How To Read A CBD Lab Report: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

With the growing popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) products, it’s essential to understand what you’re buying and if it’s safe to consume. One of the best ways to do this is by reading a CBD lab report, also known as a certificate of analysis (COA). A COA is a document that provides information on the contents of a CBD product, including the amount of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as any contaminants or impurities. The COA will also indicate if the product has been tested for potency and if the results match the labeling claims.

Do All CBD Products Have a COA?

Unfortunately, not all CBD products come with a COA, and this can be a major red flag for consumers. Products that don’t provide a COA may contain less CBD or more THC than the labeling claims or may contain contaminants or impurities that could be harmful to consume.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the regulation of CBD products is still in its early stages, and many products on the market may not meet the quality standards set by organizations like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that it’s up to consumers to do their research and only buy products from reputable sources that provide lab reports.

Understanding CBD Lab Reports

When looking at a CBD lab report, there are several key things to keep in mind.

Testing Method

Look for information on the testing method used. The COA should specify if the product was tested using gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC), which are the most accurate and reliable methods for determining the contents of a CBD product.

Amount of CBD and THC

Check for the amount of CBD and THC. The COA should indicate the amount of CBD and THC in the product, as well as any other cannabinoids that may be present. If the product contains more than 0.3% THC, it’s considered a marijuana product and may not be legal in your state.

Levels of Impurities

Look for contaminants and impurities. The COA should indicate if the product contains any contaminants or impurities, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or solvents. Products that contain high levels of these substances may be harmful to consume.

Date of COA

Make sure the COA is recent. The COA should indicate the date it was generated, and it’s important to make sure the product has been tested recently to ensure that the contents are up-to-date.

Authenticity of COAs

Verify the authenticity of the COA. The COA should include the name of the laboratory that conducted the tests, as well as the name of the product and the batch number. You can verify the authenticity of the COA by contacting the laboratory directly.

When buying CBD products, it’s important to look for products that come with a COA and to only buy from reputable sources. Doing so will ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that is safe to consume and that meets your needs.

View COAs from VXN Wellness

Reading a CBD lab report is an important step in ensuring the safety and quality of the product you’re buying. This is why VXN Wellness provides COAs related to all of our products that can be referenced on the packaging itself as well as on our website. Each batch of Pure or Full Spectrum CBD that we use comes with a 3rd party COA. Our laboratory goes the extra mile and periodically does a 4th party verification to ensure everything checks out when compared to the 3rd party tests. Take a look at our lab tests to learn more about our testing process and see COAs for our products. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding our lab reports and the safety of our products!