A Certificate of Analysis (COA) isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s what stands between your business and compliance violations, unsafe products, and lost customer trust.
If a product contains illegal THC levels, hidden contaminants, or inaccurate potency claims, you—not just the manufacturer—could be held responsible.
Regulators can seize products and issue fines. Customers may lose trust if they receive mislabeled or unsafe products and your business could be put at risk due to compliance violations. That’s why understanding how to read and verify COAs is critical for retailers.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about COAs, including:
- How to read COAs like a pro – Spot red flags and avoid misleading lab reports
- Why full-panel testing matters – Potency alone doesn’t equal safety
- Where to source verified, tested products – Without the guesswork
- How Kush.com Certified products help you stay compliant
With expert insights from Ryan Bellone, CCO of KCA Labs, you’ll learn how to protect your store, build consumer trust, and confidently navigate compliance in 2025.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and What’s Inside?
A COA is a lab report that verifies the potency, purity, and safety of a cannabis product. It confirms what’s actually in the product—not just what the label claims.
But not all COAs are created equal. Some only test for potency, while others offer full-panel testing for contaminants, ensuring safety and compliance.
Key Sections of a COA Retailers Need to Know
A legitimate COA will typically include these core sections:
1. Cannabinoid Potency
- Confirms the THC and CBD content in the product.
- Ensures compliance with legal THC limits (e.g., under 0.3% Delta-9 THC for hemp-derived products).
- Any misreported potency could lead to failed compliance checks or misled consumers.
2. Contaminant Testing (Full-Panel COA)
- Pesticides: Ensures harmful chemicals aren’t used in cultivation.
- Heavy Metals: Tests for dangerous substances like lead, arsenic, and mercury.
- Residual Solvents: Detects leftover chemicals from extraction processes.
- Microbials & Mycotoxins: Screens for mold, bacteria, and toxins that could make consumers sick.
3. Terpene Profile (Optional, But Valuable)
- Identifies the flavor and aroma compounds that enhance product effects.
- Some retailers use terpene data to help customers choose between different product experiences (e.g., relaxation vs. energy).
4. Lab Accreditation & Test Date
- Look for labs that are ISO 17025 accredited (like KCA Labs), which ensures accurate and standardized testing methods.
- Check that the test date is recent—outdated COAs might not reflect the current batch.
Why Retailers Need to Double-Check COAs
Retailers shouldn’t just accept any COA handed to them by a manufacturer or distributor. Bad actors exist in the industry, and some labs provide “favorable” results that don’t accurately reflect what’s in the product.
According to Bellone, relying solely on manufacturer-provided COAs can be risky.
“A lot of manufacturers want to give you their certificate of analysis… but it’s always good to double-check and do your own test. For 50 to 100 bucks, you can rest assured that you know what you’re buying and selling.”
That’s why KCA Labs emphasizes buyer-driven testing—meaning retailers should verify COAs with trusted labs before stocking new products.
Why COAs Matter for Cannabis Retailers
For cannabis retailers, a COA is more than just a piece of paper—it’s the difference between a compliant, trustworthy product and a costly mistake. Stocking unverified cannabis products can put retailers at risk of fines, product seizures, or even legal action, especially as regulators increase scrutiny.
Why COAs Are Essential for Retailers
- Ensures Legal Compliance – Many states have strict potency limits for Delta-8, Delta-9, and other cannabinoids. A COA verifies that a product stays within legal THC thresholds and meets state-specific regulations.
- Protects Your Business From Liability – Stocking untested products means taking on unnecessary risk. If a mislabeled or contaminated product causes harm, retailers could be held responsible.
- Builds Consumer Trust – Educated cannabis consumers want transparency. COAs prove that the products on your shelves are safe, accurately labeled, and free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvents.
How to Get Reliable COAs for Your Products
Many brands provide COAs, but not all testing labs are equal. Some manufacturers use COAs as marketing tools, showing only the results they want retailers to see. That’s why cannabis retailers need to take an active role in verifying product quality.
Here’s how to ensure you’re stocking lab-tested, compliant cannabis products:
- Source from Verified Sellers – Not all products on the market undergo proper testing. Kush.com Certified products are vetted for compliance and come with transparent COAs from trusted labs like KCA Labs.
- Request Full-Panel COAs – A full-panel COA includes not just potency but also contaminant screening for pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and solvents.
- Use Independent Testing for High-Risk Products – Some manufacturers provide COAs that may look legitimate but lack key details. As Bellone explains: “A COA isn’t just paperwork—it’s what protects your customers and keeps your store in business. Retailers should double-check COAs for missing data, outdated lab results, or inconsistencies—especially when dealing with Delta-8 and Delta-9 products.”
Want a shortcut? Shop verified, lab-tested products on Kush.com.
How to Read and Verify a COA
To protect your business and customers, follow these steps when reviewing a COA:
Step 1: Verify the Testing Lab
Not all labs maintain the same testing standards. Some are more rigorous, while others might provide “friendly” results to boost product appeal.
