Hemp COA

A Certificate of Analysis for a hemp product — documenting cannabinoid content, contaminants, and compliance with the 0.3% delta-9-THC threshold.

Why it matters

A hemp COA documents cannabinoid potency (with delta-9-THC being the critical compliance number), heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, and microbial counts. For hemp products this last data point is regulatory: if the delta-9 exceeds 0.3%, the batch is not legally hemp.

In practice

For consumers the COA is the only verification of label accuracy. A vendor that publishes batch-specific COAs has met the baseline transparency standard.

Common confusion

COA compliance with the 0.3% threshold can be calculated different ways. “Total THC” calculations that include THCA can push compliant-looking flower above the threshold once decarboxylated.

This glossary entry is editorial content reviewed against primary sources. It is not medical advice. See our Editorial Policy.