Table of Contents:

1. What Is a COA?
2. Cannabinoid Percentages Explained
3. THC vs CBD Thresholds UK
4. Terpene Profiles
5. Residual Solvents
6. Heavy Metals & Contaminants
7. What a Good COA Looks Like
8. FAQs

 

 

 

 

 

What Is a COA?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an official laboratory document that verifies the contents, quality, and purity of a cannabis or CBD product. Accredited third-party labs test products to ensure they meet safety standards and match what the manufacturer claims.

COAs are crucial whether you’re buying cannabis distillate, CBD oils, edibles, or vape products. A legitimate COA is your best assurance that what you’re purchasing is accurately labelled and free from harmful contaminants.

Why COAs Matter in the UK Cannabis Industry

The UK has strict regulations surrounding cannabinoids, particularly THC content in legal CBD products. This makes transparent testing even more important.

A proper lab report cannabis UK will verify:

• Cannabinoid content (CBD, CBG, CBC, THC levels, etc.)
• Safety screening for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbes
• Terpene profile (in some cases)
• Potency consistency across batches

For consumers, this ensures safety and quality.
For brands, it builds trust and credibility.

How to Read a COA (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Understanding how to read a COA can feel overwhelming at first, but the main sections are easy once you know what to look for.

1. Product Information

This section confirms batch numbers, sample ID, and the lab that conducted the testing. Always check that the batch number on the COA matches the product label.

2. Cannabinoid Potency

This table lists cannabinoids and their concentrations.
When reviewing a CBD lab report UK:

• CBD should match the advertised strength
• THC must be within legal UK limits
• Other cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBDa, etc.) should reflect the product type (e.g., broad-spectrum, full-spectrum)

3. Safety & Contaminant Testing

For safe distillate testing, pay special attention to this section. It will assess whether the product passed or failed tests for:

• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury)
• Residual solvents (butane, ethanol, hexane)
• Pesticides
• Microbials (mould, bacteria)

This is the part that ensures the product is safe to consume.

4. Terpene Profile (if included)

Not always present, but helpful for understanding aroma and potential effects.

5. Pass/Fail Summary

A quick overview of whether the product meets all required testing criteria.

What Is a Distillate COA UK?

A distillate COA UK refers specifically to lab testing results for cannabis or hemp distillates, highly refined extracts used in vapes, oils, edibles, and concentrates.

Distillates require rigorous testing because they undergo multiple extraction stages. High-quality distillate should show:

• Very high purity levels
• Clean residual solvent results
• Accurate cannabinoid potency

Reviewing COAs ensures distillate is safe, compliant, and free from unwanted compounds.

Why Safe Distillate Testing Matters

Distillates concentrate cannabinoids, which means any contaminants become concentrated as well. Safe distillate testing protects consumers from harmful chemicals and ensures manufacturers follow good production practices.

Without proper testing, products can contain:

• Dangerous solvent residues
• Excessive THC (making them illegal in the UK)
• Microbial contamination
• Mislabeled cannabinoid percentages

A COA is your shield against substandard or unsafe products.

Cannabinoid Percentages Explained

Understanding cannabinoid percentages is essential for anyone buying or selling CBD or cannabis-derived products in the UK. Whether you’re reviewing a distillate COA UK, trying to interpret a CBD lab report UK, or learning how to read a COA for the first time, knowing what cannabinoid percentages mean will help you make safe, informed decisions.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cannabinoid potency, why it matters, and how to ensure your products have undergone safe distillate testing.

What Are Cannabinoid Percentages?

Cannabinoid percentages indicate the concentration of cannabinoids—such as CBD, CBG, or THC—in a cannabis or hemp product. These values are typically shown in milligrams per gram (mg/g) or as a percentage of the total product weight.

For example:

• CBD 85% means that 85% of the extract’s total weight is cannabidiol.
• THC 0.2% or below is required to meet UK legal standards (for most CBD products).

These percentages help consumers understand potency and guide manufacturers in consistent formulation.

Why Cannabinoid Percentages Matter in the UK Market

In the UK, product legality and safety depend heavily on accurate cannabinoid reporting. This is why every reputable product should come with a lab report cannabis UK or COA.

Cannabinoid percentages matter because they determine:

• Product strength
• Legal compliance
• Expected effects
• Suitability for different users
• Product purity (especially for distillates and concentrates)

If a product displays misleading cannabinoid values, it may be unsafe, ineffective, or illegal.

