9 Simple Cannabis Lab Results Tips for Safer Choices

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Cannabis Lab Results Explained: How to Read CBD, Terpenes, Pesticides & Contaminants Understanding cannabis lab results can seem complicated. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) contains numbers, abbreviations, and scientific terms that can be difficult to interpret at first. Whether you are buying cannabis, hemp, or CBD products, learning how to read a lab report can help you understand what is actually in the product. In this guide, we explain how to read cannabis lab results, including CBD, THC, terpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents. What Is a Cannabis COA? A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory report showing the results of testing performed on a cannabis, hemp, or CBD product. Depending on the product and testing requirements, a COA may show: Cannabinoid levels CBD and THC concentration Terpene levels Pesticide residues Heavy metals Microbial contaminants Mycotoxins Residual solvents Moisture content Other contaminants A COA should identify the product or batch that was tested so the results can be matched to the product you are buying. How to Read Cannabis Lab Results When reviewing a cannabis lab report, start with the basic product information before looking at the numbers. Check: Product name Batch or lot number Sample identification Testing laboratory Testing date Product type Laboratory test results Pass or fail status, where applicable The batch number on the product should match the batch number shown on the COA. A laboratory result from one batch does not automatically apply to another batch. Understanding CBD Results CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp. A laboratory may report CBD using different units, including: Percentage (%) Milligrams per gram (mg/g) Milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) Milligrams per serving Total milligrams per package What Does CBD Percentage Mean? If a lab report says: CBD: 5% the tested sample contains approximately 5% CBD by weight, depending on the laboratory's testing method and reporting conventions. For products measured by weight, a useful conversion is: 1% CBD ≈ 10 mg/g Therefore: 5% CBD ≈ 50 mg/g This can make it easier to compare products that use different measurement units. What Does CBD mg/g Mean? If a COA reports: CBD: 50 mg/g it means approximately 50 milligrams of CBD were measured in each gram of the tested product. What Does CBD mg/mL Mean? Liquid products such as CBD oils may report CBD as mg/mL. For example: CBD: 30 mg/mL means the tested product contains approximately 30 milligrams of CBD per milliliter. Always check whether the number represents concentration per serving, per milliliter, per gram, or the entire package. Don't Look at CBD Alone A good cannabis lab report may contain several cannabinoids. Depending on the product, you may see: CBD CBDA THC THCA CBG CBGA CBN CBC THCV For example, a cannabinoid profile could look like this: Cannabinoid Result CBD 6.20% CBDA 0.18% CBG 0.42% THC 0.12% CBN <LOQ Looking at the complete cannabinoid profile gives you a better understanding of the product than focusing on CBD alone. What Does ND Mean on a Cannabis Lab Report? You may see ND or Not Detected next to certain compounds. ND generally means the laboratory did not detect the substance at or above its applicable detection threshold. It does not necessarily mean that absolutely zero of the substance is present. For example: Pesticide: ND means the laboratory did not detect the pesticide at or above the relevant reporting threshold. What Does LOQ Mean? LOQ stands for Limit of Quantitation. It is the lowest concentration at which a laboratory can reliably measure and report the amount of a substance using its testing method. A result such as: <0.01 mg/kg generally means the amount was below the laboratory's quantitation limit. Always check the laboratory's notes to understand exactly how results such as ND, LOD, and LOQ are defined. Understanding Cannabis Terpene Results Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the aroma and flavor of cannabis and many other plants. Common cannabis terpenes include: Myrcene Limonene Caryophyllene Pinene Linalool Humulene Terpinolene Ocimene A COA may list the concentration of individual terpenes. For example: Terpene Result Myrcene 0.42% Limonene 0.31% Caryophyllene 0.27% Linalool 0.09% Pinene 0.06% What Does Total Terpenes Mean? Some lab reports provide a total terpene concentration. For example: Total Terpenes: 1.15% means approximately 1.15% of the tested sample consisted of the terpenes measured by the laboratory. Terpene results can help you understand the product's chemical and aromatic profile. However, terpene concentrations should not be treated as a guarantee of a particular effect. How to Read Cannabis Pesticide Results Pesticide testing is an important part of cannabis laboratory testing. Cannabis plants can be exposed to pesticides during cultivation, and residues may remain in the finished product. A pesticide section may include: Name of the pesticide Measured concentration Unit of measurement Detection or quantitation limit Acceptable limit Pass or fail result For example: Pesticide Result Status Pesticide A ND Pass Pesticide B <LOQ Pass Pesticide C 0.02 ppm Pass The acceptable limits for pesticides vary depending on the jurisdiction and product type. When reading pesticide results, compare the reported concentration with the applicable limit rather than simply looking for the word "detected." Understanding Heavy Metal Results Cannabis plants can absorb metals from soil, water, and their growing environment. Laboratories may test for heavy metals such as: Lead Arsenic Cadmium Mercury Results may be reported in units such as parts per million (ppm) or micrograms per gram (µg/g). A heavy-metal result should be evaluated against the applicable testing limit. Understanding Microbial and Mold Testing Cannabis and hemp products may also be tested for microorganisms and other biological contaminants. A laboratory report may include testing for: Yeast Mold Aspergillus Other microbial contaminants Mycotoxins A passing result means the tested sample met the applicable requirements for the substances included in that test. What Are Residual Solvents? Some cannabis products are produced using extraction methods that involve solvents. If these solvents are not adequately removed during processing, residues may remain in the finished product. A residual-solvent test may look for compounds such as: Ethanol Butane Propane Hexane Acetone Other processing solvents The solvents tested depend on the product and extraction method. A COA should show the measured results and, where applicable, the relevant limits. What Does Pass or Fail Mean? A cannabis COA may show an overall PASS or FAIL result. A PASS generally means the sample met the applicable testing requirements for that test. A FAIL means the sample did not meet one or more applicable requirements. However, a passing COA does not necessarily mean that a product is the highest quality or the strongest product. For example, two products can both pass contaminant testing while having very different CBD concentrations and terpene profiles. How to Spot a Questionable Cannabis COA Pay close attention if a laboratory report: Does not show a batch or lot number Does not identify the testing laboratory Does not include a testing date Does not clearly identify the tested product Provides results without units Appears incomplete Contains inconsistent information Does not match the batch number on the product Uses a generic report that cannot be connected to the specific product A reliable COA should provide enough information to identify the tested sample and understand the laboratory's findings. Cannabis Lab Results Example Imagine a CBD product has the following laboratory results: Cannabinoids CBD: 4.8% CBG: 0.3% THC: 0.08% Terpenes Myrcene: 0.30% Limonene: 0.22% Caryophyllene: 0.18% Pesticides Pass Heavy Metals Pass Microbial Testing Pass Residual Solvents Pass The report indicates that the tested sample contained approximately 4.8% CBD, along with smaller amounts of CBG and THC. The terpene section shows that myrcene was the most abundant of the listed terpenes. The sample also passed the listed pesticide, heavy-metal, microbial, and residual-solvent testing. This is the basic process for reading a cannabis lab report: identify the product, understand the units, review the cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and then check the contaminant testing. Cannabis Lab Results Checklist Before relying on a cannabis or CBD COA, check the following: Does the COA match the exact product? Does the batch or lot number match? Is the testing laboratory identified? Is the testing date provided? What is the CBD concentration? What other cannabinoids were detected? What is the terpene profile? Were pesticides tested? Were heavy metals tested? Were microbial contaminants tested? Were residual solvents tested where relevant? Are the results shown with clear units? Are the detection and quantitation limits provided? Does the report show a pass or fail result where applicable? Frequently Asked Questions What is a COA in cannabis? A COA, or Certificate of Analysis, is a laboratory report showing analytical test results for a cannabis, hemp, or CBD product. It can include cannabinoid potency, terpene levels, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents. How do I read a CBD lab report? Start by checking the product name, batch number, testing date, and laboratory. Then review the CBD concentration, other cannabinoids, terpene profile, and contaminant testing. What does ND mean on a cannabis lab report? ND means "Not Detected." It generally means the laboratory did not detect the substance at or above its applicable detection threshold. What does LOQ mean on a cannabis COA? LOQ means "Limit of Quantitation." It is the lowest concentration that the laboratory can reliably quantify using its testing method. How do I know if a CBD product has been lab tested? Look for a laboratory COA that identifies the specific product and batch. The batch number should correspond with the product you are evaluating. Why are terpenes listed on cannabis lab results? Terpene results provide information about the chemical and aromatic profile of the product. Commonly reported terpenes include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, and linalool. Why is pesticide testing important? Pesticide testing identifies specified pesticide residues and determines whether their concentrations meet applicable requirements. Are higher CBD levels always better? Not necessarily. A higher CBD concentration simply means that more CBD was measured in the tested product. The appropriate product depends on factors such as formulation, concentration, product type, and individual needs. Final Thoughts Learning how to read cannabis lab results becomes much easier once you understand the main sections of a COA. Start with the product and batch information, then review the cannabinoid profile to understand CBD and other cannabinoids. Next, examine the terpene results and check the testing for pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents. Most importantly, don't judge a cannabis or CBD product by its CBD percentage alone. A complete laboratory report provides a broader picture of the product's measured composition and testing results, helping you make more informed decisions when evaluating cannabis and CBD products.
How to read cannabis lab results, including CBD, terpenes, pesticides, and contaminants.

