If you have ever shopped for hemp THC products, you have probably seen the term COA, short for Certificate of Analysis. For many guests, these reports can feel intimidating at first glance. They are full of lab data, scientific names, and detailed measurements that are not always easy to understand. Yet a COA is one of the most valuable tools you can use when choosing a hemp-derived product.
At Grateful Green Dispensary, we believe every guest deserves transparency and trust in what they purchase and where they are purchasing from. That is why we make sure that the products we carry, whether from our own Grateful Green line or from our partner brands, include a verified COA. These certificates confirm that each product has been tested by a certified laboratory to ensure accuracy, purity, and legal compliance.
This guide explains what a COA is, what information it contains, and which details matter most when reviewing one. Our goal is simple: to help you feel confident and informed when exploring hemp THC products so you always know exactly what you are getting.
Why a COA Matters for Hemp THC Products
A Certificate of Analysis is a third-party lab report that shows the testing results for a specific batch of hemp or hemp-derived product. These reports measure cannabinoid content, check for contaminants, and confirm that the product meets both state and federal hemp standards.
For hemp THC products, a COA matters for three main reasons:
Potency Accuracy: The COA shows the exact amount of THC, THCA, and CBD in the product. This helps you understand what to expect from its effects.
Safety and Purity: It verifies that the product has been tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contamination to ensure it is safe to consume.
Legality: It confirms that the product meets federal hemp regulations by remaining within the 0.3% Delta-9 THC limit on a dry-weight basis.
Without a COA, there is no reliable proof that a product is safe, compliant, or accurately labeled. Trusted dispensaries and online retailers always make these reports easy to access so guests can shop with confidence.
Where to Find the COA for Grateful Green Products
At Grateful Green Dispensary, we make it simple for every guest to access product COAs. Transparency should never be difficult to find.
On each product page: Every item includes a direct link to its COA. You can review the lab results and batch information before adding anything to your cart.
On our lab results page: All current COAs for Grateful Green-brand products are available in one place. This includes our edibles, disposables, cartridges, and fresh flower.
This open access gives guests peace of mind, knowing that every Grateful Green product has been independently tested for accuracy, safety, and compliance before it reaches the shelf.
Key Sections of a COA and What They Mean
Every laboratory formats its reports a little differently, but most COAs follow the same structure. Below are the main sections you will see and what each one tells you.
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Product and Batch Information
This section lists the product name, type, and batch number. The batch number on the COA should always match the number on the product packaging. Matching these numbers confirms that the lab report belongs to the exact batch you are purchasing.
You will also find the testing date here. The most reliable COAs are recent because cannabinoid content can slowly degrade over time.
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Laboratory Information
A trustworthy COA always includes details about the testing laboratory, such as its name, location, and certification status. The most credible labs hold ISO 17025 accreditation, meaning their methods meet international standards for accuracy and reliability.
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Cannabinoid Profile
This section lists the concentration of cannabinoids found in the product, including:
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Delta-9 THC: The primary psychoactive compound, limited to 0.3% or less in hemp products.
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THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): The non-psychoactive precursor that converts into THC when heated.
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CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-intoxicating compound often associated with balance and relaxation.
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Other Cannabinoids: Compounds such as CBG, CBC, or CBN that can contribute to the product’s overall effect.
When reading this section, pay attention to both the percentage and milligram per gram (mg/g) values. Percentages show how much of each compound is present relative to the total product weight, while mg/g provides a more exact measure for each cannabinoid.
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Total THC and Total Cannabinoids
This portion summarizes potency. “Total THC” usually combines Delta-9 THC with the amount of THC that could form from THCA when heated. For hemp products, this total must stay within the legal 0.3% limit.
“Total Cannabinoids” adds together all detected cannabinoids to represent overall potency. A higher number typically means the product contains a broader range of active compounds.
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Safety and Purity Panels
Many COAs include additional panels that confirm the product is free from contaminants. Always review these carefully. Common safety tests include:
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Heavy Metals: Checks for substances like lead, arsenic, and mercury. Results should read “ND,” meaning not detected.
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Pesticides: Ensures that harmful agricultural chemicals are not present.
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Residual Solvents: Confirms that extraction solvents used in oils or concentrates have been removed.
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Microbial Contaminants: Screens for bacteria, mold, and yeast that could affect product quality or safety.
