Lab Testing Explained: How to Read Cannabis COAs

You’ve decided to try cannabis products for wellness support. You browse online stores and dispensaries, overwhelmed by options. One brand prominently displays “lab-tested” badges and provides easy access to Certificates of Analysis. Another offers no testing information whatsoever, just marketing claims about “premium quality” and “maximum potency.”

Which do you trust?

If you’re like most consumers, you probably feel uncertain about what “lab-tested” actually means, confused by technical jargon on test reports, and skeptical about whether these documents genuinely prove product safety and quality—or simply serve as marketing theater.

Here’s a sobering reality: A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) tested 84 CBD products and found that nearly 70% either over or under-represented their CBD potency. Even more alarming, 18 of these 84 products contained undisclosed THC—in some cases, enough to produce unwanted intoxicating effects.

Cannabis products can harbor invisible dangers: heavy metals from contaminated soil, pesticide residues from cultivation, toxic molds producing carcinogenic mycotoxins, residual solvents from extraction processes, and harmful bacteria that threaten immunocompromised consumers. Without comprehensive third-party lab testing documented in Certificates of Analysis (COAs), you’re gambling with your health.

This comprehensive guide demystifies cannabis lab testing, teaches you exactly how to read COAs like an expert, reveals red flags indicating fraudulent or inadequate testing, and empowers you to make informed purchasing decisions that protect your wellbeing. Whether you’re considering CBD tinctures, THCa flower, or CBD topicals, understanding lab testing ensures you choose quality products backed by verifiable safety data.

What Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

A Certificate of Analysis is a verified technical document provided by an accredited third-party laboratory detailing the complete chemical composition of a cannabis product. COAs serve as an independent quality assurance report confirming what’s actually in your product versus what the label claims.

Essential Components of Legitimate COAs

Laboratory Information: Name, contact details, accreditation credentials, and license numbers of the independent testing facility. This information allows consumers to verify the lab’s legitimacy and credentials.

Product and Batch Details: Specific product name, manufacturer information, batch or lot number, and testing date. These details ensure you’re viewing results for the exact product you’re considering purchasing.

Cannabinoid Profile: Precise measurements of all cannabinoids present—CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCA, and others—typically reported in both milligrams per gram (mg/g) and percentages.

Safety Testing Results: Pass/fail determinations and specific measurements for contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, mycotoxins, and microbial impurities.

Terpene Profile (Full-Panel COAs): Identification and quantification of aromatic terpenes contributing to the product’s therapeutic effects and entourage effect potential.

Verification Methods: QR codes or unique identifiers allowing consumers to independently verify test authenticity through the laboratory’s database—not the vendor’s website.

Analyst Signature and Dates: Name, credentials, and signature of the laboratory analyst who conducted testing, along with analysis completion dates establishing report authenticity.

Why Cannabis Testing Matters: Protecting Your Health

Cannabis’s legal status as a federally prohibited Schedule I substance creates a regulatory vacuum. Unlike FDA-regulated pharmaceuticals or food products, cannabis products often lack consistent quality control standards, making third-party testing the only reliable safeguard protecting consumers.

Whether you’re exploring CBD gummies for convenient daily dosing, pre-rolls for immediate relief, or CBD products for pets, comprehensive lab testing ensures every product meets safety standards and delivers promised benefits.

The Bioaccumulation Problem

Cannabis plants are hyperaccumulators—they aggressively absorb compounds from their environment, including beneficial nutrients but also toxic contaminants. This trait makes cannabis valuable for soil bioremediation but dangerous when grown in contaminated soil or with improper agricultural practices.

Studies demonstrate that cannabis absorbs and concentrates heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, from soil throughout all plant tissues—roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. These metals persist in the body, bioaccumulating over time and causing serious health problems, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and cancer.

Health Risks for Vulnerable Populations

While cannabis contamination poses risks to all consumers, certain populations face heightened danger:

Immunocompromised Patients: Cancer patients, HIV-positive individuals, and those on immunosuppressive medications are extremely vulnerable to microbial contamination. Aspergillus molds commonly found on cannabis can cause fatal infections in immunocompromised consumers.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Heavy metals and pesticides cross placental barriers and concentrate in breast milk, potentially causing developmental disorders, birth defects, and long-term health consequences for infants.

Children and Adolescents: Developing nervous systems are particularly susceptible to neurotoxic effects of heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins.

Medical Cannabis Patients: Individuals using cannabis for serious medical conditions—epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD—often consume larger quantities and face greater cumulative exposure to any contaminants present.

Inhalation Amplifies Risks

Smoking or vaping cannabis products dramatically increases contamination dangers. The lungs absorb heavy metals like mercury up to 10 times more efficiently than the digestive system. Pesticide residues and mycotoxins that might cause mild illness when ingested can produce severe respiratory reactions when inhaled.

The 2019 EVALI outbreak—which hospitalized thousands and killed over 60 people—starkly illustrated how contaminated cannabis vape products can cause catastrophic health consequences. The culprit: vitamin E acetate added to THC vape cartridges, which was FDA-approved as a topical skin care ingredient but never tested for inhalation safety.

Reading a COA Step-by-Step: The Header Section

Let’s break down how to read an actual Certificate of Analysis, starting from the top.

Verifying Laboratory Credentials

Independent Third-Party Status: The most critical first check—ensure the testing laboratory is completely independent from the cannabis company. Self-testing by manufacturers creates obvious conflicts of interest. Legitimate brands contract accredited independent laboratories.

Laboratory Accreditation: Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, the international standard for testing laboratory competence. In states with legal cannabis programs, labs typically require state-issued licenses. The COA should display these credentials prominently.

Laboratory Contact Information: Legitimate COAs include the lab’s name, physical address, phone number, and website. You should be able to independently contact the laboratory to verify results.

Product Identification Details

Product Name and Description: Should precisely match the product you’re examining, including specific details like “Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture 1500mg Unflavored” rather than vague descriptions.

Batch or Lot Number: This crucial identifier links your specific product to test results. Batch numbers should appear on both the COA and your product packaging. Mismatched numbers mean you’re viewing results for a different batch.

Testing Date: COAs should be recent—ideally within 6-12 months of purchase. Cannabinoids degrade over time, so extremely old test results (18+ months) may not accurately represent current product composition. Testing dates significantly older than production dates raise red flags about testing protocols.

Client/Manufacturer Information: The company that requested testing. This should match the brand selling the product.

Verification QR Codes

Many laboratories include QR codes allowing consumers to scan and access digital COA copies stored in the lab’s independent database—not on the manufacturer’s website. This prevents fraudulent COA alteration. Always verify COAs through lab databases when possible.

Understanding Cannabinoid Profiles: The Heart of COAs

The cannabinoid profile section—often called the “potency panel”—reveals exactly which cannabinoids are present and in what concentrations. Understanding these profiles helps you select the right products, whether you’re comparing full-spectrum tinctures for comprehensive wellness or evaluating THCa flower for specific therapeutic applications.

How Cannabinoid Results Are Reported

mg/g (Milligrams per Gram): This measurement indicates cannabinoid concentration. For example, “150mg/g CBD” means each gram of product contains 150 milligrams of CBD.

Percentage (%): The same concentration converted to percentage by weight. 150mg/g equals 15% CBD (150mg ÷ 1000mg per gram = 0.15 or 15%).

Total Cannabinoids: The sum of all detected cannabinoids, giving you the total active compound concentration.

Key Cannabinoids to Understand

CBD (Cannabidiol): The primary non-intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp products. Verify that measured CBD matches label claims—products advertising “1500mg CBD” should show approximately 1500mg total CBD in the entire container, or specify concentration per serving.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive cannabinoid federally restricted to below 0.3% by dry weight for hemp products. COAs must confirm THC remains below this legal threshold.

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): The raw, non-psychoactive precursor to THC. When heated (smoked, vaped, cooked), THCA converts to THC through decarboxylation. Legal hemp flower often contains high THCA that converts to THC when consumed.

CBG (Cannabigerol): A minor cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

CBN (Cannabinol): Formed when THC degrades, CBN provides sedative effects valuable for sleep support.

CBC (Cannabichromene): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating properties.

