{"title":"A cannabis COA checklist for wholesale buyers","url":"https://www.seedlink.net/guides/buying/cannabis-coa-buyer-checklist","json":"https://www.seedlink.net/guides/buying/cannabis-coa-buyer-checklist/data.json","kind":"editorial","audience":"buyers","question":"What should a dispensary buyer check on a cannabis COA?","answer":"Match the report to the offered batch, confirm its issuer and dates, read results with their units, and ask the supplier to resolve missing or inconsistent information.","scope":"Wholesale buying guide","observed":null,"revised":"2026-09-22","published":"2026-09-22","facts":[],"constants":[],"faq":[{"question":"Is a matching strain name enough?","answer":"No. Confirm the product format and batch or lot reference. The same strain name can appear on different batches."},{"question":"Does a new report date prove the product is fresh?","answer":"No. Report, harvest and packaging dates refer to different events. Ask for the relevant dates and storage information separately."},{"question":"Is an omitted test the same as a passing result?","answer":"No. Ask whether the test was performed and request the applicable record. Do not fill a missing field with an assumption."},{"question":"Can I compare every potency number directly?","answer":"Only after confirming the result’s meaning and units. Percentage, per-serving and per-package figures do not share a denominator."},{"question":"Does this checklist establish whether a product can legally be sold?","answer":"No. Follow the applicable regulator’s requirements and your licensed operation’s procedures. This checklist organizes the documents used in a buying decision."}],"sources":["[Metrc: how to read a certificate of analysis](https://www.metrc.com/learn-to-read-a-cannabis-certificate-of-analysis-with-confidence-see-how-retail-id-makes-access-easy-and-builds-trust-for-safer-informed-cannabis-choices/), reviewed September 22, 2026. Public product, sample and result definitions only.","SeedLink editorial purchasing checklist. No private lab results, customer records or state-specific acceptance thresholds are published."],"citation":"SeedLink, \"A cannabis COA checklist for wholesale buyers\", revised 2026-09-22, https://www.seedlink.net/guides/buying/cannabis-coa-buyer-checklist","methodology":"https://www.seedlink.net/methodology","publisher":"SeedLink"}