Glossary · Testing
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.
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Related terms, defined
- 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.
- 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