By the JKF Team · Last updated May 1, 2026

How to Read a Cannabis
Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the single most important document associated with any cannabis product you buy. It is a report from an independent, accredited laboratory confirming what is actually in the product and whether it is safe to consume. Understanding how to read a COA puts you in control of your purchasing decisions and ensures you are getting exactly what you are paying for. This guide breaks down every section of a cannabis COA and explains what to look for, what to question, and what to avoid.

What Is a Certificate of Analysis?

A COA is a lab report issued by a third-party testing laboratory after analyzing a sample of a cannabis product. In New York, all cannabis products sold at licensed dispensaries must be tested by laboratories accredited by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The lab is independent from the cultivator, processor, and retailer, ensuring objective results. The COA serves as proof that the product meets all regulatory safety standards and that the potency claims on the label are accurate.

Think of a COA as a nutrition label combined with a safety inspection report. It tells you exactly how potent the product is (cannabinoid content), what flavors and effects to expect (terpene profile), and whether the product is free of harmful substances (safety testing). At Jungle Kingdom Flower, our team can pull up the COA for any product in the store. For background on New York's testing requirements, see our lab testing explained guide.

Section 1: Cannabinoid Potency

The potency section is what most consumers look at first. It reports the concentrations of cannabinoids in the product, most importantly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). For flower products, potency is expressed as a percentage of dry weight. For edibles and concentrates, it may be expressed in milligrams per unit or per package.

Total THC is typically calculated as: THCA x 0.877 + delta-9 THC. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which converts to THC when heated (decarboxylation). The Total THC number represents the maximum THC available after this conversion. Total CBD follows the same formula: CBDA x 0.877 + CBD.

What to watch for: the tested potency should be reasonably close to what is printed on the product label. Small variations (1-3%) are normal due to natural variation within a batch. If the label says 28% THC but the COA shows 19%, that is a significant discrepancy that warrants caution. Understanding the relationship between THC and CBD helps you predict the experience. Our THC vs. CBD guide explains how different ratios affect your high.

Some COAs also report minor cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), and others. These compounds may contribute to the overall effect through what researchers call the entourage effect, where multiple cannabinoids and terpenes work together to shape the experience.

Section 2: Terpene Profile

Not all COAs include terpene testing, but the best ones do. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell and flavor. More importantly, terpenes influence the effects of the product. Myrcene is associated with relaxation, limonene with mood elevation, pinene with alertness, and caryophyllene with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

The terpene section lists individual terpene concentrations, usually in percentages or milligrams per gram. A total terpene content above 2% is generally considered good for flower. High terpene concentrations indicate well-grown, properly cured cannabis with strong flavor and aroma. Live resin and live rosin concentrates typically have higher terpene levels because they are made from fresh-frozen cannabis that preserves volatile terpenes. Our comprehensive terpenes guide explains each major terpene and its associated effects.

At Jungle Kingdom Flower, brands like Ayrloom and Grassroots Cannabis are particularly transparent about terpene profiles, making them excellent choices for consumers who want to make terpene-informed purchasing decisions.

Section 3: Pesticide Testing

Pesticide testing checks for the presence of chemical pesticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators that may have been used during cultivation. New York tests for dozens of specific pesticide compounds, and each has a maximum allowable limit. The COA will list each tested compound and report either the detected amount (in parts per billion or parts per million) and whether the result is PASS or FAIL.

Any FAIL result in the pesticide section means the product should not be sold. Licensed products that fail pesticide testing are pulled from distribution and may be remediated or destroyed. This is one of the most critical reasons to buy from licensed dispensaries: unlicensed products have no pesticide testing, meaning you could be inhaling or ingesting harmful chemicals without knowing it.

Section 4: Heavy Metals Testing

Cannabis plants are bioaccumulators, meaning they absorb substances from the soil and water they grow in, including heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Heavy metals testing checks for the presence of these toxic elements and ensures they fall below safe limits.

The COA lists each metal tested, the amount detected, the allowable limit, and the PASS/FAIL result. Even trace amounts of heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time with regular consumption, so this testing is essential. All products at Jungle Kingdom Flower must pass heavy metals testing before they reach the shelf.

Section 5: Microbial and Mycotoxin Testing

Microbial testing checks for harmful bacteria and fungi, including Aspergillus (a mold that produces cancer-causing mycotoxins), E. coli, Salmonella, and total yeast and mold counts. This testing is particularly important for immunocompromised individuals, but everyone benefits from knowing their cannabis is free of harmful microorganisms.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds. Cannabis that has been improperly stored or cured can develop mold growth and mycotoxin contamination. The COA will report whether mycotoxin levels are within acceptable limits. Again, any FAIL result means the product is not safe for consumption.

Section 6: Residual Solvents

This section is most relevant for concentrate products (vape cartridges, wax, shatter, etc.) that are made using chemical solvents like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO2. Residual solvent testing ensures that the extraction process has removed these chemicals to below safe levels. Even small amounts of residual solvents can be harmful when inhaled.

Solventless products like live rosin may still be tested for solvents to confirm they are truly solvent-free. The COA will list each tested solvent, the detected amount, and the PASS/FAIL result. For more on how different concentrate types are made, see our concentrates guide.

Section 7: Moisture Content and Water Activity

These measurements are primarily relevant for flower products. Moisture content affects how the product burns, its shelf life, and its susceptibility to mold growth. Ideal moisture content for cannabis flower is typically between 8-13%. Water activity measures the available moisture that could support microbial growth. A water activity level below 0.65 is generally considered safe for preventing mold growth during storage.

If you are buying flower from brands like Grassroots Cannabis or other premium cultivators at Jungle Kingdom Flower, proper moisture content is part of what contributes to a smooth, even burn and excellent flavor.

Red Flags to Watch For

Knowing how to spot problems on a COA is just as important as understanding the sections. Here are the key red flags that should make you question a product:

Unidentifiable laboratory. The COA should clearly identify the testing lab, including its name, accreditation number, and contact information. If the lab is not identifiable or not accredited by the state, the results cannot be trusted.

Batch number mismatch. The batch or lot number on the COA must match the batch number on the product packaging. If they do not match, the COA may not apply to the product you are looking at.

Missing test categories. A complete COA should include potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial, and residual solvents (for applicable products). If entire sections are missing, the product may not have been fully tested.

Expired dates. Check the testing date. While COAs do not expire in the same way as food products, very old test results may not reflect the current state of the product, especially regarding moisture and microbial contamination.

Unrealistically high THC. If a flower product claims 40%+ THC, be skeptical. While concentrates can reach these levels, flower rarely exceeds 35% THC, and most high-quality flower falls in the 20-30% range. Inflated potency numbers can indicate lab shopping or inaccurate testing.

How to Access COAs at Jungle Kingdom Flower

At Jungle Kingdom Flower in Bed-Stuy, we make COA access straightforward. Many of our products have QR codes on the packaging that link directly to the lab results. If a product does not have a QR code, or if you want help interpreting the results, ask any of our budtenders. We can pull up the COA for any product in the store and walk you through the results.

We believe informed consumers make better decisions, and COA literacy is one of the most valuable skills a cannabis consumer can develop. Whether you are buying flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, edibles, or concentrates, the COA gives you the objective data to evaluate quality and safety for yourself.

For more on how New York regulates cannabis testing and what standards apply, visit our lab testing explained guide. If you are new to cannabis entirely, our first-time cannabis guide and dosing guide provide the fundamentals you need before your first purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions