What is a COA?
A cannabis COA (aka Certificate of Analysis) is a verified document that provides information regarding the potency and ingredients of a cannabis product, along with details about the brand and testing lab. (1)
Why are COAs important?
COAs are the critical element in ensuring cannabis products are safe for consumption & provide crucial information required for accurate dosage. USDA and State guidelines require all products to be tested (2) and a batch that fails any test performed by a licensed testing laboratory fails regulatory compliance testing and may not be transported to any retailer for sale.(3) It is important to note that there are still many unlicensed retailers operating in California’s cannabis market whose products are untested & potentially unsafe for consumption (4). It is wise to shop only with licensed retailers as the regulations in place are designed to keep consumers safe from harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, mold and bacteria, all of which are measured on the required COAs. (5)
What else does a COA test for?
When it comes to cannabis flower COAs, terpenes are also measured. What are terpenes, you ask? Terpenes are the aromatic oils that produce the scent, flavor and even influence the effects of cannabis strains. (6) Terpenes like limonene are what give delicious strains like Wedding Cake their citrus-y nose. (7)
Go Erba operates in compliance with state and local regulations to offer a convenient and professional cannabis delivery service. We are proud to bring our expertly curated menu to the Tri-Valley area.
References:
(1) https://acslabcannabis.com/blog/education/how-to-read-a-coa-and-why-its-so-important/
(2) https://acslabcannabis.com/blog/education/how-to-read-a-coa-and-why-its-so-important/
(3) https://cannabis.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/08/Laboratory-Testing-Fact-Sheet.pdf
(4) https://apnews.com/article/f4bf69314022433696af7f49ec067af5
(5) https://acslabcannabis.com/blog/education/how-to-read-a-coa-and-why-its-so-important/
(6) https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy
(7) https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy