When you pick up a cannabis product at Buds & Roses, you might notice a QR code or reference to something called a COA. That stands for Certificate of Analysis, and understanding cannabis lab testing COA results is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting a safe, high-quality product. Think of it as a report card for your cannabis—showing exactly what’s inside and confirming that what’s on the label matches what’s in the jar.
What Is a Certificate of Analysis?
A Certificate of Analysis is an official document from an independent, state-licensed laboratory. California requires all legal cannabis products to undergo rigorous testing before they reach dispensary shelves. The cannabis lab testing COA you see reflects this process, providing detailed information about the product’s cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and safety screening results.
At its core, a COA tells you three important things: what beneficial compounds are present, how potent they are, and whether the product passed safety testing for harmful contaminants. This transparency is something we take seriously at Buds & Roses because we believe informed customers make better choices for their wellness.
Breaking Down the Key Sections
When you look at a COA, you’ll typically see several sections. The cannabinoid profile lists THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids along with their percentages. This helps you understand potency and predict the effects you might experience.
The terpene profile reveals which aromatic compounds are present and in what concentrations. Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene contribute to a strain’s unique flavor and may influence how the product makes you feel. If you’re curious about why terpenes matter, our guide to the benefits of terpenes dives deeper.
Perhaps most importantly, the contaminant testing section confirms the product is free from pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents. California sets strict limits for these substances, and a passing result means your product meets all state safety standards.
Why COAs Matter for Your Safety
Reading a cannabis lab testing COA isn’t just for science enthusiasts—it’s a practical tool for every consumer. Contaminant testing protects you from inhaling or ingesting harmful substances that can sometimes appear in improperly cultivated or processed cannabis. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium, mold and mildew, and leftover chemicals from extraction processes are all screened.
Potency testing also keeps you safe in a different way. Knowing the exact THC percentage helps you dose appropriately, especially if you’re newer to cannabis or trying a new product category. Our beginner’s guide offers helpful tips on starting low and going slow.
How to Access and Read a COA
Most products at Buds & Roses include a batch number and a QR code that links directly to the COA. Simply scan the code with your phone’s camera, and you’ll be taken to the lab’s website where the full report is available. Look for the batch number to make sure it matches your product, then review the cannabinoid and terpene percentages along with the pass/fail status for contaminant tests.
If you’re ever unsure about what you’re reading, our budtenders are happy to walk you through it. We love helping customers understand their cannabis better because education is part of what makes the experience enjoyable and empowering.
At Buds & Roses, every product on our shelves comes with accessible cannabis lab testing COA documentation. We partner with trusted growers and brands who share our commitment to quality and transparency. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying cannabis—you’re choosing products backed by verified science and rigorous safety standards.
Ready to explore our lab-tested selection? Visit our Order Online page to browse products from brands you can trust, or stop by the dispensary and ask a budtender to show you what’s fresh.