How Cannabinoid Percentages Show Up on a COA

When reviewing a distillate COA UK or any CBD lab report UK, you’ll usually find cannabinoid percentages in the “Potency” or “Cannabinoid Profile” section.

A typical potency table includes:

Cannabinoid	Percentage (%)	mg/g	Status
CBD	70–99%	Varies	✓
CBG	Present/High	Varies	✓
THC	<0.2% (legal)	Trace	Must comply
Minor cannabinoids	Varies	Varies	Optional

Understanding how to read COA data helps ensure the percentages match what the brand advertises.

How to Read COA Potency Sections (Step-by-Step)

If you’re new to lab reports, here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Match the Batch Number

The batch number on the product should match the one on the COA. This ensures you’re reading the correct lab report cannabis UK results.

2. Check Total Cannabinoids

Look for:

• Total CBD
• Total THC
• Total cannabinoids overview

High-purity distillates often show 80%–95%+ cannabinoids, which is normal for concentrated extracts.

3. Confirm UK-Legal THC Levels

Anything above 0.2% THC is generally non-compliant.
A good CBD lab report UK will list both Δ9-THC and THCa separately.

4. Look for Minor Cannabinoids

CBG, CBC, and CBDv add to the profile and can influence effects. Their presence also signals a less manipulated, higher-quality extract.

5. Compare mg/g to Percentages

Some COAs include both mg/g and percentage values.
As a rule of thumb:

• 1% ≈ 10 mg per gram
• So 80% ≈ 800 mg/g

This helps verify potency consistency.

Cannabinoid Percentages in Distillates

If you’re reviewing a distillate COA UK, expect high cannabinoid percentages due to the product’s refined nature.

Typical distillate ranges:

• CBD distillate: 70%–90%+ CBD
• CBG distillate: 50%–90% CBG
• Broad-spectrum distillate: High CBD + minor cannabinoids, no detectable THC
• Full-spectrum distillate: Trace THC within UK legal limits

Higher percentages aren’t always better purity must be supported by safe distillate testing.

The Role of Safe Distillate Testing

Potency alone doesn't guarantee safety. Proper UK lab testing must also screen for:

• Heavy metals
• Pesticides
• Microbial contaminants
• Residual solvents
• Mycotoxins

A trustworthy COA will include these sections and clearly show PASS results.

If a COA only shows potency and nothing else, it is not enough to verify safety.

What Cannabinoid Percentages Say About Product Quality

Higher percentages may indicate:

• Better extraction methods
• More concentrated formulas
• Greater potency and value

But product quality also depends on:

• Purity
• Absence of contaminants
• Accurate lab documentation
• Transparency from the supplier

A complete CBD lab report UK is your best tool for evaluating this.

THC vs CBD Thresholds UK

Understanding cannabinoid limits is essential for anyone buying, selling, or manufacturing CBD or hemp-derived products in the UK. Whether you’re reviewing a CBD lab report UK, checking a distillate COA UK, or learning how to read a COA, knowing the legal thresholds for THC and CBD ensures safety, transparency, and compliance.

This guide explains current UK rules around THC and CBD levels, how they’re measured in lab reports, and what consumers should look for when evaluating product quality.

Why THC & CBD Thresholds Matter in the UK

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most widely recognised cannabinoids. In the UK:

• THC is tightly regulated due to its psychoactive properties.
• CBD is legal, but only when extracted from approved hemp sources and tested properly.

This makes proper testing and documentation, such as a valid lab report cannabis UK, essential to confirm that products meet legal standards.

THC Thresholds in the UK

1. THC in Consumer CBD Products

UK law requires that finished CBD products contain no detectable THC.
This includes:

• CBD oils
• Gummies
• Vape liquids
• Capsules
• Topicals

A CBD lab report UK should list Δ9-THC and THCa levels clearly. If either is detectable, the product may not be compliant.

2. THC in Hemp Biomass

Farmers can grow EU-approved hemp strains, but:

• Only the fiber and seeds are allowed for commercial use.
• The flowering tops (where cannabinoids sit) cannot be legally used for CBD extraction without a Home Office licence.

Even hemp biomass must meet strict THC criteria.

3. THC in Distillates and Extracts

With the rise of UK manufacturers using imported distillates, verifying THC levels is crucial.

