Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document from an accredited laboratory confirming the cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and contaminant testing results of a cannabis or hemp product.
In Depth
COAs are essential for verifying that cannabis products contain what their labels claim. Studies have found that 26–43% of commercial CBD products are mislabeled — containing significantly more or less CBD than stated, or detectable THC in products claiming to be THC-free. A valid COA should be from an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, include batch-specific testing (not just product-type testing), and test for cannabinoids, terpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants.
More in Regulatory
Schedule I
The most restrictive classification under the US Controlled Substances Act (CSA), applied to substances deemed to have high abuse potential, no accepted medical use, and lack of accepted safety under medical supervision.
IND (Investigational New Drug)
An application submitted to the FDA allowing a pharmaceutical company or researcher to begin clinical trials of an unapproved drug in humans.
NCT Number
A unique identifier assigned by ClinicalTrials.gov to every registered clinical study. Format: NCT followed by 8 digits (e.g., NCT04849910).
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
A system of regulations ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. Required for pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid products.
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
The US federal agency responsible for enforcing controlled substances laws. Administers the scheduling system under the Controlled Substances Act.