How to Read a CBD Product Lab Report (COA)
How to Read a CBD Product Lab Report (COA)
Why COAs matter for CBD products
A COA verifies what the label claims—especially for cannabinoids like CBD and THC—and confirms the product is clean and compliant. In a fast-growing market, COAs build transparency and trust by showing objective, third-party results.
What to check first
Start with the COA header: product name, batch/lot number, producer/brand, lab name, and the analysis date.
This anchors the report to the exact product you’re buying.
Next, look for the cannabinoid profile table. You should see CBD and THC levels plus other cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG, CBN, CBDa, CBGa, and CBNa.
Results are usually shown as milligrams per gram (mg/g) and/or percentage of total weight.
Two useful terms:
LoD (Limit of Detection) – the lowest amount the method can detect at all.
LoQ (Limit of Quantification) – the lowest amount that can be measured with acceptable accuracy.
This is most evident with our isolates and extracts, where purity is the entire product.
Broad-spectrum products
Broad-spectrum CBD oils include a range of cannabinoids and terpenes but are formulated to be THC-free.
The COA should clearly show “Not Detected” (ND) for THC (often THC, THCa, and/or THCv).
Below is a cannabinoid summary example from our 20% CBD oil.
Full-spectrum
Full-spectrum products—like CBD buds and CBD hash—may contain trace amounts of THC within legal limits. In Sweden, products on the market commonly adhere to up to 0.3% THC. On the COA, each cannabinoid should be listed with its concentration (mg/g and/or %) so you can see the full profile at a glance.
Always check the COA footer for the lab technician’s signature and date. This confirms authenticity and that the document is current.
Acid forms in cannabis (and why they appear on COAs)
Cannabis and hemp naturally produce acidic cannabinoids such as CBDa (cannabidiolic acid), CBGa (cannabigerolic acid),
and CBNa (cannabinolic acid). Through heat (“decarboxylation”), these convert to their neutral forms—CBD, CBG, and CBN.
COAs report both acid and neutral forms to give a complete picture before and after decarboxylation.
Values are typically shown in mg/g and/or % of total weight. Including both forms helps you understand potency and ensure the product meets legal requirements.
Use accredited, independent labs
COAs should come from independent, accredited third-party laboratories to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure reliable results.
We frequently work with ISO-certified Pharma Hemp Laboratories.
