Hemp 101: The Truth About Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
🌿 What Is a COA, Really?
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is an official lab document that details the chemical makeup of a hemp product. It confirms potency, purity, and safety — showing exactly how much of each cannabinoid (like CBD, Delta-9 THC, or THCA) is present, and whether the sample passed tests for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.
Every legitimate hemp company should provide a third-party COA, meaning it comes from an independent, accredited laboratory — not in-house testing. Think of it as hemp’s report card: science-backed proof that the product matches what’s on the label.
⚗️ How Labs Test Hemp
Testing starts with a small, random sample taken from a production batch. Using instruments such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), labs identify and quantify each cannabinoid. They also run screening for mold, residual solvents, and microbials.
The result is a full chemical fingerprint — precise down to a fraction of a milligram. That’s how regulators verify compliance with the 0.3 % Delta-9 THC limit and how responsible brands protect customers from mislabeled or unsafe products.
🧠 How to Read a COA
A proper COA should be clear and easy to follow. Here’s what every consumer should check:
1. Cannabinoid Profile – Lists each cannabinoid (CBD, CBG, Delta-8, etc.) with percentages or mg per gram.
2. THC Content – Both Delta-9 THC and Total THC should remain within federal limits.
3. Contaminant Tests – Sections for heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents should all read “ND” (Not Detected).
4. QR Code or Batch Number – Should link directly to the lab’s report for verification.
5. Date & Lab Info – Recent results (within 6 months) from an accredited lab, with contact details visible.
If any of these elements are missing or unreadable, that’s a red flag.
💡 Why COAs Matter More Than Marketing
In a fast-moving hemp market, COAs are the single most important trust signal a brand can offer. They protect consumers, guide retailers, and keep the industry legitimate.
Unfortunately, not all “lab tested” claims hold up. Some companies recycle old COAs or test only once for a product line. That’s why Ghost Vapors ensures every batch has fresh, verifiable lab results linked directly on each product label. Transparency isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of quality.
🌱 Ghost Vapors’ Commitment to Transparency
Every Ghost Vapors product features a scannable QR code leading to a complete COA — not a summary, but the full report. Each one includes cannabinoid breakdowns, terpene profiles, and third-party testing dates.
By giving customers real data instead of vague promises, we help set the standard for a cleaner, more honest hemp industry.
🔮 Final Thought
A Certificate of Analysis isn’t just paperwork — it’s proof of integrity. When you read a COA, you’re not just checking numbers; you’re seeing the science that keeps hemp safe, legal, and trusted.
👻 Ghost Vapors Hemp 101 continues to educate consumers and elevate standards — because the truth should always be transparent.