Reading Cannabinoid Test Results

Look at your COA’s cannabinoid section. You’ll typically see columns for:

• Analyte: The cannabinoid name (CBD, THC, CBG, etc.)
• Result (mg/g): Measured concentration
• Percentage (%): Concentration as percentage
• LOQ (Limit of Quantitation): The lowest amount the lab can reliably measure
• Status: Usually pass/fail or detected/not detected

What to Look For:

1. Full-spectrum products should show multiple cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, trace THC) with substantial CBD dominance. If you see only CBD and nothing else, it’s likely an isolate mislabeled as full-spectrum.
2. CBD concentration should match or closely approximate label claims. Significant discrepancies (±10%) indicate quality control problems or misleading labeling.
3. THC levels for hemp products must remain below 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Some COAs report “Total THC” (Delta-9 THC + THCA × 0.877) which accounts for decarboxylation potential.
4. Blank results or “ND” (not detected) mean the laboratory didn’t detect statistically significant levels of that cannabinoid. This is normal for minor cannabinoids in isolate products or cannabinoids not present in the strain.

For more information on how different cannabinoids work together synergistically, explore our guide to the entourage effect to understand why full-spectrum profiles matter.

Safety Testing: Protecting Against Contaminants

Beyond cannabinoid potency, comprehensive COAs include critical safety testing panels screening for dangerous contaminants. These tests are equally important whether you’re purchasing CBD edibles, smokable products, or topical applications.

Heavy Metals Testing

Cannabis’s bioaccumulation properties make heavy metal contamination a serious concern. The “big four” heavy metals—arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury—are universally regulated in legal cannabis markets due to their severe health consequences.

Arsenic: Causes cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and developmental problems. Chronic exposure leads to skin lesions and neurological damage.

Cadmium: Damages kidneys, bones, and respiratory systems. Bioaccumulates over decades, causing osteoporosis and kidney failure.

Lead: Particularly dangerous for children and developing fetuses, causing irreversible neurological damage, reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and developmental delays.

Mercury: Absorbed 10 times more efficiently through lungs than digestion, making inhalation especially dangerous. Causes neurological symptoms including tremors, memory loss, irritability, and paranoia.

Additional Metals: Some states require testing for chromium, copper, nickel, selenium, silver, antimony, barium, and zinc.

Reading Heavy Metal Results:

Heavy metal sections show each metal tested with measured concentrations (typically in parts per million [ppm] or parts per billion [ppb]) and pass/fail status. Action limits vary by state but typically range from 0.2-2.0 ppm depending on the metal and consumption method (inhalable products have stricter limits).

You want to see: All heavy metals showing “PASS” or “ND” (not detected). Even trace amounts exceeding action limits indicate contaminated source material and failed quality control.

Pesticide Residue Testing

Pesticides—including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators—are extensively used in cannabis cultivation despite claims that cannabis is naturally pest-resistant.

A comprehensive study of California’s legal cannabis production found insecticides accounted for roughly one-third of pesticide detections, followed by fungicides. The most commonly detected pesticides included:

• Myclobutanil: A fungicide that produces hydrogen cyanide when heated
• Bifenazate: Insecticide with neurotoxic effects
• Chlorpyrifos: Organophosphate insecticide linked to neurological damage in children
• Boscalid: Fungicide and potential carcinogen

Legal cannabis markets prohibit pesticide use or restrict it to approved compounds at specific concentrations. COAs test for dozens to hundreds of pesticides depending on state requirements.

Reading Pesticide Results:

Pesticide panels show each tested compound, measured concentration, and pass/fail status. Most pesticide action limits fall between 0.1-10 ppm depending on toxicity and consumption method.

You want to see: All pesticides showing “PASS” or “ND.” Any detected prohibited pesticides or concentrations exceeding limits indicate failed testing and potentially unsafe products.

Mycotoxin Testing

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by specific mold species (primarily Aspergillus and Penicillium). Cannabis’s growing, storage, and transportation conditions often create ideal environments for mold proliferation and mycotoxin production.

The most dangerous mycotoxins in cannabis:

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Among the most carcinogenic substances known, aflatoxins cause liver cancer and damage immune systems. The FDA limits aflatoxin B1 to 20 ppb in food products.

Ochratoxin A: Damages kidneys and liver, demonstrates neurotoxic and immunosuppressive effects.

Mycotoxins are especially dangerous for immunocompromised consumers using medical cannabis.

Reading Mycotoxin Results:

Mycotoxin panels show each toxin tested, concentration in ppb, and pass/fail status. Most states adopt the FDA’s 20 ppb action limit for total aflatoxins.

You want to see: All mycotoxins below action limits or not detected. Failed mycotoxin tests indicate improper growing, curing, or storage conditions.

Residual Solvent Testing

Cannabis concentrates and extracts are produced using solvents like ethanol, butane, propane, CO2, or hexane to extract cannabinoids from plant material. Incomplete purging leaves toxic solvent residues in final products.

