How to Read a COA (Lab Report)
A COA — Certificate of Analysis — is the receipt that proves what's actually in your hemp. Once you know the five things to check, you can tell a legit, safe product from a gamble in about ten seconds.
What a COA is
A Certificate of Analysis is a lab report from an independent testing lab that measures a specific batch of product. Reputable brands test every batch and make the COA available — often via a QR code on the package or a link on the product page. If a seller can't show you one, that's your answer.
The five things to check
1. Delta-9 THC under 0.3%
For a product to be legal hemp, total Delta-9 THC must be less than 0.3% by dry weight. Find the Delta-9 (or Δ9-THC) line in the potency table and confirm it's under that limit.
2. Potency matches the label
If the package says "25mg THCa per gummy" or "1000mg CBD," the COA's cannabinoid results should line up. Big gaps between label and lab are a red flag. The potency section lists each cannabinoid (THCa, Delta-9, Delta-8, CBD, CBG, etc.) with a percentage and/or mg amount.
3. Batch / lot number matches
The COA should name a batch or lot number that matches the one on your product. A generic report that isn't tied to your specific batch doesn't actually verify what you're holding.
4. Independent lab + recent date
Look for the name of a third-party (independent) lab, ideally accredited, and a test date that's reasonably recent. Many COAs include a QR code or verification URL so you can confirm it came from the lab itself.
5. Safety panels passed
Beyond potency, a full COA screens for contaminants: pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials (and sometimes mycotoxins). Each should read "Pass" or fall under the action limit. This is the part that keeps what you're inhaling or eating clean.
Where to find ours
Every product at The Lifted Leaf is third-party lab tested, and we keep the COA on hand — many product pages link it directly. If you ever want to see the lab report for something on the shelf, just ask; we'll pull it up.
Lab-tested, every batch
Shop hemp you can verify — COA on every product, budtenders who'll walk you through it. 21+.
Shop the menu →Frequently asked questions
What is a COA?
A third-party lab report confirming a hemp product's cannabinoid potency and that it passed safety testing.
What should I look for?
Delta-9 under 0.3%, potency matching the label, a matching batch/lot, an independent lab with a recent date, and passing contaminant panels.
How do I know it's legit?
It names an accredited third-party lab and the specific batch, is dated recently, and often has a QR/verification link. No lab name or batch match = be wary.