How to Read Lab Test Results For Cannabis Beverages

Cannabis drinks are becoming more popular because they are easy to use and come in precise amounts, but to really know what you're drinking, you need to look more closely at their lab test results. 

These reports, which are usually called Certificates of Analysis (COA), are very important for making sure that your drink is safe and of good quality. If you're new to cannabis beverages or an experienced fan looking for more information, this simple guide will help you understand these reports with confidence. 

1. Understanding the Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A COA is a legal report from a lab that is not directly from the manufacturer. Its main purpose is to make sure that you know exactly what is in your cannabis drink, right down to the molecular level. These reports list the chemicals that make up the product and any possible contaminants that came from growing, making, or packing it.

Key features you’ll notice on a COA include:

• Lab name and accreditation (for accountability)
• Batch or lot number (links the COA to your specific purchased product)
• Test date
• Brand and product name

These basics ensure you’re looking at the correct, up-to-date test for your beverage—not an outdated or generic report.

2. Components of a Cannabis Beverage Lab Report

Potency Analysis (Cannabinoid Content)

This is often the first section people check. It reveals exactly how much of each major cannabinoid is present in your drink. The most common cannabinoids listed are:

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Responsible for the classic psychoactive effects
• CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating, often desired for wellness reasons
• Other Cannabinoids: Such as CBG, CBN, CBC—these are typically present in smaller amounts but contribute to the overall effect

You may see cannabinoid levels expressed as milligrams per serving (mg/serving) or per container. They can also show up as a percentage (%), but this is mostly with solids and is less relevant for beverages

For beverages, focus on the milligram totals per bottle or can. This tells you how strong one serving is and makes comparing between brands easier.

Terpene Profile

Terpenes are aromatic chemicals that give the drink its smell and different effects. It is possible for a detailed profile to be included, especially in high-end products, but it is not always needed by law. Even though terpenes don't contribute to feelings of elation or euphoria, they can have a subtle effect on your experience and could demonstrate how the product was made.

Contaminant Screening

Safety is paramount when it comes to cannabis products. Reputable labs screen for a wide array of contaminants, including:

• Pesticides: Chemicals used during cultivation can be harmful in high levels.
• Heavy metals: Sources may include soil or water.
• Residual solvents: If solvents were used during extraction, their safe removal is essential.
• Microbial screening: Looks for mold, yeast, E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria or fungi.
• Mycotoxins: Toxic substances from certain molds.

3. Interpreting Lab Result Numbers

Each cannabinoid is usually listed with a result in milligrams (mg). For beverages, you want to identify:

• Total THC: This usually refers to the sum of all active forms of THC. Some reports convert acidic precursors (like THCA) into their “active THC” equivalent using a multiplier, but drinks typically only list active Delta-9 THC since decarboxylation (activation) happens during production.
• Total CBD: The sum of all CBD forms.

You should also check: 

• How much THC or CBD is in a full can or bottle
• How much is in a single serving (if the beverage isn’t single-serve)

Start by comparing the “mg per serving” value against your tolerance and desired experience. Low doses (e.g., 2-5 mg THC) are suitable for beginners, while higher-doses (10 mg or more per serving) are stronger and should be approached cautiously.

Understanding “ND,” “<LOQ,” and Other Terms

You may see abbreviations and notes such as:

• ND: Not Detected—compound was undetectable at the lab’s sensitivity limit (limit for detection, LOD).
• <LOQ: Below Limit of Quantification—the amount was too low to measure precisely.
• LOQ/LOD: Limit of Quantitation/Detection—thresholds below which results aren’t considered reliable.

These indicate either the absence of a compound or its presence at trace (very low) levels.

Contaminant Test Results

For contaminants, results might be in parts per million (ppm), micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg), or similar small units. Ideally, you want most of these to be ND or well below any regulatory limits. Reports may highlight these limits for comparison.

4. Steps to Verify Safety and Quality 

Verifying the safety and quality of cannabis products is extremely important. If something doesn’t add up—such as missing tests or strangely high or low values—consider reaching out to the manufacturer or choosing a different product.

• Match the batch/lot number on your product to the COA.
• Confirm the product’s date is recent, not expired.
• Review cannabinoid levels for potency. Choose products aligning with your experience and intentions.
• Ensure all contaminant screenings returned ND or results below regulatory thresholds.
• Check for lab accreditation. Only trust reports from reputable, independent, and accredited testing facilities.

Common Red Flags on Cannabis Labels

• Missing COA: If a beverage doesn’t provide a batch-specific report, that’s a big warning sign about transparency and quality.
• Lab not listed: Results must come from a recognized third-party laboratory, not the brand itself.
• Too-good-to-be-true potency: Wildly high THC or CBD numbers or results inconsistent with state limits suggest errors or mislabeling.
• Obsolete test results: Always check the date—the older the data, the less relevant it is to your purchase.
• Incomplete screening: All reputable COAs should include at least potency and contaminant analysis.
• Abnormal contaminant levels: Any detected contaminants should fall below regulatory limits. If they don’t, avoid the product.

Why Reading Lab Test Results Matters

Whether you’re using cannabis beverages for recreation or wellness, lab test results allow you to verify that the product is:

• Exactly as potent as advertised
• Free of potentially harmful substances
• Authentic and safe for consumption

These certificates empower you to make informed choices rather than relying solely on brand claims or marketing.

Checklist for Reading a Cannabis Beverage Lab Report

• Verify the lab’s name and accreditation
• Match batch or lot number with your purchase
• Check test date for recency
• Review cannabinoid content (focus on mg/serving)
• Ensure safety screenings are clear or below legal limits
• Watch for notes, abbreviations, and warnings
• Contact the producer or lab if you spot inconsistencies or need clarification

At first, lab reports may look complicated, but focusing on these key areas will become second nature very quickly. Now that you have these tips, you can shop for cannabis beverages with confidence.