Solvents are categorized by toxicity:

Class 1 (Most Toxic): Should be avoided entirely. Includes benzene (carcinogen) and methylene chloride (hepatotoxic).

Class 2 (Limited Use): Require limits due to toxicity. Includes acetone, chloroform, hexane, methanol.

Class 3 (Low Toxicity): Generally recognized as safe with appropriate limits. Includes ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate.

Reading Residual Solvent Results:

Solvent panels show each tested compound, concentration (ppm), and pass/fail status. Action limits derive from U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Method 467 standards ranging from 10-5000 ppm depending on toxicity class.

You want to see: All solvents below action limits. High solvent residues indicate poor extraction techniques and inadequate purging.

Microbiological Contamination Testing

Microbial testing screens for harmful bacteria, yeast, mold, and specific pathogens dangerous to human health.

Total Aerobic Bacteria Count: Measures overall bacterial load. While not all bacteria are harmful, high counts indicate poor sanitation and increased pathogen risk.

Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC): Elevated counts suggest contamination during growing, processing, or storage and increase mycotoxin risk.

Specific Pathogens: Testing often includes dangerous organisms like:

• Aspergillus species (particularly niger, flavus, fumigatus, terreus) causing lung infections in immunocompromised consumers
• Salmonella causing severe food poisoning
• E. coli indicating fecal contamination
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (for vape products) causing respiratory infections

Reading Microbial Results:

Microbial panels show organism tested, colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g), and pass/fail status. Action limits vary by state and product type. Some states set no limits for total bacteria/yeast/mold in flower products but strictly limit pathogens.

You want to see: Specific pathogens (Aspergillus, Salmonella, E. coli) showing “not detected” or “absent.” Total counts below action limits where specified.

Terpene Profiles: Understanding Aroma and Effects

Full-panel COAs include terpene testing revealing the aromatic compounds contributing to cannabis’s scent, flavor, and therapeutic effects through the entourage effect.

Why Terpene Testing Matters

Terpenes aren’t just responsible for cannabis’s distinctive aromas—they significantly influence therapeutic outcomes. Research demonstrates that terpenes produce cannabinoid-like effects and amplify cannabinoid benefits when working synergistically.

Different terpene profiles create distinct effect patterns:

• Myrcene-dominant: Sedating, relaxing effects
• Limonene-rich: Uplifting, energizing, mood-enhancing
• Linalool-heavy: Calming, anxiety-reducing, sleep-promoting
• Pinene-prominent: Alert, memory-protecting, anti-inflammatory

Common Terpenes on COAs

COAs typically test for 8-15+ terpenes including:

Myrcene: Earthy, musky aroma; sedative effects
Beta-Caryophyllene: Spicy, peppery; anti-inflammatory
Limonene: Citrus; mood-elevating
Linalool: Floral, lavender; anxiety-reducing
Pinene (α & β): Pine; alertness, bronchodilation
Humulene: Woody, earthy; appetite-suppressing
Terpinolene: Floral, herbal; sedative despite presence in “sativa” strains
Ocimene: Sweet, herbal; antifungal
Bisabolol: Floral; anti-inflammatory

Reading Terpene Results

Terpene panels show each compound’s concentration (mg/g or percentage) and total terpene content.

What to Look For:

• Full-spectrum products should show multiple terpenes at measurable levels
• Total terpene content typically ranges from 1-5% in flower, lower in extracts
• Dominant terpenes indicate likely effect profile (sedating vs. energizing)
• Absence of terpenes in products claiming full-spectrum suggests over-processing or low-quality source material

COA Red Flags: Spotting Fake or Inadequate Testing

Not all COAs are created equal. Learn to identify warning signs of fraudulent or insufficient testing.

Major Red Flags

Missing Contaminant Testing: Many brands test only for cannabinoid potency, ignoring dangerous contaminants. Comprehensive COAs include heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, microbiological screening, and residual solvents (for extracts).

Failed Tests: Products should never display failed contaminant tests. Failed batches must be remediated or destroyed, not sold to consumers.

Missing Common Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum products claiming entourage effects should show multiple cannabinoids. If you see only CBD with zero trace cannabinoids, it’s likely an isolate mislabeled as full-spectrum.

Extreme THC/CBD Variance from Claims: Label claims should closely match COA results (within ±10%). Larger discrepancies indicate poor quality control or misleading labeling.

Noncompliant THC Levels: Hemp products exceeding 0.3% Delta-9 THC are federally illegal. COAs showing higher THC indicate “hot” products that could cause legal issues.

No Laboratory Certifications: Legitimate testing labs prominently display ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and state licenses. Missing credentials suggest unqualified or non-existent labs.

Significantly Less Terpene Content Than Claimed: If marketing emphasizes terpene-rich formulations but COAs show minimal terpenes, you’re not getting promised benefits.

Outdated Test Results: COAs dated 18+ months before purchase may not reflect current product composition due to cannabinoid degradation.

Missing Laboratory Contact Information: Inability to independently verify results with the testing laboratory is a major red flag.

Batch Number Mismatches: COA batch numbers should match product packaging. Mismatches mean you’re viewing tests for different batches.

Questions to Ask Brands

If COAs aren’t easily accessible or raise concerns, contact the brand with these questions:

• “Can you provide the complete, full-panel COA for this specific batch?”
• “Which accredited laboratory performed your testing?”
• “How often do you test products—every batch or periodically?”
• “Can I independently verify COA authenticity through the lab?”
• “Do your COAs include all safety testing (heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, microbiological)?”

Legitimate brands welcome these questions and provide prompt, complete answers. Evasive responses or refusal to share COAs indicate problems.

Why Pure Shaka’s Lab Testing Sets the Standard

When your wellness depends on product quality and safety, Pure Shaka delivers transparency and testing you can trust.

Comprehensive Third-Party Testing

Every Pure Shaka product undergoes complete testing by accredited independent laboratories before reaching consumers:

Cannabinoid Potency Analysis: Full cannabinoid profiles verify precise concentrations match label claims, ensuring you receive the dosing you expect.

Heavy Metals Screening: Complete testing for arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and additional metals ensures products are free from toxic contamination.

Pesticide Residue Analysis: Extensive pesticide panels confirm no prohibited substances and that any approved pesticides remain below safe limits.

Mycotoxin Testing: Screening for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A protects you from carcinogenic mold toxins.

Microbiological Screening: Testing for harmful bacteria, yeast, mold, and specific pathogens like Aspergillus ensures products are safe for all consumers including immunocompromised individuals.

Residual Solvent Detection: Extract and concentrate products undergo solvent testing verifying complete purging and consumer safety.

Terpene Profiling: Complete terpene analysis documents aromatic compounds contributing to therapeutic effects and entourage potential.

Accessible, Verified Results

Pure Shaka makes lab testing transparent and verifiable:

• Easy Access: Complete COAs are readily available for every product
• Batch-Specific: Test results correspond to actual product batches with matching lot numbers
• Recent Testing: Regular testing ensures results reflect current product composition
• Independent Verification: COAs come from accredited third-party laboratories with verifiable credentials

Quality at Every Step

Lab testing represents just one component of Pure Shaka’s comprehensive quality commitment:

Organic Cultivation: Using certified organic hemp grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers minimizes contamination risk from the start.

Proper Curing and Storage: Controlled environments prevent mold growth and preserve delicate cannabinoids and terpenes.

Clean Extraction: Optimal extraction methods protect beneficial plant compounds while eliminating contaminants.

Rigorous Standards: Internal quality protocols exceed industry standards, ensuring consistent excellence.

Expert Support

Pure Shaka’s team helps customers understand lab reports and make informed decisions:

• Explaining COA results and what they mean for your wellness
• Selecting products matching your specific needs and sensitivities
• Addressing concerns about cannabinoid concentrations or terpene profiles
• Providing guidance on dosing based on verified potency

Contact our team with questions about our testing protocols or specific product COAs. We’re also available at our retail locations for in-person consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Lab Testing

How often should cannabis products be tested? 

Ideally, every production batch should undergo testing since cannabinoid profiles and contamination risks vary between harvests and processing runs. At minimum, reputable brands test quarterly or whenever changing cultivation practices, processing methods, or source material. Batch-specific testing provides the most accurate quality assurance.

What’s the difference between potency testing and full-panel testing? 

Potency testing analyzes only cannabinoid concentrations—what many brands provide to meet minimum legal requirements. Full-panel testing includes potency plus comprehensive safety screening: heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, microbiological contaminants, and residual solvents. Only full-panel COAs provide complete safety assurance.