Cannabis Lab Results Explained: How to Read CBD, Terpenes, Pesticides & Contaminants

Understanding cannabis lab results can seem complicated. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) contains numbers, abbreviations, and scientific terms that can be difficult to interpret at first.

Whether you are buying cannabis, hemp, or CBD products, learning how to read a lab report can help you understand what is actually in the product.

In this guide, we explain how to read cannabis lab results, including CBD, THC, terpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents.

What Is a Cannabis COA?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory report showing the results of testing performed on a cannabis, hemp, or CBD product.

Depending on the product and testing requirements, a COA may show:

  • Cannabinoid levels
  • CBD and THC concentration
  • Terpene levels
  • Pesticide residues
  • Heavy metals
  • Microbial contaminants
  • Mycotoxins
  • Residual solvents
  • Moisture content
  • Other contaminants

A COA should identify the product or batch that was tested so the results can be matched to the product you are buying.

How to Read Cannabis Lab Results

When learning how to read cannabis lab results, start with the basic product information before looking at the numbers.

Check:

  • Product name
  • Batch or lot number
  • Sample identification
  • Testing laboratory
  • Testing date
  • Product type
  • Laboratory test results
  • Pass or fail status, where applicable

The batch number on the product should match the batch number shown on the COA.

A laboratory result from one batch does not automatically apply to another batch. This is one of the most important things to remember when reviewing cannabis testing results.

Understanding CBD Results

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp.

A laboratory may report CBD using different units, including:

  • Percentage (%)
  • Milligrams per gram (mg/g)
  • Milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL)
  • Milligrams per serving
  • Total milligrams per package

What Does CBD Percentage Mean?

If a lab report says:

CBD: 5%

The tested sample contains approximately 5% CBD by weight, depending on the laboratory’s testing method and reporting conventions.

For products measured by weight, a useful conversion is:

1% CBD ≈ 10 mg/g

Therefore:

5% CBD ≈ 50 mg/g

This can make it easier to compare products that use different measurement units.

What Does CBD mg/g Mean?

If a COA reports:

CBD: 50 mg/g

It means approximately 50 milligrams of CBD were measured in each gram of the tested product.

What Does CBD mg/mL Mean?

Liquid products such as CBD oils may report CBD as mg/mL.

For example:

CBD: 30 mg/mL

This means the tested product contains approximately 30 milligrams of CBD per milliliter.

Always check whether the number represents concentration per serving, per milliliter, per gram, or the entire package.

