Certificates of Analysis
CBD is a very popular molecule, which has appeared in many products. But announcing the presence of CBD does not in itself constitute any Guarantee the consumer. Indeed, there has been no harmonization of manufacturing standards. This is precisely what some manufacturers benefit from, which can promise the best benefits for low-dose or even poor-quality products. It is therefore important to know what is being bought. This is why an increasing number of actors are joining CBD analysis certificates with their products. These are often directly available on sales sites online or in store.
These certificates are results of tests carried out by independent laboratories that we advise you to browse. We will explain in this article what to look for in the certificates of analysis and also how to interpret their content.
Why? Are CBD Certificates of Analysis important?
The absence of a test can be considered as a first indicator of a seller's level of confidence. Indeed, serious players in the CBD market use independent third-party laboratories. They carry out analyses of their products to provide more transparency. These tests serve to reassure the consumer in a constantly changing market. Typically, the CBD analysis certificate of a flower delivers the rates of the different molecules present in the sample tested. For example, the concentration of CBD, CBG and THC.
Here is what needs to be looked for in a laboratory report:
CBD Certificates of Analysis: Amount of CBD
Although the label indicates a quantity of CBD present in the product, usually indicated in milligrams, it may be that varies one mark to another. The third-party laboratory test will allow you to check if the container matches the content.
The presence of THC
The hemp plant naturally contains a small amount of THC, which is the molecule known for its ability to put us in a second state. Rest assured, the amount of THC is so small that it has no effect on you. However, it is important to check whether the amount of THC is equal to or less than 0.3%, the legal limit allowed in France in hemp products. This limit varies by country (e.g. in Italy or in Switzerland, 0.5% or 1%). This explains why some online sales sites offer products with a higher rate.
It should be noted that there are of course CBD products containing no trace of THC. The CBD's certificate of analysis makes it possible to ensure this, which is particularly useful for athletes; THC remains considered a doping product in certain disciplines.
Cannabinoid profile
A cannabinoid profile gives you details about the molecules contained in your product, knowing that there are three types of CBD extraction: « full spectrum », « broad spectrum » or « isolate ». In the first case, we must mention all the molecules naturally present in the flower (CBD, CBDa, CBG, THC...). To be consistent, the second must display the same molecules without THC. Finally, Isolate is supposed to contain only CBD. The certificate allows you to check the concordance between the announced extraction type and the molecules actually present in the product.
Other items to look at in a certificate:
The date of the CBD Certificates of Analysis
Consider checking the date of the analysis. The more recent the date, the more confident the analysis is. If the analysis is after one year, this means that the same applies to the product analysed. We also advise you to cross the date of analysis with the date of production of the product in order to validate its authenticity.
Name of laboratory
The logic is that the certificate that an independent third party laboratory performs the analyses. But what about it? Is the lab really unaffiliated with the producer? Is he recognized in the field of CBD analysis? A simple search on the Internet should make sure.
Is this a real certificate of CBD analysis?
This process of analysis has a certain cost, and some unscrupulous actors do not hesitate to falsify certificates. We recommend you look closely at the certificate to see if the client's date or name have not been changed with an image processing tool. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the laboratory to make sure.
In conclusion, you will understand that it is in your best interest to take the time to browse a certificate of analysis for any CBD product. This allows you to be informed about what you consume, to ensure the legality of the product and to be reassured about its compliance.
The CBD offer is expanding and you will of course find many serious players you can trust. If you would like to know more, please visit the site of this renowned French laboratory: