A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is one of the most useful tools for understanding a cannabinoid product. It can show which cannabinoids were measured, how much of each compound was detected, and whether the sample was screened for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, mycotoxins, or microbials.
But a COA is only useful if you know how to read it. Terms like mg/g, LOD, LOQ, ND, and Pass can look technical, and not every lab report includes the same tests.
This guide explains how to read a cannabinoid COA step by step, what common test sections mean, and what to check before relying on a lab report. You can also view the current Owls Oil lab results and COAs.
What Is a Certificate of Analysis?
A Certificate of Analysis is a laboratory report for a tested sample. In the cannabinoid market, a COA may include potency testing, terpene analysis, and contaminant screening.
A COA does not automatically prove that a product is legal, safe for every person, or identical to every other batch sold under the same product name. It tells you what the laboratory measured in the submitted sample and how those results compare with the lab's reporting limits or applicable thresholds.
That distinction matters. A good COA is evidence. It is not a substitute for product-specific legal requirements, responsible use, or matching the report to the exact batch you are buying.
Why COAs Matter for THCA, Vapes, Gummies & Other Cannabinoid Products
Clear lab data can help customers verify whether the numbers on a product page are supported by testing. This is especially useful when comparing THCA vapes, gummies, terpene products, and other cannabinoid formulations.
A useful COA can help answer questions such as:
- Which cannabinoids were detected?
- How much THCA, Delta-9 THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids were measured?
- Does the result match the product or batch being sold?
- Were pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, mycotoxins, or microbials tested?
- Did the sample pass the laboratory's stated contaminant limits?
- When was the sample tested?
If you are specifically reading a THCA report, see our more focused THCA COA guide as well.
What Should You Check First on a COA?
Before looking at potency numbers, confirm that the report actually belongs to the product you are considering.
Product or sample name
The product name on the COA should match the product page, packaging, or clearly identified formulation.
Batch or lot number
If a batch number is provided on the product, compare it with the batch or lot information on the lab report.
Test date
Check when the sample was received, tested, and reported. Very old results may not represent a newer batch.
Laboratory information
The report should identify the laboratory that performed the testing. Professional reports normally include laboratory contact information, report identifiers, methods, signatures or approvals, and sample details.
Report status
Look for signs that the document is final rather than a draft, preview, or incomplete report.
Common Tests Found on a Cannabinoid COA
Not every COA is a “full-panel” report. Some documents contain only potency testing, while others add contaminant and terpene analysis. Always check which panels were actually performed.
Cannabinoid Profile or Potency
The potency section shows the cannabinoids the laboratory tested for and the measured amount of each one. Depending on the product and lab, you may see THCA, Delta-9 THC, CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBN, or other cannabinoids.
For THCA products, pay particular attention to the difference between THCA and Delta-9 THC. They are related but chemically distinct. Heating THCA can convert it into THC through decarboxylation.
Our What Is THCA? guide explains that relationship in more detail.
Terpene Profile
A terpene panel measures aromatic compounds such as myrcene, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, linalool, and others. These numbers are useful for understanding aroma and flavour profile.
Do not treat a terpene percentage as a guaranteed effect. Terpenes are helpful for comparing flavour and aroma, but the experience of a cannabinoid product depends on the full formulation and the individual using it.
For more context, read our guide to THCA terpenes and flavour profiles.
Heavy Metals
Heavy-metal panels commonly look for contaminants such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Cannabis and hemp plants can absorb elements from soil, which is why this type of screening matters for plant-derived products.
Pesticides
Pesticide panels test for selected agricultural chemicals. The exact list of analytes can vary by laboratory, jurisdiction, and test package, so “pesticide tested” does not necessarily mean every possible pesticide was included.
Residual Solvents
Some extraction methods use solvents. Residual-solvent testing looks for selected compounds that could remain after processing. This panel is especially relevant to extracted or refined cannabinoid products.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are compounds produced by certain fungi. A mycotoxin panel checks for specific toxins included in the laboratory's method.
Microbials
Microbial testing may look for bacteria, yeast, mould, or specific pathogens. The exact organisms tested will depend on the laboratory method and product category.
How to Read Potency: mg/g, mg/mL & Percentage
Potency results are commonly shown as a percentage or as a concentration such as milligrams per gram.
mg/g
mg/g means milligrams of a compound per gram of product. For example, 10 mg/g means the laboratory measured 10 milligrams of that compound in each gram of tested material.
A useful conversion is:
10 mg/g = 1% by weight
So 500 mg/g is approximately 50% by weight, assuming the result is being reported on the same mass basis.
mg/mL
mg/mL means milligrams per millilitre and is commonly used for liquid formulations. Do not directly convert mg/mL to a weight percentage unless you also know the relevant density and reporting basis.