Can I trust COAs provided by the brand selling the product? 

COAs from accredited independent third-party laboratories are trustworthy when you can verify results directly with the lab. COAs generated by manufacturers themselves present obvious conflicts of interest. Always confirm the testing laboratory is separate from the cannabis company and holds appropriate accreditations.

What does “ND” or blank results mean on a COA? 

“ND” (not detected) or blank results indicate the laboratory didn’t detect statistically significant levels of that compound. For contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins), this is ideal—nothing harmful was found. For minor cannabinoids or terpenes, it simply means they’re not present at measurable levels.

How do I verify a COA is legitimate and not fake?

 Legitimate COAs include laboratory contact information—directly call or email the lab to verify results. Many COAs feature QR codes linking to test results in the lab’s independent database (not the brand’s website). Check that the laboratory holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and appropriate state licenses. Verify batch numbers on COAs match your product packaging.

What contamination levels are considered safe? 

Action limits vary by state, product type, and consumption method. Generally, heavy metals must be below 0.2-2.0 ppm, pesticides below 0.1-10 ppm depending on toxicity, mycotoxins below 20 ppb, and residual solvents below USP Method 467 standards. Specific pathogens (Aspergillus, Salmonella, E. coli) should be completely absent. “PASS” determinations on COAs indicate products meet applicable safety standards.

Do CBD isolates need the same testing as full-spectrum products? 

Yes. Even pure CBD isolates require comprehensive safety testing. Contaminants can be introduced during cultivation, extraction, and processing regardless of final product format. Isolates should be tested for heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents, and microbiological contamination, plus potency verification.

Why do terpene levels matter if I’m primarily interested in CBD? 

Terpenes significantly influence therapeutic outcomes through the entourage effect—research proves terpenes amplify cannabinoid benefits and produce their own therapeutic effects. Terpene profiles also indicate product freshness and quality (improper processing destroys delicate terpenes). Full-spectrum products claiming entourage benefits should show substantial terpene content.

What should I do if I can’t find a COA for a cannabis product? 

Contact the brand directly requesting the complete, batch-specific COA. If they cannot or will not provide accessible lab reports, do not purchase the product—it may contain dangerous contaminants or inaccurate cannabinoid concentrations. Thousands of reputable brands offer transparent testing; there’s no reason to risk your health on untested products.

Can products pass some tests but fail others? 

Yes. Products might pass cannabinoid potency testing but fail safety screening for contaminants, or vice versa. Comprehensive COAs show individual pass/fail determinations for each testing category. Products failing any contaminant test should be refused—failed batches require remediation or destruction, not sale to consumers.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Cannabis Choices Through Testing Knowledge

Understanding how to read Certificates of Analysis transforms you from a passive consumer gambling on marketing claims into an informed advocate for your own health and safety. COAs aren’t optional extras or marketing gimmicks—they’re essential documents protecting you from invisible dangers lurking in untested cannabis products.

The cannabis industry’s explosive growth has attracted both committed quality-focused brands and unscrupulous operators cutting corners to maximize profits. Without federal oversight, third-party lab testing represents the only reliable safeguard ensuring products are safe, accurately labeled, and free from dangerous contaminants.

Your new COA literacy empowers you to:

• Verify cannabinoid potency matches label claims, ensuring proper dosing
• Confirm THC compliance, avoiding illegal products and drug test failures
• Identify full-spectrum products genuinely delivering entourage effect benefits
• Detect contamination by heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, or dangerous microbes
• Spot red flags indicating fraudulent testing or inadequate quality control
• Make informed comparisons between brands based on objective data

Pure Shaka’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive third-party testing, transparent COA access, and verified batch-specific results ensures every product meets the highest safety and quality standards. Our readily accessible lab reports aren’t marketing theater—they’re verifiable documentation of our dedication to your wellbeing.

In an industry where claims often exceed reality, lab testing provides the objective truth. Demand accessible, comprehensive COAs from every cannabis brand you consider. Verify results independently. Never compromise on safety.

Your health deserves nothing less than complete transparency and verified quality. Pure Shaka delivers both, every time.

Ready to experience cannabis products you can trust completely? Browse our complete product selection, review our lab reports, or contact us with any questions about our testing protocols.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lab testing standards and action limits vary by state and jurisdiction. This guide provides general educational information and should not replace consultation with healthcare providers or legal counsel. Products contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.