
For new cannabis retailers, entering the industry can feel like navigating a maze of regulations and quality standards. In such a competitive market, establishing trust with customers is essential, and nothing builds that trust better than a solid Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA isn’t just a formality—it’s the backbone of transparency, offering proof that the products on your shelves are safe, compliant, and exactly what they claim to be.
In episode #2 in High Profit season 1, host John Lynch and Ryan Bellone, Chief Commercial Officer of KCA Labs, dive deep into why COAs are critical for retailers. Bellone brings years of experience and insight into the importance of having reliable, third-party lab results to guide purchasing decisions and protect both businesses and consumers. As you explore the cannabis space, understanding COAs can be your first step toward long-term success.
What is a COA and Why Does It Matter?
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is a document that provides detailed information about the contents of a cannabis product, including its cannabinoid profile, potency, and whether it contains any contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals. Simply put, it’s the laboratory test results for a cannabis product, and it acts as a guarantee of what’s actually inside the product you’re selling.
Bellone emphasized that COAs are essential for cannabis retailers to ensure the products they offer are not only effective but also safe. “I like to call KCA a buyer’s laboratory,” Bellone said, “When a buyer needs to know exactly what the product is, they should send it to KCA Labs to ensure that it is what they intend to buy.”
For new cannabis retailers, this is especially important. Many are entering the market with little experience in product testing, and relying on trusted labs like KCA ensures they sell products that meet industry standards. Without accurate COAs, retailers risk selling products that may contain dangerous contaminants or inaccurate cannabinoid levels, which could harm consumers and lead to legal issues.
Why Accurate COAs Are Crucial for Retailers
The importance of accurate COA extends beyond just knowing the THC or CBD content in a product. Bellone discussed how, particularly with Delta-8 THC products, the testing process becomes even more critical. “The Delta-8 and Delta-9 mixture can get you into a lot of trouble,” he explained, referencing how some products may misreport their THC content due to outdated or less precise testing methods.
If a product’s Delta-9 THC level exceeds 0.3%, it is no longer classified as hemp under federal law and is considered a marijuana product, subject to stricter regulations. This is where Bellone stressed the importance of using advanced testing methods like Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Without these high-level testing techniques, retailers could unknowingly sell mislabeled products, leading to potential fines or even the loss of their business licenses.
“Retailers should be very selective as to who they buy from,” Bellone said. He advised retailers always to request a COA when purchasing products and to verify the results through trusted, third-party labs. This diligence protects both the retailer and the consumer, ensuring that products meet safety standards and comply with legal requirements.
How to Build Consumer Trust with COAs
In a competitive industry like cannabis, trust is everything. Customers need to know that their products are safe and effective. Retailers who can confidently display COAs for their products are much more likely to build a loyal customer base. These documents provide transparency, showing exactly what’s in each product and giving customers peace of mind.
“One of the biggest concerns in the industry right now is the presence of harmful contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides,” Bellone noted. Without proper testing, these contaminants can become products, especially hemp-derived ones. A full-panel COA, which tests for these contaminants in addition to cannabinoid potency, is a key indicator of a product’s safety and quality.
Retailers who invest in obtaining and displaying accurate COAs protect themselves from legal risks and demonstrate a commitment to quality that will set them apart in the marketplace. In the long run, this transparency helps build stronger, more trusting consumer relationships.
How COA’s Help Mitigate Legal Risks
For cannabis retailers, staying compliant with regulations is a top priority. Without accurate COAs, the risk of unknowingly selling non-compliant products increases. Bellone discussed the legal challenges retailers may face if they don’t properly test their products. “A Delta-8 vape that contains too much Delta-9 THC could easily get someone in trouble,” he warned, referencing the importance of knowing exactly what’s in a product before it hits the shelves.
Retailers selling mislabeled products could face serious legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and, in extreme cases, losing their business license. Retailers can significantly reduce these risks by working with trusted labs like KCA and ensuring every product has an up-to-date, accurate COA.
Takeaways for New Cannabis Retailers
For retailers entering the cannabis space, understanding and utilizing COAs is a non-negotiable part of running a successful business. Not only do they protect you from legal risks, but they also help build consumer trust and ensure product quality. By partnering with reputable labs and ensuring that every product on your shelves comes with a full-panel COA, you can navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry with confidence.
“Quality is crucial, and you want to work with trusted partners like KCA Labs,” Bellone concluded. In a constantly evolving industry, staying ahead by prioritizing transparency and safety will ensure long-term success.
To explore this critical topic more deeply, watch the full episode of High Profit with John Lynch and Ryan Bellone. Also, make sure to check out Part 2 of this blog series, where we explore the complexities of Delta-8 and Delta-9 testing and why it matters for your business.