Lab-Verified: Why Third-Party Testing Matters for Hemp Products
Certificates of Analysis (COAs) may sound like bedtime reading for lawyers, but they’re actually your first line of defense against low-grade hemp. Let’s decode these reports and see why they deserve a permanent spot in your bookmarks bar.
1. Potency Check
Even non-psychoactive hemp products need accurate labeling. Third-party labs quantify total hemp extract per serving, ensuring your berry gummy really contains 10 mg—not five or fifteen. Consistency fuels consumer confidence and keeps regulators happy.
2. Purity Profile
A quality COA screens for heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. Look for ND (non-detectable) values in lead, arsenic, and mold columns. Anything above local action limits? Hard pass.
3. Batch-Specific Transparency
Reputable brands publish every batch result, not just a single “hero” test. QR codes on packaging that link to the exact lot make spot-checking effortless—even in-store.
4. Reading the Fine Print
Ensure the lab’s accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) appears on the header. Verify dates: tests older than one year may not reflect current Good Manufacturing Practices. Cross-check sample identifiers with the lot number on your jar.
Requesting COAs isn’t nitpicking—it’s smart shopping. Brands that offer open lab access prove they have nothing to hide and everything to gain from your long-term trust.