Don’t Look at CBD Alone

A good cannabis lab report may contain several cannabinoids. Looking beyond CBD gives you a more complete picture of the product.

Depending on the product, you may see:

  • CBD
  • CBDA
  • THC
  • THCA
  • CBG
  • CBGA
  • CBN
  • CBC
  • THCV

For example, a cannabinoid profile could look like this:

Cannabinoid Result
CBD 6.20%
CBDA 0.18%
CBG 0.42%
THC 0.12%
CBN <LOQ

Looking at the complete cannabinoid profile gives you a better understanding of the product than focusing on CBD alone.

What Does ND Mean on a Cannabis Lab Report?

You may see ND or “Not Detected” next to certain compounds.

ND generally means the laboratory did not detect the substance at or above its applicable detection threshold.

It does not necessarily mean that absolutely zero of the substance is present.

For example:

Pesticide: ND

This means the laboratory did not detect the pesticide at or above the relevant reporting threshold.

What Does LOQ Mean?

LOQ stands for Limit of Quantitation.

It is the lowest concentration at which a laboratory can reliably measure and report the amount of a substance using its testing method.

A result such as:

<0.01 mg/kg

Generally means the amount was below the laboratory’s quantitation limit.

Always check the laboratory’s notes to understand exactly how results such as ND, LOD, and LOQ are defined.

Understanding Cannabis Terpene Results

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the aroma and flavor of cannabis and many other plants.

Common cannabis terpenes include:

  • Myrcene
  • Limonene
  • Caryophyllene
  • Pinene
  • Linalool
  • Humulene
  • Terpinolene
  • Ocimene

A COA may list the concentration of individual terpenes.

For example:

Terpene Result
Myrcene 0.42%
Limonene 0.31%
Caryophyllene 0.27%
Linalool 0.09%
Pinene 0.06%

What Does Total Terpenes Mean?

Some lab reports provide a total terpene concentration.

For example:

Total Terpenes: 1.15%

This means approximately 1.15% of the tested sample consisted of the terpenes measured by the laboratory.

Terpene results can help you understand the product’s chemical and aromatic profile. However, terpene concentrations should not be treated as a guarantee of a particular effect.

How to Read Cannabis Pesticide Results

Pesticide testing is an important part of cannabis laboratory testing. Cannabis plants can be exposed to pesticides during cultivation, and residues may remain in the finished product.

A pesticide section may include:

  • Name of the pesticide
  • Measured concentration
  • Unit of measurement
  • Detection or quantitation limit
  • Acceptable limit
  • Pass or fail result

For example:

Pesticide Result Status
Pesticide A ND Pass
Pesticide B <LOQ Pass
Pesticide C 0.02 ppm Pass

The acceptable limits for pesticides vary depending on the jurisdiction and product type.

When reading pesticide results, compare the reported concentration with the applicable limit rather than simply looking for the word “detected.”

Understanding Heavy Metal Results

Cannabis plants can absorb metals from soil, water, and their growing environment.

Laboratories may test for heavy metals such as:

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Mercury

Results may be reported in units such as parts per million (ppm) or micrograms per gram (µg/g).

A heavy-metal result should be evaluated against the applicable testing limit.

Understanding Microbial and Mold Testing

Cannabis and hemp products may also be tested for microorganisms and other biological contaminants.

A laboratory report may include testing for:

  • Yeast
  • Mold
  • Aspergillus
  • Other microbial contaminants
  • Mycotoxins

A passing result means the tested sample met the applicable requirements for the substances included in that test.

What Are Residual Solvents?

Some cannabis products are produced using extraction methods that involve solvents.

If these solvents are not adequately removed during processing, residues may remain in the finished product.

A residual-solvent test may look for compounds such as:

  • Ethanol
  • Butane
  • Propane
  • Hexane
  • Acetone
  • Other processing solvents

The solvents tested depend on the product and extraction method.

A COA should show the measured results and, where applicable, the relevant limits.

What Does Pass or Fail Mean?

A cannabis COA may show an overall PASS or FAIL result.