- Check for ISO 17025 Accreditation – This international standard ensures high-quality, reliable testing procedures.
- Look for DEA Registration – This means the lab is federally authorized to handle and test controlled substances.
- Compare Lab Reputation – Look for labs that have built credibility through accurate, third-party testing.
🚩 Red Flag: A COA from a non-accredited or unknown lab should be a major warning sign.
Step 2: Confirm Product Details & Batch Number
A legitimate COA should clearly state the following:
- Product name
- Batch or lot number
- Date of testing
Why this matters:
Retailers should always match the batch number on the COA to the product they’re buying. COAs from different batches aren’t interchangeable, and using the wrong COA can create compliance risks.
🚩 Red Flag: If a COA doesn’t include a batch number or date, it may not be valid for your product.
Step 3: Review the Cannabinoid Potency Results
Potency testing confirms that the product matches its label. Key cannabinoids to check:
- Δ9-THC (Delta-9 THC): Must be ≤0.3% by dry weight for compliance.
- Δ8-THC (Delta-8 THC): Must be accurately measured to avoid mislabeling.
- CBD & Minor Cannabinoids: Ensure consistency across batches.
Retailers should ask:
- Does the THC content match the legal limit?
- Are the CBD and minor cannabinoids accurate?
🚩 Red Flag: If a COA doesn’t include full cannabinoid percentages or has suspiciously rounded numbers, question its accuracy.
Step 4: Check for Contaminant Testing
A full-panel COA should screen for harmful substances:
- Pesticides – Chemicals that may remain from cultivation.
- Heavy Metals – Lead, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium can accumulate in plants.
- Residual Solvents – Leftover chemicals from extraction processes.
- Microbials & Mycotoxins – Bacteria, mold, and other toxins that pose health risks.
“A potency-only COA doesn’t tell you if a product is safe,” explains Bellone. “Retailers should always check for full-panel results before stocking new products.”
🚩 Red Flag: If a COA only includes potency results but doesn’t test for contaminants, it’s not a complete safety check.
Step 5: Ensure the COA Is Recent & Unaltered
COAs shouldn’t be outdated—most reputable brands test each new batch and update COAs regularly.
- Check the COA Date – Should be within the past 6-12 months.
- Look for Digital COAs – Some brands provide QR codes linking to lab results.
- Compare to Other COAs – If a supplier’s COA looks different from the same lab’s standard format, it may have been altered.
🚩 Red Flag: If a COA looks edited, has missing data, or is over a year old, request an updated version or reconsider the supplier.
Save time & reduce risk: Join Kush.com’s Membership program to get compliance updates, exclusive discounts, and direct access to lab-tested brands.
What’s Next for COAs in Cannabis?
Here’s what’s changing in COA standards and what cannabis retailers should prepare for in the near future.
Tighter Regulations & More Scrutiny on Testing Labs
State and federal agencies are cracking down on inaccurate COAs, particularly in hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 and Delta-9. Many regulators are implementing stricter testing guidelines to ensure consumer safety and prevent misleading potency claims.
According to Bellone, the industry is shifting toward more standardized lab testing and greater transparency:
“Retailers should expect more scrutiny on COAs moving forward. We’re seeing regulators demand full-panel testing, requiring brands to prove not just potency, but also safety. This is a positive shift—high-quality, properly tested products will stand out in the market.”
What This Means for Retailers:
- Expect more enforcement on COA accuracy, especially for hemp-derived products.
- Full-panel COAs may become mandatory, rather than optional.
- More third-party verification programs (like Kush.com Certified) will be necessary to build trust.
The Push for Digital & Blockchain-Verified COAs
One of the biggest changes coming to COAs is digital verification technology. Some companies are exploring blockchain-based COAs, which prevent data tampering and ensure that test results remain authentic and unaltered.
How This Benefits Retailers:
- Digital COAs make product verification easier and help businesses avoid fake or altered lab reports.
- QR codes linking to live COA databases will likely become an industry standard.
- Automated compliance tools may help retailers quickly check THC limits and contaminant levels.
Retailers who adopt technology-backed COAs will be ahead of the curve, providing customers with instant access to lab results and ensuring compliance without added risk.
How Retailers Can Stay Ahead of Evolving COA Standards
Here’s how to future-proof your business:
1. Source Products from Verified Suppliers:
Retailers should only work with brands that provide legitimate, full-panel COAs. At Kush.com, we make this easy by offering a certified selection of lab-tested cannabis products that meet the highest industry standards.
2. Join Kush.com’s Membership Program for Exclusive Access:
Want insider access to compliance updates, exclusive deals, and verified products? Join Kush.com’s membership program to get:
- Early access to new cannabis regulations and COA updates
- Exclusive discounts on top lab-tested brands
- Educational resources and expert insights on compliance
3. Watch the Full Episode of High Profit with Ryan Bellone for More Information
For a deeper dive, check out our High Profit episode with Ryan Bellone, where we break down COAs, testing standards, and what retailers must know.
Tyana Daley
