How to Read a COA When Buying Hemp Wholesale

A certificate of analysis (COA) is a lab report that shows what is in a specific batch of a hemp product. For wholesale buyers, it is one of the most useful documents you can ask a supplier for.

What to check on a COA

1. Batch match. The batch or lot number on the report should match the number on the product you are buying.
2. Lab details. Look for the name of an independent lab and whether it is accredited. ISO/IEC 17025 is the common standard. Check the report date too.
3. Cannabinoid potency. The report lists the cannabinoids found, such as THCA, delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC and CBD, usually as a percentage or in milligrams. Compare these numbers with the product label.
4. Contaminant panels. Many reports also test for heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents and microbials. Look for a pass result on each panel.
5. Total THC. Some reports show total THC, which accounts for THCA converting when heated. Your state's rules may depend on these numbers, so confirm what applies where you sell.

Red flags

• No batch or lot number on the report
• A report that is old, or from a lab with no name
• Numbers that do not match the label
• A screenshot or cropped image instead of the full report

Questions to ask any supplier

• Can I see a batch-specific COA for this product?
• Which lab ran the tests, and when?
• Are contaminant panels included, or only potency?
• How do I match a batch number on the label to the report?

Browse wholesale THCA flower, CBD products and gummies, or apply for a wholesale account. Questions about product documentation? Email the AH DIST team at orders@ahdist.com.