A PASS generally means the sample met the applicable testing requirements for that test.

A FAIL means the sample did not meet one or more applicable requirements.

However, a passing COA does not necessarily mean that a product is the highest quality or the strongest product.

For example, two products can both pass contaminant testing while having very different cannabinoid concentrations and terpene profiles.

How to Spot a Questionable Cannabis COA

Pay close attention if a laboratory report:

  • Does not show a batch or lot number
  • Does not identify the testing laboratory
  • Does not include a testing date
  • Does not clearly identify the tested product
  • Provides results without units
  • Appears incomplete
  • Contains inconsistent information
  • Does not match the batch number on the product
  • Uses a generic report that cannot be connected to the specific product

A reliable COA should provide enough information to identify the tested sample and understand the laboratory’s findings.

Cannabis Lab Results Example

Imagine a CBD product has the following laboratory results:

Cannabinoids

  • CBD: 4.8%
  • CBG: 0.3%
  • THC: 0.08%

Terpenes

  • Myrcene: 0.30%
  • Limonene: 0.22%
  • Caryophyllene: 0.18%

Pesticides

Pass

Heavy Metals

Pass

Microbial Testing

Pass

Residual Solvents

Pass

The report indicates that the tested sample contained approximately 4.8% CBD, along with smaller amounts of CBG and THC.

The terpene section shows that myrcene was the most abundant of the listed terpenes.

The sample also passed the listed pesticide, heavy-metal, microbial, and residual-solvent testing.

This example shows the basic process for reading a cannabis lab report: identify the product, understand the units, review the cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and then check the contaminant testing.

Cannabis Lab Results Checklist

Before relying on a cannabis or CBD COA, check the following:

  • Does the COA match the exact product?
  • Does the batch or lot number match?
  • Is the testing laboratory identified?
  • Is the testing date provided?
  • What is the CBD concentration?
  • What other cannabinoids were detected?
  • What is the terpene profile?
  • Were pesticides tested?
  • Were heavy metals tested?
  • Were microbial contaminants tested?
  • Were residual solvents tested where relevant?
  • Are the results shown with clear units?
  • Are the detection and quantitation limits provided?
  • Does the report show a pass or fail result where applicable?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a COA in cannabis?

A COA, or Certificate of Analysis, is a laboratory report showing analytical test results for a cannabis, hemp, or CBD product. It can include cannabinoid potency, terpene levels, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents.

How do I read a CBD lab report?

Start by checking the product name, batch number, testing date, and laboratory. Then review the cannabinoid concentration, other cannabinoids, terpene profile, and contaminant testing. Learning how to read cannabis lab results helps you interpret each section instead of relying on a single number.

What does ND mean on a cannabis lab report?

ND means “Not Detected.” It generally means the laboratory did not detect the substance at or above its applicable detection threshold.

What does LOQ mean on a cannabis COA?

LOQ means “Limit of Quantitation.” It is the lowest concentration that the laboratory can reliably quantify using its testing method.

How do I know if a CBD product has been lab tested?

Look for a laboratory COA that identifies the specific product and batch. The batch number should correspond with the product you are evaluating.

Why are terpenes listed on cannabis lab results?

Terpene results provide information about the chemical and aromatic profile of the product. Commonly reported terpenes include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, and linalool.

Why is pesticide testing important?

Pesticide testing identifies specified pesticide residues and determines whether their concentrations meet applicable requirements.

Are higher CBD levels always better?

Not necessarily. A higher CBD concentration simply means that more CBD was measured in the tested product. The appropriate product depends on factors such as formulation, concentration, product type, and individual needs.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to read cannabis lab results becomes much easier once you understand the main sections of a COA.

Start with the product and batch information, then review the cannabinoid profile to understand CBD and other cannabinoids. Next, examine the terpene results and check the testing for pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents.

Most importantly, don’t judge a cannabis or CBD product by its CBD percentage alone.

A complete laboratory report provides a broader picture of the product’s measured composition and testing results, helping you make more informed decisions when evaluating cannabis and CBD products.

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