CBD is an increasingly popular molecule, which has appeared in a large number of products.

But announcing the presence of CBD does not in itself constitute any guarantee to the consumer, insofar as the manufacturing standards are not yet harmonized.

This is precisely what some manufacturers take advantage of, who can promise the best profits for low-dose, even low-quality products,

Also, it is important to find out what you are buying.

This is why a growing number of players are attaching certificates of analysis to their products, which can be consulted directly on online sales sites or in stores.

These certificates are results of tests carried out by independent laboratories that we advise you to read before deciding.

In this article, we will explain what to look for in certificates of analysis and how to interpret their content.

Why are these tests important?

We can consider that the absence of a test is a first indicator of the level of trust you can place in a seller.

Indeed, players in the CBD market using independent third-party laboratories to carry out analyzes on their products offer more transparency; the tests are likely to reassure the consumer in a constantly changing market.

Typically, the flower analysis report provides the levels of the different molecules present in the sample tested, such as the concentration of CBD, CBG or THC.

Here's what to look for in a lab report:

The amount of CBD

While the label indicates an amount of CBD present in the product, usually listed in milligrams, it may vary from brand to brand.

Third-party lab testing will allow you to verify that 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 trance.

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%, which is the legal limit authorized in France in hemp-based products.

This limit varies by country (for example 0.5% in Italy or 1% in Switzerland), which may explain why products containing a higher rate may be offered on certain online sales sites.

It should be noted that there are of course CBD-based products that contain no trace of THC. The certificate makes it possible to ensure this, which is particularly useful for athletes; THC is still considered a doping product in certain disciplines.

The cannabinoid profile
A cannabinoid profile gives you details on the molecules contained in your product, knowing that there are three types of CBD extraction: “full spectrum” extraction , “broad spectrum” or “isolate”.

In the first case, all the molecules naturally present in the flower must be mentioned (CBD, CBDa, CBG, THC, etc.). To be compliant, the second must display the same molecules, without THC. Finally, Isolate is only supposed to contain CBD.

The certificate therefore allows you to verify the concordance between the type of extraction announced and the molecules actually present in the product.

Other things to look for in a certificate:

The date of the certificate:

Remember to check the date on which the analysis was carried out.

The more recent the date, the more the analysis is likely to reassure you. If the analysis is later than one year, this means that the same applies to the product analyzed.

We also advise you to cross-reference the date of analysis with the date of production of the product in order to validate its authenticity.

The name of the laboratory:

Logic dictates that the certificate is issued by an independent third-party laboratory. But what is it really? Is the laboratory really unaffiliated with the producer? Is it recognized in the field of CBD analysis?

A simple search on the Internet should allow you to be sure.

Is this a real certificate?

This analysis process has a certain cost, and some unscrupulous actors do not hesitate to falsify certificates.

We recommend that you look at the certificate closely to see if the date or the name of the customer is missing. s been modified with an image processing tool. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the laboratory to make sure.

To conclude, you will have understood that it is in your interest to take the time to go through a certificate of analysis for any CBD product. This allows you to be informed about what you are consuming, to ensure the legality of the product and to be reassured about its conformity.

The CBD offer is expanding and you will of course find many serious players you can trust. If you want to know more, we invite you to consult the sites of these 2 renowned French laboratories:

The French Hemp Laboratory: https://analyse-llfc.fr/

LEAF:https://www.lab-leaf.com/