Glossary · Testing
COA
A Certificate of Analysis, the lab document showing a cannabis product's cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and screening for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes. A current COA from an accredited lab is the single best proof that a product is potent and safe. Reputable brands make their COAs easy to find.
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Related terms, defined
- Lab testing
- The required process of sending cannabis to an independent lab to verify potency and screen for contaminants before retail sale. Lab testing protects consumers and produces the COA that accompanies a product. Standards vary by state, so reading the actual results matters more than trusting a "lab tested" sticker.
- Potency
- How strong a cannabis product is, usually expressed as total THC or combined cannabinoid percentage. High potency is not the same as high quality — terpene content and balance shape the experience just as much. Chasing the biggest number on the jar often leads to a harsher, less nuanced high.
- Full-spectrum
- An extract that keeps the plant's full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace THC, to harness the entourage effect. Full-spectrum products are favored by those who believe the whole plant works better than isolated compounds. The trade-off is that they may contain enough THC to matter for drug tests.
Related terms