The 411 on getting a certificate of analysis and USDA organic certification.
In 2018, the Farm Bill federally legalized cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC, unleashing a new wave of brands and hemp-derived products. It’s easy for consumers to get lost in the sea of CBD, so businesses can stand out by having their products certified!
There are two certifications that establish credibility and trust: a certificate of analysis and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification.
Here’s the lowdown on getting certified to sell quality CBD.
A certificate of analysis builds trust
Just like any other product, it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body. A lack of transparency translates to one thing: a giant red flag! Get this: Some studies have shown that nearly 70% of hemp products are mislabeled, and don’t contain the advertised levels of CBD.
A certificate of analysis (COA) is an absolute must; in fact, most states require this documentation. It tells your customers everything they need to know about your goods. Testing is conducted by an objective third-party lab that covers all the bases: cannabinoid content, potency, purity, terpenes, and possible contaminants. Credible CBD businesses will always ensure the results are accessible, posting them on their websites and other platforms. All oHHo products have their own individual QR codes linking to a panel of tests! Learn more here.
So how do you get a COA? There are many reputable labs across the US that test CBD products. To find one, take a look at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)’s database for accredited labs that meet all the testing requirements. Pro tip: look up COAs from top CBD brands to find out which labs they’ve worked with.
Aim for USDA organic certification
Industrial farming controls around 80% of the market. It involves the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and hormones, which are terrible for the planet. To boot, hemp is prone to absorbing contaminants, so our health is at stake here.
We believe that organic farming practices should be the standard for all CBD businesses; plants that are hand-cultivated, single origin, and sustainably grown with love and care. If you belong to the same school of thought, try your hand at applying for USDA organic certification. First, you’ll need to find a USDA-accredited certifying agent. From there, the process involves submitting an application, undergoing an on-site inspection, analysis, and more. Details here.
Be a leader and get certified
Starting a CBD business comes with great responsibility. For the love of hemp, don’t pass on getting certified. At the end of the day, the objective is to show what your products are made of, in order to instill trust and reliability.
