Updated 8/3/2021

INTERACTIVE GUIDE

How to Read a CBD Lab Report

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A CBD lab report is formally called a Certificate of Analysis (COA). All CBD products are required to be tested before they can be sold in the marketplace.  The scope of testing varies by the type of CBD product.  Here, we’ll be covering how to read a lab report for a CBD oil drop tincture.

Generally, the lab report for a CBD oil drop tincture reports the following:

  • which cannabinoids were tested and the results
  • which terpenes were tested and the results
  • what safety testing was performed and the results.

Safety testing is performed to ensure the CBD oil drop tincture is safe to use and includes testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbes, mycotoxins, moisture content, water activity, and filth and foreign materials.

→ Recommended: Common Types of Lab Tests Performed on a CBD Oil Product

For this interactive guide, we’re using a lab report for a sample batch of our natural flavor 3500 mg full spectrum CBD rich oil, Natural 3500. To learn what a field means, hover over or click the orange circle and a popup will appear with a brief explanation.

Before getting to how to read a CBD lab report for a CBD oil drop tincture, let’s first cover a few common abbreviations used in the report so you have a basic understanding of what each means.

Common Abbreviations in a CBD Lab Report

Below Limit of Detection (“B/LOD”). This means the substance or compound tested was present, but the amount detected is below the cut off value detectable by the testing instrument.

Below the Limit of Quantitation (“B/LOQ”). This means the substance or compound was detected, but the value is below what can be accurately reported. If you review the LOQ for a substance or compound and see “B/LOQ”, it means the detected amount is below that indicated number.

Below Threshold. This means the result for the compound or substance is below the acceptable, legally set number.

Limit of Detection (“LOD”). This is the lowest value that the testing instrument is capable of detecting the presence of a substance or compound.

Limit of Quantitation (“LOQ”). Generally, for the laboratory to report a result value, the number must be greater than or equal to the LOQ number listed in each row of the test column for each compound tested.

Not Detected (“N/D”). This is one of the most common abbreviations on a CBD lab report. A result showing N/D means the instrument did not detect any amount of the tested substance or compound.

With respect to THC, some CBD products labeled as “THC Free”, “0.00% THC” or “0.00 mg THC” may still contain a trace amount of THC that wasn’t enough to be detected by laboratory’s testing instrument. This is where the lab report comes handy because it will show you the actual result that you can use to determine if the product is really free of  THC.

Interactive CBD Lab Report Guide

This interactive guide features a sample lab report for a sample batch of our natural flavor 3500 mg Full Spectrum CBD rich oil drop tincture.

Click or hover over the orange circle and a popup will appear with a brief description of the field.

This is the lab that tested the product.
The ISO/IEC and Accreditation numbers shows that the lab has the required credentials and is officially authorized to test hemp derived CBD products.
The testing profile for cannabinoids in the product, listing each cannabinoid tested and the results.
LOQ means limit of quantification.  For a cannabinoid to be reported with a value, the amount detected must equal or be greater than the LOQ number listed.
The number of milligrams of the cannabinoid per gram. A cannabinoid that is not detected is reported as N/D.
The number of milligrams of delta-9 THC in the product.
The number of milligrams of the cannabinoid in the product.
The total percentage of delta-9 THC in the product. For a hemp derived product to be legal it must contain 0.3% or less THC.
The total percentage amount of CBD in the product.
The number of milligrams of all cannabinoids in the product.
The number of milligrams of CBD in the product.  Typically, the amount of CBD detected in the product will be a little above or below the amount of CBD indicated on the product’s label. An acceptable variance is plus or minus 20%.
The terpenes testing profile showing which terpenes were tested and the results.
LOQ means limit of quantification. To report a value, the amount of the terpene detected must be greater than or equal to the LOQ number listed.
The amount of the terpene detected in the product. A result showing B/LOQ means the amount of the terpene detected was below value required to report an accurate percentage amount.
A list of terpenes that were tested and not detected.
The safety testing profile for each pesticide tested and the results. A result showing N/D means the pesticide was not detected.
The recommended amount of each pesticide not to be exceeded for the product to be safe.
LOQ means limit of quantification. For a pesticide value to be reported,  the detected amount must be greater than or equal to the LOQ number listed.
The result of each pesticide tested. A result showing N/D means the pesticide was not detected. A result showing B/LOQ means the detected amount was the below the amount needed to report an accurate value.
The safety testing profile for residual solvents, listing each residual solvent tested and the results. A result showing N/D means the residual solvent was not detected.
The recommended amount of each residual solvent not to be exceeded for the product to be safe.
The testing result for each solvent tested. A result showing N/D means the residual solvent was not detected.
LOQ means limit of quantification. For a detected residual solvent to be reported with a value, the amount detected must equal or be greater than the LOQ number listed.
The safety testing profile for microbes, listing each microbe tested and the results.
The recommended value of a detected microbe not to be exceeded for the product to be safe.
Based on the results, this reports whether the tested microbe passed or failed.  For a product to be safe, all microbes should PASS.
The safety testing profile for mycotoxins (naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi). listing each mycotoxin tested and the results. A result showing N/D means the mycotoxin was not detected.
The recommended value of each mycotoxin not to be exceeded for the product to be safe.
The result of each mycotoxin tested. A result showing N/D means the mycotoxin was not detected.
The safety testing profile for heavy metals, listing each heavy metal tested and the results. A result showing B/LOQ means the heavy metal was detected but the amount is below what is needed to report an accurate value. A result showing N/D means it was not detected.
The recommended level of each heavy metal not to be exceeded for the product to be safe.
The result of each heavy metal tested. B/LOQ means the amount detected was below the LOQ number listed to report an accurate result.  N/D means the heavy metal was not detected.
The safety testing profile for moisture content to ensure the amount detected is not at risk for fungi and bacteria.
The safety testing profile for water activity and the results. Water activity is tested to ensure the product is not susceptible to contamination and spoilage.
The safety testing profile for filth and foreign materials and the results.

Final Thoughts

A legally compliant brand will make their CBD lab reports accessible.

You should always have access to the lab report for a CBD product so you can verify its content and that it is safe to use.

Unfortunately, some brands have claimed their CBD products to have contained a certain amount of CBD when, in reality, significantly less or no CBD was present.  Having access to the CBD product’s lab report allows you to see the amount of CBD in the product in addition to other tests performed on the CBD product.

→ Recommended: Why It’s Critical to Know What’s in Your CBD Product

If you cannot get access to the CBD product’s lab report, shop from another CBD brand that will give you access.  Reputable CBD brands will make their CBD lab reports accessible to consumers.

The lab report for each deepCBDs product is accessible here.

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