A compliant distillate COA UK should show:

• ND (non-detectable) THC for broad-spectrum distillates
• Trace amounts below legal limits for full-spectrum distillates

Safe extraction and distillation processes ensure THC levels remain compliant.

CBD Thresholds in the UK

Unlike THC, there is no maximum limit on CBD content in consumer products.
However, CBD products must:

• Be derived from permitted hemp varieties
• Contain no detectable THC
• Have a verified cannabinoid profile
• Be manufactured in accordance with Novel Foods regulations

This is why every reputable product includes a detailed CBD lab report UK showing the exact CBD percentage or mg content

How THC & CBD Are Measured on UK COAs

Understanding how to read COA potency results is the key to ensuring a product is legal and accurately labelled.

A typical lab report includes:

✔ Δ9-THC

The active form of THC. Must be ND (non-detectable) in finished CBD products.

✔ THCa

The acidic precursor to THC. Should also be ND to remain compliant.

✔ CBD & CBDa

These values should closely match what the brand claims on the label.

✔ Total THC & Total CBD

Calculated values that sum neutral + acidic forms.

Potency is usually shown as:

• % (percentage of total weight)
• mg/g (milligrams per gram)

A high-quality lab report cannabis UK will include both.

The Role of Safe Distillate Testing

With concentrates and distillates being more potent, proper testing becomes even more important.

Safe distillate testing must check for:

• THC levels
• CBD potency accuracy
• Residual solvents
• Heavy metals
• Pesticides
• Microbial contamination

A complete distillate COA UK should contain both potency and safety sections—not just cannabinoid percentages.

This protects consumers and helps brands maintain compliance.

Why These Thresholds Matter for Consumers & Brands

For Consumers:

• Prevent purchasing illegal or unsafe products
• Avoid misleading potency claims
• Ensure the product is free from harmful contaminants

For Brands & Retailers:

• Maintain legal compliance
• Build trust with customers
• Avoid product recalls and legal issues
• Demonstrate transparency through full COAs

A thorough COA is the strongest indicator of quality and safety.

Terpene Profiles

Terpenes are rapidly becoming one of the most discussed topics in the cannabis and CBD industry. While cannabinoids like CBD and THC often get the most attention, terpenes play a significant role in aroma, flavour, and product effects. For anyone reading a CBD lab report UK, checking a distillate COA UK, or learning how to read COA documents, understanding terpene profiles is essential.

This article explains what terpenes are, why they matter, how they appear in a lab report cannabis UK, and what consumers should look for when evaluating safe distillate testing.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural organic compounds found in plants, including hemp and cannabis. They’re responsible for the distinctive aromas—citrusy, earthy, floral, spicy, or piney—that each strain produces.

Common cannabis terpenes include:

• Myrcene – earthy and relaxing
• Limonene – citrusy and uplifting
• Caryophyllene – peppery and balancing
• Pinene – pine-scented and refreshing
• Linalool – floral and calming

Terpenes can influence how cannabinoids feel, contriuting to what researchers call the entourage effect.

Why Terpene Profiles Matter

Terpenes are more than just aroma and flavour—they help shape the overall experience of a product. This is important not only for consumers but also for brands ensuring consistency across batches.

A detailed terpene profile in a lab report cannabis UK helps identify:

• The product’s sensory characteristics
• Potential effects (energising, calming, relaxing)
• Authenticity and quality
• Whether the product is made from real hemp extract or artificial flavouring

When comparing vape oils, distillates, and tinctures, terpene profiles help you understand what you’re actually buying.

How Terpenes Show Up on a COA

If you're learning how to read COA results for the first time, terpene sections may look confusing. COAs typically show terpene content in:

• Percent (%)
• mg/g (milligrams per gram)

A terpene panel usually contains 10–20 of the most common terpenes found in cannabis.

A proper CBD lab report UK or distillate COA UK will include:

Terpene	Aroma	Percentage	Notes
Myrcene	Earthy	0.4%–1.5%	Very common in hemp
Limonene	Citrus	0.1%–0.7%	Adds uplifting notes
Caryophyllene	Pepper	0.2%–1%	Unique “spice”
Pinene	Pine	0.1%–0.6%	Crisp aroma
Linalool	Floral	0.05%–0.3%	Soothing scent

Different product types can have very different terpene levels.

