COA: Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis proves that industry safety and standards tests have been conducted on a particular product or medication and that it is free from contamination.
Certificates of Analysis’ (COA) are essential documents for not just manufacturers, but also doctors and patients.
COAs display the results of tests conducted on medical products or medicines. These tests are done by accredited laboratories that investigate the ingredients and safety of medicines to ensure no contaminants and that the active ingredients are present in the correct amounts.
What information is shown on medical cannabis COAs?
That depends on the particular product, but most often, a COA will show the following information:
- Product Information: This includes the name of the product, its batch or lot number, and the date it was tested.
- Test Results: This section displays the results of each test conducted on the product, including potency testing, microbial testing, and heavy metal testing.
- Active Ingredients: COAs also list the active ingredients present in the product and their corresponding amounts. For medical cannabis products, cannabinoids and their percentages are typically included in this section.
- Contaminants: To ensure safety, COAs also test for any potential contaminants in the product. This can include pesticides, residual solvents, and mycotoxins.
- Lab Information: The COA should also include the name and contact information of the laboratory that conducted the testing. This allows for verification and further questions, if necessary.
- Additional Notes: Some COAs may also include additional notes or comments from the laboratory, such as any observed abnormalities during testing or recommendations for administration and/or dosage.
Do all cannabis-based medicines provided through Releaf come with a COA?
Yes, every single CBPM we offer our patients comes with a COA. Patient safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure they have access to high-quality, safe medicines. That's why we only work with the most reputable suppliers in the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.