Percentage (%)
A percentage expresses the measured concentration as a proportion of the sample. Always check whether the report specifies a weight basis, dry-weight basis, or another calculation method.
LOD, LOQ, ND & Pass: What the Lab Terms Mean
LOD — Limit of Detection
The Limit of Detection is the lowest level at which the laboratory method can reliably detect that a compound may be present.
LOQ — Limit of Quantitation
The Limit of Quantitation is the lowest level at which the laboratory can measure the amount with acceptable confidence under that method.
ND — Not Detected
ND usually means the compound was not detected above the laboratory's stated detection limit. It should not automatically be interpreted as “absolute zero.”
Pass
A Pass result usually means the measured result met the limit or action level used for that test. Check the report itself to see which threshold or standard the laboratory applied.
PPM & PPB
ppm means parts per million, while ppb means parts per billion. These units are commonly used when laboratories report very small concentrations of contaminants.
- 1 ppm = one part in one million.
- 1 ppb = one part in one billion.
Does a COA Prove a Product Is Legal?
No. A COA can document measured cannabinoid content, but legality depends on the laws that apply to the specific product, jurisdiction, product category, use, sale, and import or export situation.
This is especially important in Europe. The widely quoted 0.3% THC figure is associated with specific EU hemp cultivation and import rules; it should not be treated as a universal retail-product legality rule for every cannabinoid item sold in every EU country.
For country-specific context, read our THCA in Europe guide and our THCA laws and safety guide for Ireland.
How to Spot COA Red Flags
A lab report deserves a closer look if you notice any of these issues:
- the product or batch cannot be matched to the report,
- the lab name or report number is missing,
- the report is very old compared with the product batch,
- only potency is shown even though the brand claims “full-panel tested,”
- the product page claims a cannabinoid level that does not match the COA,
- the report image is cropped so key details are missing,
- “ND” is marketed as proof of absolute zero contamination,
- the brand claims the COA itself proves legality.
Historical Example: Reading an Older Owls Oil COA
The images below come from an older Platinum Owl HHC vape-cartridge report. HHC is no longer the focus of the current Owls Oil range, but the document remains useful for learning how COA sections are laid out. For current products, always use the latest lab-results page.
Cannabinoid potency example
This section shows the cannabinoids included in the potency panel and the measured concentration for each one. When reading a current report, compare these values with the product page and batch information rather than focusing only on the largest number.
Terpene-testing example
A terpene panel lists the individual aromatic compounds detected and their measured concentrations. Use this section to understand flavour and aroma rather than treating it as a guaranteed effects chart.
Full-panel summary example
A full-panel report may include a summary showing whether individual contaminant panels passed the laboratory's stated criteria. Always check the detailed pages as well, especially if you want to know the exact analytes, limits, and measured values.
Pesticide-testing example
Pesticide pages usually list each compound tested, the reporting limit, the measured result, and the pass/fail status. Remember that “ND” means not detected above the method's reporting limit—not proof that the concentration is mathematically zero.
How to Check an Owls Oil COA
- Open the Owls Oil Lab Results page.
- Find the product or batch that matches what you are considering.
- Check the cannabinoid profile.
- Review any available contaminant panels.
- Compare the report date and product information.
- If anything is unclear, contact the brand before purchasing.
For THCA-specific interpretation, continue with Understanding a THCA COA or Understanding THCA Lab Test Results.
FAQs About Certificates of Analysis
What does COA stand for?
COA stands for Certificate of Analysis. In the cannabinoid market, it usually refers to a laboratory report showing the tests performed on a submitted sample.
Does every COA include contaminant testing?
No. Some COAs contain only cannabinoid potency. A full-panel report may include pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, mycotoxins, microbials, or other panels, but you should confirm which tests were actually performed.
What does ND mean on a COA?
ND usually means “Not Detected” above the laboratory method's stated detection or reporting limit. It does not necessarily mean the substance is present at absolute zero.
What is the difference between LOD and LOQ?
LOD is the lowest level at which the method can detect that a compound may be present. LOQ is the lowest level at which the method can reliably quantify how much is present.
Does a passing COA mean a product is legal?
No. A passing laboratory result and legal status are separate questions. A COA provides analytical data; legal status depends on the applicable laws for the specific product and jurisdiction.
How do I know whether a COA matches my product?
Compare the product name, batch or lot number, sample identifier, test date, and any QR code or report reference with the product packaging and product page.
Final Thoughts
A COA should make a cannabinoid product easier to understand, not more confusing. Start by matching the report to the product, then work through potency, contaminants, reporting limits, and pass/fail criteria one section at a time.
The most important habit is simple: do not rely on one headline number. Read the full report, understand what was actually tested, and use current batch-specific data whenever possible.
View the latest Owls Oil lab results or continue with our THCA-specific COA guide.