Terpene Profiles in Distillates

Distillates undergo extensive refinement, which can reduce or remove terpenes. That’s why many manufacturers reintroduce either natural hemp terpenes or botanical terpene blends afterward.

A compliant distillate COA UK may show:

• Very low natural terpene levels (0–0.1%)
• Added botanical terpene profiles
• Specific terpene structure for flavour consistency

This is why safe distillate testing is crucial: once terpenes are added back in, the product must still pass safety screenings for purity and contamination.

Terpenes in Vape Products, Oils & Edibles

Different products require different terpene concentrations:

Vape Cartridges

Often between 2%–12% terpenes, depending on the flavour profile.

CBD Oils

Lower terpene levels, typically 0.1%–1%, unless boosted for aroma.

Edibles

May include natural or botanical terpenes for subtle flavour enhancement.

Terpene levels help distinguish high-quality extracts from artificially flavoured products.

How to Read a COA: Terpene Section

Terpene profiles are typically listed in a table. Here’s what to look for when analysing a lab report cannabis UK:

✔ 1. Total Terpene Content

Higher terpenes generally mean fuller flavour and a richer profile.

✔ 2. Dominant Terpenes

The top 3–5 terpenes give the product its main aroma and influence general effects.

✔ 3. Consistency Across Batches

Reputable brands show similar terpene percentages in each batch.

✔ 4. Natural vs Added Terpenes

Terpene levels that are unusually high may indicate added botanical blends—this should be stated clearly by the manufacturer.

Why Terpene Testing Is Important for Safety

Terpenes are safe in natural concentrations. However, in highly concentrated products like distillates or vape oils, purity becomes important.

Safe distillate testing ensures that:

• No synthetic or harmful terpenes are used
• No contaminants (like residual solvents) are present
• The terpene levels are within safe inhalation or consumption limits

This is especially important for vape products, where terpenes are heated and inhaled.

Residual Solvents

When buying CBD oils, vape cartridges, or hemp distillates, safety should always come first. One of the most important—but often overlooked—sections of any lab report cannabis UK is the residual solvents panel. Whether you’re studying a distillate COA UK, analysing a CBD lab report UK, or learning how to read COA documents in general, understanding residual solvents is essential for ensuring product purity and consumer safety.

This guide explains what residual solvents are, why they matter, and how safe distillate testing can help you avoid low-quality or contaminated CBD products.

What Are Residual Solvents?

Residual solvents are trace chemicals left behind after the extraction or purification process used to produce CBD and cannabis concentrates. Common extraction methods include:

• Ethanol extraction
• CO₂ extraction
• Hydrocarbon extraction (butane, propane, hexane)

While many solvents are safe when properly removed, lingering residues can pose health risks—especially in vapourised or concentrated products.

That’s why every reputable product should include a CBD lab report UK with a dedicated section on residual solvents.

Why Residual Solvents Matter

Residual solvents are one of the biggest indicators of extraction quality. High levels suggest poor manufacturing practices, inadequate purification, or improper equipment.

Excessive solvents can:

• Irritate the lungs
• Cause headaches or nausea
• Alter the flavour or smell of the extract
• Reduce product quality and purity

In the UK, manufacturers must follow strict standards to ensure these chemicals fall below acceptable limits. This is where safe distillate testing becomes crucial.

How Residual Solvents Appear on a COA

If you're learning how to read COA documents, the residual solvents section is usually labelled as:

• “Residual Solvents”
• “Solvent Analysis”
• “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)”

A trustworthy lab report cannabis UK will show the following information:

1. Compound Name

Examples include: ethanol, butane, propane, methanol, heptane, pentane.

2. Result (ppm or µg/g)

The measured concentration of each solvent.

3. LOQ/LOD

• LOD: Limit of Detection
• LOQ: Limit of Quantification
  If a solvent is below these limits, it is often listed as ND (non-detectable).

4. Pass/Fail Status

Shows whether the sample meets safety requirements.

A clean distillate COA UK should list all solvents as ND or far below allowable thresholds.

Common Residual Solvents & Their Safety Limits

While the exact limits vary depending on testing guidelines, a few common solvents include:

Ethanol

• Commonly used and safe when purified
• Should be below legal safety limits

Butane & Propane

• Used in hydrocarbon extraction
• Must be extremely low or ND
• Often scrutinised heavily in vape products

Hexane & Heptane

• Industrial solvents with strict limits
• Should ideally be ND

When checking a CBD lab report UK, always verify the status of these solvents.

