The ability of CBD products to relieve the symptoms of various ailments and the wealth of health benefits it offers have led to a massive increase in this cannabinoid’s popularity.
As CBD becomes more mainstream, a plethora of CBD brands have become available.
Although more suppliers mean more access to this wonder substance, it can be challenging for customers to ascertain the quality of the products available.
Unfortunately, there is a significant problem with mislabeled goods on the market, and it is vital for customers to do their due diligence when purchasing their CBD.
The Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a helpful tool; intended to provide transparency and specifics about the cannabinoid profiles within the product as well as other important information.
An important fact to keep in mind is that not all organizations provide them—this is significant.
The fact that a brand goes through the expense and trouble of obtaining a CoA completed on its CBD (and other) products—and makes it available to the public—is an essential piece of information.
It reveals a great deal about the company’s integrity and commitment to maintaining transparency about its products.
What exactly is a CoA?
A CoA is a report from a certified laboratory that specifies the chemical analysis of a substance, such as a CBD product. Typically, every batch of CBD products is tested independently, and a CoA is issued for each run.
Nearly all CBD certificates of analysis are conducted through a third-party lab. Several authorized laboratories offer CBD testing services, making it easier for producers to provide customers with an unbiased CBD analysis.
Why is a CoA necessary?
Third-party testing—and the CoAs produced safeguards on several levels—they can confirm that you are purchasing what you believe you are buying and that there are no additional components of the product that could harm you.
These CoAs also demonstrate the company’s commitment to accuracy in labeling their products and a level of concern for the consumer to ensure the product is as pure as possible.
It goes without saying that the type of businesses that go through the process of obtaining third-party testing and CoAs are generally reputable brands.
The goal of a certificate of analysis is to inform the customer about what is contained in the product and, as necessary, what is not included.
CBD CoA red flags
You can learn a lot from a CoA, both good and bad. The results of a CBD oil certificate analysis can raise questions about the manufacturer’s quality. Here are three indicators that CBD products are not up to standard.
Here are three indicators that CBD products are not up to standard:
1. Too Much THC
If the amount of THC in a product exceeds.3% by weight, this creates a problem for items not labeled as containing THC, particularly in places where THC is prohibited. THC percentages in high-quality CBD products are much below the legal limit.
Additionally, a reputable producer assures that the CBD concentrations are accurate. CBD products are costly, and a certificate of analysis is a simple way to ensure you’re receiving what you paid for.
2. Missing cannabinoids in “full-spectrum” products
One of the benefits of full-spectrum CBD oils is that they contain all of the other cannabinoids found alongside the CBD compound.
If you’re expecting a full-spectrum product, it is not a good sign if there are no additional cannabinoids such as CBDa, CBN, or CBC in measurable amounts.
3. In-house lab results
Manufacturers of the best quality submit a sample from each batch they create to a recognized third-party laboratory for examination. Having an impartial entity vouch for your product is far more convincing than asking consumers to believe in-house lab results.
4. Other substances
Heavy metals
No customer ever wants to see evidence of the presence of heavy metals on a CoA. A proper certificate of analysis will include tests for arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium.
The presence of these metals is quantified in parts per million (denoted on a Certificate of Analysis as ppm) and should be less than what is referred to as the DL (detection limit). The detection limit is .01 ppm. A reading <.01 for all four of these metals is ideal.
Pesticides
Pesticides are the next thing that shouldn’t feature in the CBD product. These include organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides, organonitrogen pesticides, synthetic pyrethroid pesticides, herbicides.
Microorganisms
Microorganisms such as Salmonella, yeast, E. coli, and mold should test negative when quantified in cfu/g (colony forming units per gram).
Solvents
Finally, you want to ensure that no residual solvents (such as ethanol) remain in your CBD, which a decent CoA will check for. Solvents are classified into three categories by the United States Pharmacopeia.
Class One solvents are known or suspected carcinogens; Class Two solvents are highly believed to be harmful to people, and Class Three solvents have a low toxicity potential. All three classes should be examined, and if no solvents are detected, the label should read “conforms to USP 467.”
What you want to see on a CoA
A CoA will indicate the amount of CBD contained in a specified quantity (for example, a capsule). Additionally, it will confirm no THC present, as it will detect both THC (d-9 THC) and the inactive form of THC, THCA. (As a reminder, a product must contain less than 1/3 of a percent, or .03%, THC, and the CoA will confirm this.)
Certain manufacturers will additionally test for terpene levels and may specify the specific terpenes detected.
Although CoAs appear complicated, they are relatively simple to interpret if you know what to look for. If the CoA verifies the absence of items, you don’t want and the presence of those you do want—then you’re looking at the real deal.
Where can a CoA be found?
CBD brands should make it simple to access this information. If their laboratory test results are not readily available, it may be best to err on the side of caution.
Some companies may provide their CoAs on their websites, but customers can also contact them directly by phone or email. Transparency is critical, and credible businesses will gladly prove their worth!
All Golden Goat products are third-party tested and simplify having to locate the CoA. Utilize the QR code on our labels and packaging or visit https://goldengoatcbd.com/lab-reports/ to learn more about the ingredients in your Golden Goat CBD product.
Final Remarks
There are numerous CBD products available on the market today; they are fantastic for overall health and wellness and could be exceedingly beneficial. However, it is critical to check the CoA findings when purchasing CBD to ensure you are receiving a high-quality product.
A CoA is the most vital tool a customer has to guarantee you receive the full amount of CBD you paid. Our advice is that you only purchase CBD from providers that have their products independently tested and verified by a third-party laboratory.