If a COA is missing these panels or lists detectable contaminants, it is best to avoid that product.
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Terpene Profile (Optional)
Some COAs include a terpene breakdown, especially for flower or full-spectrum products. Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds that influence aroma, flavor, and how a strain might feel. Knowing a product’s terpene profile can help you select varieties that fit your preferences for focus, calm, or creativity.
What You Should Be Looking for as a Guest
A COA can include a lot of technical data, but not every detail is equally important when you are making a purchase. Here are the key points Grateful Green recommends focusing on when reviewing a COA.
Matching Product and Batch Number
The COA’s batch number should always match the number printed on your product label. If they do not match, the report may not belong to that specific batch.
Delta-9 THC Compliance
Check that the Delta-9 THC level does not exceed 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. This confirms the product qualifies as hemp and is federally compliant.
THCA Content
If THCA is listed, make sure it appears separately from Delta-9 THC. When heated, THCA naturally converts to active THC, which is important to understand when using flower or vape products.
Date of Testing
Review the test date to ensure the COA is recent. Older reports may not represent the product’s current potency or freshness, especially for flower.
Safety Results
Look for contaminant panels marked “ND” or “Pass.” This means the product tested free of detectable pesticides, heavy metals, or microbial materials.
Laboratory Credibility
Reliable COAs clearly identify accredited testing labs with verifiable credentials. Reports missing this information should not be trusted.
By reviewing these details, you can quickly confirm that a hemp THC product is safe, compliant, and accurately labeled before making a purchase.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
Even a professional-looking COA can reveal potential issues if you know what to look for. Here are a few signs that a report may not be reliable:
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Missing or mismatched batch numbers.
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A laboratory name that cannot be verified or identified online.
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A missing or unclear test date.
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No safety or contaminant testing panel.
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Delta-9 THC results that exceed 0.3% or appear incomplete.
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Unclear formatting, blurry images, or unprofessional presentation.
If you notice any of these details, it may mean that the COA is outdated, inaccurate, or not from an accredited laboratory. Always verify reports through trusted retailers and clearly identified testing labs before making a purchase.
How Grateful Green Ensures Every Product Has a Reliable COA
At Grateful Green Dispensary, we hold every product we carry to the same high standards of transparency and quality. We only partner with brands that provide verified Certificates of Analysis from accredited, third-party laboratories. Each COA is reviewed for accuracy and compliance before a product ever reaches our shelves.
All Grateful Green products, including our edibles, disposables, cartridges, and fresh flower, have COAs that are easy to find on each product page or on our Lab Results page.
This approach ensures that every guest can shop with confidence, knowing that each hemp THC product has been independently tested for potency, purity, and compliance before it is offered for sale.
How to Use a COA to Choose the Right Hemp THC Product
A COA is not only a document of compliance but also a helpful guide for choosing the right product for your needs and preferences.
When comparing flower strains, look at the THCA percentage as a helpful starting point for understanding potency. A strain that tests around 20% THCA will not neccesarily feel stronger than one closer to 10% though, as other cannabinoids and terpenes can influence the overall experience. Compounds like CBG, CBN, CBC, and naturally occurring terpenes can amplify or shape effects, meaning THC or THCA alone does not always predict how a product will feel.
The terpene profile can also help you decide between varieties that are more energizing or calming, depending on what you are looking for.
If you are shopping for edibles or cartridges, focus on the milligrams of THC per serving to ensure that the potency matches your comfort level. For those new to hemp THC, starting with a lower amount and increasing slowly is the best way to find your ideal balance.
Think of the COA as your guide to informed shopping. It shows exactly what is in each product, how strong it is likely to feel, and whether it meets the standards of quality and transparency that you can always expect from *Grateful Green Dispensary*.
Reading a COA with Confidence
A Certificate of Analysis is more than a formality. It is your assurance of quality, safety, and compliance. Understanding how to read a COA helps you make informed decisions and confirms that the hemp THC products you choose meet the standards you deserve.
At Grateful Green Dispensary, transparency is at the heart of everything we do. We partner only with trusted brands that provide verified COAs from accredited third-party laboratories. For every Grateful Green product, from edibles and disposables to flower, complete lab results are always available for review on our website.
By taking a moment to read a COA, you are not only protecting your safety but also supporting responsible, transparent practices across the hemp industry. Every verified report is a reminder that quality and honesty are what set Grateful Green apart.