Residual Solvents in Distillates

Distillates are especially sensitive to solvent contamination because they undergo multiple refinement stages.

A high-quality product with a proper distillate COA UK should show:

• No detectable solvents
• Clear batch identification
• Third-party lab verification
• Full terpene and cannabinoid breakdown

Because distillates are potent, even small amounts of solvent can become more noticeable, making safe distillate testing essential.

How to Read COA Residual Solvent Results (Simple Guide)

Here’s a quick step-by-step method:

1. Confirm the Batch Number

Matches the product label? Good.

2. Check for ND (Non-Detectable)

This is the ideal result. ND = highest confidence in purity.

3. Make Sure All Solvents Are Tested

If a COA only lists a few solvents, that’s a red flag. A complete screen often includes 20–40 compounds.

4. Look for Pass/Fail Indicators

All results should show PASS.

5. Ensure the Lab Is Accredited

Third-party testing is a must for credibility.

Why Safe Distillate Testing Matters

Solvent contamination is one of the most common issues in poorly regulated markets. In the UK, this is especially important for:

• Vape distillates
• Broad-spectrum distillate extracts
• Full-spectrum CBD oils
• Dabbing products

Safe distillate testing ensures the product is clean, safe, and compliant. It also helps eliminate:

• Harmful solvents
• Chemical impurities
• Contaminants formed during extraction

This protects consumers and maintains industry standards.

Heavy Metals & Contaminants

As the UK CBD and hemp market continues to grow, so does the importance of product safety and transparency. One of the most critical sections of any CBD lab report UK or lab report cannabis UK is the screening for heavy metals and contaminants. These tests help confirm whether a product is safe to consume and free from harmful substances that may enter hemp during cultivation or extraction.

Whether you're checking a distillate COA UK or learning how to read COA reports for the first time, this guide will help you understand why heavy metal testing matters and how to interpret results properly.

Why Heavy Metal Testing Is Essential

Hemp is known as a bioaccumulate, a plant that absorbs what’s in the soil. This includes beneficial nutrients but also potentially toxic contaminants such as:

• Lead
• Arsenic
• Mercury
• Cadmium

If not properly tested, these metals can end up in CBD oils, vape distillates, edibles, and topicals.

A complete lab report cannabis UK should always include heavy metal analysis to verify safety and compliance with UK guidelines.

Where Heavy Metals Come From

Heavy metals and contaminants can enter hemp products through:

• Soil contamination from industrial or agricultural activity
• Polluted water sources
• Improper harvesting or storage
• Manufacturing equipment
• Extraction solvents or machinery

This is why safe distillate testing is so important—it ensures that every step of production is monitored for purity.

How Heavy Metals Appear on a COA

If you're learning how to read COA results, the heavy metals section typically lists:

✔ Metal Name

Examples: Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg)

✔ Result (µg/kg or ppm)

The measured level of each metal.

✔ LOQ/LOD

• LOD (Limit of Detection) – the smallest amount detectable
• LOQ (Limit of Quantification) – the smallest amount measurable with confidence

✔ Pass/Fail Status

Indicates whether the product meets UK safety limits.

A clean distillate COA UK should show all heavy metals as ND (Non-Detectable) or significantly below acceptable thresholds.

Why Contaminant Testing Goes Beyond Heavy Metals

Heavy metals aren’t the only concern. Full contaminant screening also checks for:

1. Microbial Contamination

• Mould
• Yeast
• Bacteria (including harmful strains)

These can develop during growing, drying, or storage.

2. Mycotoxins

Toxins produced by moulds, especially dangerous in ingested products.

3. Pesticides & Herbicides

Used in some agricultural settings; must not be present in legal CBD products.

4. Residual Solvents

Leftover chemicals from extraction processes.

A proper CBD lab report UK or lab report cannabis UK will include all of these categories to ensure complete product safety.

Heavy Metals in Distillates: Why Testing Is Critical

Distillates, highly refined cannabis or hemp extracts—are especially sensitive to contamination.

Because distillates are concentrated:

• Even trace heavy metals can become dangerous.
• Purity must be verified batch-by-batch.
• Contaminants from earlier processing steps can accumulate.

A trustworthy distillate COA UK should include full contaminant testing, not only potency.

