A Certificate of Analysis (COA) attests to the measured CBD and Δ9-THC levels for the analyzed batch: it is first necessary to verify that the Δ9-THC remains below the regulatory threshold and that the issuing laboratory has recognized accreditation. A clearly identified batch number then allows this document to be linked to the product actually purchased.
In short:
- It is essential to verify that the Δ9-THC remains below the regulatory threshold and that the laboratory has recognized accreditation.
- The report must include a batch identifier, the analytical method, the complete cannabinoid profile, and the reference of the sample taken.
- The CBD and Δ9-THC content indicated on the COA must be compared with the values on the product label, remaining vigilant against discrepancies.
- The frequency of analysis should be regular, ideally for each new batch, as the composition of the product can vary depending on the culture and extraction.
- Traceability and authenticity of the COA, including the existence of genuine laboratory accreditation, are crucial to ensuring product safety and conformity.
Table of Contents
- What is a COA and what does a typical report contain?
- How to read the CBD line and the Δ9-THC line on a report
- How to obtain a certificate of analysis for a given product
- Additional checks and verification of laboratory accreditation
- Health alerts and steps to follow in case of an anomaly
- Differences between certificates depending on the product type
- Why the certificate of analysis determines compliance and safety
- How to spot a fake certificate of analysis
- How often should product analyses be renewed?
- Our requirement for traceability and certificates of analysis
- How to view the COA of our products before purchase
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
What is a COA and what does a typical report contain?
A certificate of analysis is a laboratory report that measures, for a specific sample, the quantities of different cannabinoids present in a product. It is based on a defined analytical method, applied to an identified batch, and provides numerical values along with their units.
A standard report includes several sections that we recommend systematically reviewing before any purchase or resale:
- A batch identifier, an analysis date and the name of the issuing laboratory.
- The complete cannabinoid profile: CBD, CBDA, CBG, CBN and Δ9-THC, expressed as a percentage or in milligrams per kilogram.
- Traceability information: reference of the sample taken, signature or validation of the technical manager.
- The limits of quantification (LOQ) and the analytical method used determine the reliability of results close to regulatory thresholds.
The absence of one of these sections, in particular the batch number or the method, should raise a red flag: a generic document, undated or without sample reference, does not constitute usable evidence.
How to read the CBD line and the Δ9-THC line on a report
Reading a COA requires distinguishing between several similar values that do not measure the same thing. Here is the approach we follow to interpret these figures accurately:
- Look for the line "Total CBD" or the sum of CBD + CBDA, as some reports list the two compounds separately.
- Check the unit used: a percentage by weight (% w/w) or a concentration in milligrams per kilogram, the two easily converting to each other.
- Compare the Δ9-THC value to the threshold applicable to the matrix concerned, bearing in mind that the regulations distinguish between raw plant, oil and food product.
- Compare this figure to the product labeling: a significant difference between the two signals a potential non-compliance.
Health authorities are issuing a warning : a majority of products tested in 2023 had a CBD content different from that stated on the label, with a recurring presence of undeclared synthetic cannabinoids. This finding underscores the importance of never relying solely on the information printed on the packaging and of requesting the source document before making any significant purchase.
In this case, the laboratory report always takes precedence over the commercial label.
How to obtain a certificate of analysis for a given product
Requesting an analysis is justified in several situations: quality control before sale, doubts about a product already purchased, or reporting a suspicious discrepancy. The procedure remains similar from one laboratory to another.
- Take a representative sample from the batch, avoiding the peripheral areas of an already opened package.
- Attach the product sheet or batch reference to allow cross-referencing with any existing COA.
- Ship the sample according to the conditions requested by the laboratory, often in airtight packaging and at room temperature.
- Receive a report, usually in PDF format, within a timeframe that varies depending on the chosen analysis panel.
Pro tip: keep a photo of the sample taken and its original packaging before sending, this facilitates any subsequent claim with the laboratory or seller.
Additional checks and verification of laboratory accreditation
The cannabinoid profile alone is not enough to guarantee a product's safety. Several families of contaminants warrant separate verification, often grouped together in a broader panel:
- Heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, which can come from the soil where hemp is grown.
- Pesticides and residues from plant protection treatments.
- Residual solvents, particularly relevant for extracts and resins obtained by extraction.
- Microbiological contaminants, particularly for food products and oils intended for ingestion.
COFRAC accreditation remains the most reliable indicator of a laboratory's rigor, provided that the exact scope of the accreditation is verified rather than simply the presence of a logo: it specifies the matrices and parameters actually covered. Limits of quantification also play a crucial role, as an excessively high LOQ can mask an actual exceedance of the Δ9-THC threshold, particularly in complex matrices such as food or cosmetic products.
Health alerts and steps to follow in case of an anomaly
French health authorities are closely monitoring the CBD market, and some worrying findings have emerged. One key indicator : undeclared synthetic cannabinoids are appearing repeatedly in tested products, a risk that labeling alone cannot detect.
ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) also proposes classifying CBD as "presumed toxic to human reproduction" under the European CLP Regulation, which calls for particular caution for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for drivers, given the thresholds for roadside drug screening. In case of an adverse effect, it is best to keep the sample and its packaging, then report the incident on the official health reporting portal. Requesting a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and verifying the laboratory's accreditation before any use or resale remains the best available protection.
Differences between certificates depending on the product type
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) for CBD oil, raw flower, or cosmetics does not meet the same analytical requirements, even if the general structure of the report is similar. For an oil, the analysis focuses on a homogeneous liquid matrix, which simplifies extraction but requires careful attention to the conversion between percentage and milligrams per bottle.
For raw flower, the plant matrix is more heterogeneous: the distribution of cannabinoids can vary slightly between different parts of the same batch, hence the importance of a representative sample. Hemp-based infusions and herbal teas, such as those in the Sensavea Super Relax, Maxi Chanvre , or Anti Stress, fall under the food category and require additional microbiological testing, since the product is intended for infusion and direct consumption.
For cosmetics, regulations govern thresholds and methods differently, as the dermal route of exposure does not impose the same requirements as ingestion or inhalation. Therefore, comparing a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for an oil to that of a cosmetic term-by-term is meaningless: each matrix requires its own specific interpretation.
Why the certificate of analysis determines compliance and safety
The certificate of analysis is not simply a marketing ploy: it provides proof that a product complies with the applicable regulations at the time it is placed on the market. Without this document, it is impossible to verify that a product remains below the legal limit for Δ9-THC or that it does not contain undeclared synthetic cannabinoids.
This quantified proof protects both the end consumer and the retailer, who assumes responsibility by offering a product for sale. Products containing more than 0.3% Δ9-THC or synthetic cannabinoids are classified as narcotics and prohibited from sale, placing the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) at the heart of any serious compliance process. A product without an accessible certificate, or with a certificate refused upon request, should always raise suspicion.
How to spot a fake certificate of analysis
Some documents circulating online mimic the form of a Certificate of Analysis (COA) without containing the actual information. Several indicators can help distinguish between them. A genuine report always includes a precise lot number, a recent analysis date, and the full name of the laboratory, along with verifiable contact information.
The absence of a described analytical method, or a vague statement such as "compliant with current standards" without an associated figure, is a strong red flag. Similarly, a certificate that never specifies the limits of quantification, or that displays suspiciously round values for each cannabinoid, warrants direct verification with the laboratory in question.
Verifying the stated accreditation remains the most reliable method: a laboratory's COFRAC accreditation scope is publicly available and clearly indicates which matrices and parameters are covered. A laboratory claiming accreditation that is not included in this public scope, or whose number does not correspond to any existing record, should have its document rejected.
How often should product analyses be renewed?
The composition of a hemp-based product can vary from batch to batch, even for the same commercial reference, due to cultivation, harvesting, or extraction conditions. Therefore, a valid certificate of analysis for one batch does not guarantee anything for the next.
The most rigorous practice is to have each new production batch analyzed before it is put on the market, rather than relying on an old certificate reused for several successive supplies. For a consumer, this means verifying that the batch number printed on the packaging matches the one on the certificate consulted, and not an earlier version of the same product.
Our requirement for traceability and certificates of analysis
We select our products with particular attention to traceability and compliance, excluding low-value items whose origin or composition remains uncertain. Every product listed online undergoes a quality check before being offered for sale. If you would like to consult the certificate of analysis for a specific product in our catalog, our team is available to send it to you directly.
— Julien
How to view the COA of our products before purchase
We offer a selection of hemp-based products whose traceability can be verified directly with our team, without any complicated procedures for you.
- Infusions and herbal teas from the Super Relax, Maxi Hemp and Anti Stress ranges, all certified organic.
- CBD flowers, resins, oils and vapes are available in our complete catalogue.
- Requesting a simple certificate: a message to our customer service is all it takes to receive the document corresponding to your batch.
To discover our full selection of CBD flowers, small buds and resins, consult our online catalogue and contact us for any reference for which you require a certificate.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation before taking any action based on this content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CBD remain detectable in urine?
The detection window depends on the frequency of consumption and each person's metabolism, making any general estimate unreliable. Official screening thresholds in France for Δ9-THC are set at 50 ng/ml in urine, 15 ng/ml in saliva, and 1 ng/ml in blood for roadside checks.
Does CBD reduce stress?
Some users report a perceived calming effect, but no consolidated statistical data supports a generalized anti-stress effect. Hemp-based infusions, such as those offered in our Anti-Stress range, contribute to this pursuit of well-being without constituting a validated therapeutic claim.
What CBD level should be checked in a product?
The CBD level to be verified corresponds to the value indicated on the batch analysis certificate, not the estimate displayed on the commercial packaging. It is also necessary to verify that the associated Δ9-THC remains below the regulatory threshold applicable to the product matrix.
Is it legal to consume CBD at home in France?
The consumption of compliant CBD, meaning products with Δ9-THC below the legal limit and no synthetic cannabinoids, is permitted in France. However, products exceeding this limit or containing synthetic cannabinoids are classified as narcotics, and both their use and possession are illegal.
