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What Is Budder? Cannabis Wax Explained What Is a COA (Certificate of Analysis) on Cannabis?
A COA — Certificate of Analysis — is the lab report that accompanies every legal cannabis product. It’s where the percentages, terpene profiles, and contaminant test results come from. Knowing how to read one makes you a more informed shopper.
Key Details
What’s on a COA
A standard cannabis COA includes cannabinoid potency (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, more), terpene profile (myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, etc., often by percentage), and contaminant testing results (residual solvents, microbials, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals).
Each result is reported with the test method used and the lab’s accreditation number. The COA also lists the batch ID, harvest date, and the cultivator and lab who handled the testing.
How to Read Cannabinoid Sections
The cannabinoid section shows percentages by weight. THC is usually broken into Δ9-THC and THCA. Total THC is calculated as Δ9-THC + (THCA × 0.877). CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, THCV, and other minors are listed similarly.
Add the major and minor cannabinoids together to get TAC (Total Active Cannabinoids). A flower at 25% Total THC + 3% CBG + 1% CBN has roughly 29% TAC.
Reading the Terpene Section
Terpenes are usually listed by percentage. The dominant terpene (often myrcene, limonene, or caryophyllene) usually accounts for 0.3–1.5% of the flower. Total terpene content of premium flower is typically 1.5–3%.
Pay attention to the top three terpenes — they shape the strain’s flavor and effect profile. A high-myrcene flower will feel different from a high-limonene flower at the same THC percentage.
Reading Contaminant Sections
Each contaminant test will say ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail.’ Failures are extremely rare in regulated markets — failed batches don’t reach the shelf. But seeing the actual results (e.g., ‘ Pesticide, heavy metal, and microbial tests are the most consequential. Residual solvent tests matter most for hydrocarbon-extracted concentrates. Many product packages include a QR code that links directly to the COA. Dispensary point-of-sale systems can pull COAs for any batch on hand. Some labs publish all COAs publicly on their websites. Social Dispensary’s nine Colorado stores can pull COAs for any flower, concentrate, or edible currently on the menu. If a specific test result matters to you, ask a budtender — they can usually surface it in seconds. What is a COA? Certificate of Analysis — the lab report for a cannabis batch showing potency, terpenes, and contaminant test results. Are COAs required in Colorado? Yes. Colorado regulations require licensed labs to test every batch and report cannabinoid potency, contaminants, and other safety metrics. How do I find a product’s COA? Look for a QR code on the package, search the lab’s website, or ask a dispensary budtender to pull it from the point-of-sale system. Can I trust the THC percentage on a COA? Generally yes. Colorado labs are licensed and audited. There have been industry concerns about lab variability, but reputable labs produce reliable results. What’s the difference between a COA and a lab test? A lab test is the analysis. A COA is the formal report documenting the test results. Same data, different format. Looking for quality flower, concentrates, edibles, or vape cartridges? Social Dispensary operates licensed retail cannabis stores across Colorado with carefully curated menus and everyday value pricing. Browse our current specials, or visit any of our Denver metro locations for in-person help from our budtenders. Find a Social Dispensary near you. See this week’s deals · Join Be.Social Membership Educational content for adults 21 and over. This article is informational and is not medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Statements about cannabis on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, talk with a licensed healthcare provider before using cannabis. Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming. Keep cannabis products away from children and pets.Where to Find a COA
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