This is the foundation of safe distillate testing, ensuring the final extract meets strict UK purity standards.

How to Read COA Heavy Metal Results (Simple Guide)

Here’s a quick step-by-step method for checking any CBD lab report UK or COA:

1. Match the Batch Number

Ensure the COA corresponds to the exact product you have.

2. Look for ND (Non-Detectable)

This is the safest and most desirable result.

3. Confirm the Safety Limits

The lab should list acceptable UK ranges for comparison.

4. Scan for All Four Major Metals

Lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium should ALWAYS be tested.

5. Ensure It’s a Third-Party Accredited Lab

Independent labs give unbiased, trustworthy results.

If any of these elements are missing, the product may not have undergone complete or compliant testing.

Why Consumers Should Demand Full Contaminant Testing

Heavy metal and contaminant screening protects you from:

• Toxic exposure
• Contaminated extracts
• Unsafe vape cartridges
• Impure CBD oils
• Unregulated imports

For brands, offering a full distillate COA UK builds trust and credibility—showing customers that safety comes first.

What a Good COA Looks Like

Below are the essential features every trustworthy lab report cannabis UK should contain. If any of these areas are missing, unclear, or incomplete, the product may not meet UK safety or quality requirements.

1. Third-Party Accredited Lab Details

A proper COA should clearly show:

• The lab’s name
• Accreditation details
• Date of testing
• Analyst’s signature

Avoid COAs produced in-house or from unknown testing facilities. Independent labs guarantee unbiased results.

2. Batch Number & Product Identification

A good COA will include:

• Product name
• Batch/lot number
• Sample ID
• Date produced

This allows you to match the COA directly to the product in your hand. Any CBD lab report UK without batch information should not be trusted.

3. Full Cannabinoid Breakdown

This is one of the most important sections of a COA.

A high-quality COA will list:

• CBD
• THC (Δ9-THC + THCa)
• CBG, CBC, CBN
• Total CBD and total THC
• mg/g and % values

A compliant distillate COA UK should show:

• ND (non-detectable) THC for broad-spectrum distillates
• Very accurate CBD percentages that match the product label

This section confirms both potency and legality.

4. Safety Testing: Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Microbials & More

A complete COA will include all major safety tests, such as:

✔ Heavy Metals

Lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium

✔ Pesticides & Herbicides

Screening against dozens of agricultural chemicals

✔ Microbials & Mycotoxins

Yeast, mould, bacteria, aflatoxins

✔ Residual Solvents

Leftover extraction chemicals like butane, ethanol, propane

Proper safe distillate testing always includes these panels. If the COA only shows potency and nothing else, the product is not fully verified.

5. Terpene Analysis (Optional but Valuable)

Not all COAs include terpene profiles, but a good one might.
This section lists key terpenes such as:

• Myrcene
• Limonene
• Pinene
• Caryophyllene

A terpene panel adds transparency and helps consumers understand product aroma and effects.

6. Pass/Fail Summary

A clean, easy-to-understand COA will include a final evaluation:

• PASS – All tests meet safety and legal standards
• FAIL – Something exceeds allowable limits

The pass/fail field helps you scan quickly for potential issues

How to Read COA Results (Simplified Guide)

Whether you’re analysing a lab report cannabis UK or checking a vape product, here’s how to interpret the core information:

1. Compare the cannabinoid levels to the product label.

CBD percentages should be accurate within a small margin.

2. Confirm THC is compliant for UK law.

Finished CBD products must contain no detectable THC.

3. Look for ND (Non-Detectable) in contaminants.

This applies to heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.

4. Check testing dates.

A COA older than 12 months is considered outdated.

5. Confirm the lab is independent.

Always look for third-party accreditation.

Learning how to read COA documents makes you a more informed and confident shopper.

What a Bad COA Looks Like (Warning Signs)

Avoid products with COAs that show:

❌ Only potency testing, no safety testing
❌ No batch number or mismatched batch
❌ Blurred or incomplete lab details
❌ THC levels above UK limits
❌ Unusual or missing cannabinoid data
❌ Outdated test results
❌ PDF files that look edited or manipulated

A trustworthy CBD lab report UK will never hide or obscure information.

