What Is a Certificate of Analysis (C.O.A.)?

One of the most common questions we get at SJ Labs and Analytics is:

“What exactly is a C.O.A.?”

Let’s break it down.

What is a C.O.A.?

C.O.A. stands for Certificate of Analysis a document that proves your cannabis or hemp product has been lab tested and meets the legal requirements in the state of Georgia.

If you’re a manufacturer or consumer, this document is essential. It’s your way of knowing whether a product is compliant, safe, and free of harmful substances.

Want to learn more about what a C.O.A. looks like?

Watch our team break it down in this short video:

What's On a C.O.A.?

Here’s what you’ll typically see on a Certificate of Analysis:

Product Name – This is the name of the product you submitted for testing.
Sample Size – Indicates how much of the product was tested in the lab.
Business Information – Your business name, address, and license number are all listed to keep the chain of custody clear and traceable.

Why THC Content Matters?

Now we get to the most important part for compliance in Georgia:

Total THC must be 0.3% or less and no more than 10 milligrams per serving.

That number isn’t flexible, if your product exceeds that, it’s not legally allowed for sale in Georgia.

Cannabinoid Breakdown

The C.O.A. will show you a detailed cannabinoid breakdown. This section lists the various cannabinoids (like Delta-9 THC, CBD, etc.) and the exact amount of each, helping you understand the potency of your product.

The 7 Tests Every C.O.A. Includes

A complete Certificate of Analysis consists of seven core safety tests:

Potency: This measures how strong the product is, especially in terms of THC and CBD content.
Residual Solvents: Checks for leftover chemicals used in extraction processes.
Pesticides: Makes sure no harmful pesticides are present beyond legal limits.
Mycotoxins: Detects toxic compounds produced by molds.
Heavy Metals: Measures things like lead, mercury, and arsenic. These must be extremely low—measured in parts per billion.
Foreign Materials: This is exactly what it sounds like—hair, dirt, or anything else that shouldn’t be in your product.
Microbials: Tests for bacteria, mold, and yeast that could make products unsafe.

What Happens If a Product Fails?

Sometimes, not everything passes and that’s important to know.

Let’s say your COA shows:

Residual solvents – Pass
Pesticides – Pass
Heavy metals – Pass
Mycotoxins – Fail

That “fail” means the product is not compliant with Georgia regulations. If you’re a seller, this means you legally cannot offer that product to consumers.

Always read your C.O.A. line by line. Don’t assume everything passed check for failures so you can take the right steps.

Final Thoughts

At SJ Labs and Analytics, we only report real data, we never alter test results. What you see on your Certificate of Analysis is exactly what came out of the lab. And that transparency is what keeps this industry moving forward safely and legally.

So whether you’re a consumer or a producer, make the C.O.A. your best friend.

It’s your roadmap to safety, legality and trust.

Have questions or need your products tested? Contact us today and get reliable, state-compliant results you can count on.

What Is a Certificate of Analysis (C.O.A.) ?