Cannabis lab test results use short terms that describe potency, purity, and safety. A result marked ND means the lab did not detect the compound at its method detection limit. A result marked <LOQ means the lab detected the compound below the limit of quantitation. Total THC is delta-9 THC plus THCA multiplied by 0.877. A COA, or Certificate of Analysis, is the lab report that lists these results for one batch.
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Quick definitions
- COA: Certificate of Analysis, the lab report for a batch.
- Batch or lot: a defined production run sampled for testing.
- Cannabinoid: a compound such as THC, CBD, CBG, or CBN.
- Terpene: an aromatic compound that contributes smell and flavor.
- LOD: limit of detection, the lowest level the lab can detect.
- LOQ: limit of quantitation, the lowest level the lab can measure with stated confidence.
- ND: not detected at or above the LOD.
- <LOQ: detected but below the LOQ.
- Action limit: the threshold that triggers a pass or fail.
- ISO/IEC 17025: the accreditation standard for lab competence.
Potency terms
Potency is reported as a percentage by weight for flower and concentrates, or as milligrams per serving for edibles. Labs report delta-9 THC and THCA separately because THCA converts to THC when heated. The total THC formula is delta-9 THC + (THCA × 0.877). Total CBD uses the same conversion for CBDA. A label that lists only THCA is not the same as total THC.
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Terpenes are reported as percent or milligrams per gram. Moisture content and water activity are separate checks. High moisture can dilute potency and raise microbial risk.
Contaminant terms
Contaminant panels check for hazards that may not show on a label.
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- Microbials: total aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold, total coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella.
- Mycotoxins: aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, which are mold toxins.
- Heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
- Pesticides: a target list of active ingredients and breakdown products.
- Residual solvents: extraction chemicals such as ethanol, butane, or hexane.
- Foreign matter: visible non-cannabis material in the sample.
A pass means the batch met the action limits set by the testing jurisdiction. A fail means at least one result exceeded a limit.
How to read a COA in five steps
- Match the batch number and product name on the COA to the package.
- Check the lab name, accreditation, and test date.
- Read total THC and total CBD, not only THCA or CBDA.
- Review each contaminant result against the action limit for that product type.
- Confirm the COA lists the full panel required for the product, such as microbials for flower or solvents for concentrate.
ND, LOQ, and pass or fail
ND is not zero. It means the lab did not detect the compound at its method detection limit. <LOQ means the lab saw a signal but could not quantify it with confidence. A COA should list the LOQ so you can judge how low the result goes. A pass means the batch met the limits in the testing jurisdiction. A fail means at least one result exceeded a limit. A report without batch ID, test date, method, or LOQ is hard to verify.
A menu or label can give a quick answer. The COA is the record you check when the answer matters.