Why a Good COA Matters

A proper COA protects:

Consumers

• Ensures the product is clean
• Verifies potency & ingredients
• Confirms legal compliance

Brands

• Builds trust
• Improves transparency
• Prevents legal or product issues

Retailers

• Ensures stock meets UK regulations
• Avoids carrying unsafe or illegal products

A distillate COA UK is especially important because distillates are potent and any contamination becomes concentrated.

FAQs

If you buy CBD oils, vape distillates, gummies, hemp flowers, or concentrates in the UK, checking the Certificate of Analysis (COA) is essential. A COA confirms the quality, safety, and legality of the product but many consumers still have questions about what these reports actually include and how to understand them.

This FAQ guide covers everything you need to know about COAs, how to read COA documents, what a proper CBD lab report UK should contain, and why safe distillate testing matters more now than ever.

1. What is a COA?

A COA (Certificate of Analysis) is a third-party laboratory report that confirms what is and isn’t inside a CBD or cannabis product.
A proper COA includes:

• Cannabinoid levels
• THC legality
• Safety screenings
• Possible contaminants
• Batch information

Every reputable supplier should provide an up-to-date COA for every batch they sell.

2. Why is a COA important in the UK?

The UK has strict rules around cannabinoids, especially THC.
A lab report cannabis UK verifies that:

• THC is within legal limits
• CBD content matches the label
• The product is safe and uncontaminated
• Extraction processes were clean and compliant

Without a COA, there’s no way to confirm product safety or legality.

3. What should a CBD lab report UK include?

A complete CBD lab report UK typically contains:

• Potency (CBD, THC, CBG, other cannabinoids)
• Safety testing (heavy metals, pesticides, microbials, solvents)
• Terpenes profile (optional but valuable)
• Batch and product identification
• Pass/fail results
• Testing lab accreditation

If any of these sections are missing, it may not be a reliable COA.

4. What is a distillate COA UK?

A distillate COA UK refers to a COA specifically for hemp or cannabis distillates powerful, refined extracts used in:

• Vape cartridges
• Tinctures
• Edibles
• Gummies
• Topicals

Because distillates are concentrated, contaminants can become concentrated too. This makes safe distillate testing essential for consumer protection.

5. How do I check THC levels on a COA?

If you’re learning how to read COA results, THC levels will be shown in two ways:

• % (percentage of product weight)
• mg/g (milligrams per gram)

In the UK, finished CBD products must contain no detectable THC.
You should look for:

• ND (non-detectable) next to Δ9-THC
• ND next to THCa

If THC is present above legal limits, the product is not compliant.

6. How do I know the product batch matches the COA?

A good COA will list:

• Batch number
• Lot number
• Product name or code
• Testing date

Always compare this with your product packaging to ensure consistency.

7. What contaminants should be tested in a safe COA?

A strong safety panel includes:

✔ Heavy metals

Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic

✔ Residual solvents

Butane, ethanol, hexane, propane

✔ Pesticides & herbicides

Including over 50+ agricultural chemicals

✔ Microbial contamination

Yeast, mould, bacteria

This is the foundation of safe distillate testing and guarantees the product is clean and safe to consume.

8. How do I know if a COA is genuine?

Signs of an authentic COA:

• Comes from a reputable third-party lab
• Shows proper accreditation
• Includes clear batch numbers
• Displays detailed results and limits
• Contains signatures or verification stamps

Signs of a fake or unreliable COA:

• Missing safety data
• No batch number
• Outdated dates
• In-house “testing” with no independent lab
• Blurry or altered PDF graphics

Always verify the lab name and formatting.

9. How often should companies test their CBD products?

Best practice is every batch, especially for distillates.
A proper lab report cannabis UK should never be older than 12 months, and ideally no more than 6 months old

10. Do edibles and topicals need COAs too?

Yes, any product containing cannabinoids should provide a COA.
This includes:

• Gummies
• Chocolates
• Capsules
• Skin balms
• Vape liquids
• Raw distillates

Even if terpenes or flavours are added, cannabinoid accuracy and safety testing remain essential.

11. Is terpene testing mandatory?

Not mandatory, but very helpful.
A terpene panel enhances transparency and indicates whether flavour comes from natural hemp terpenes or added botanicals.

12. What is the most important part of a COA?

It depends on your needs, but commonly:

• Potency = confirms CBD/THC accuracy
• Safety tests = ensures purity
• Batch data = verifies traceability

Together, these determine whether the product is high quality and UK compliant.