Why We Post Our COAs — and How to Read One Like a Pro (Part 2)
In Part 1, we broke down the basics of reading a Certificate of Analysis (COA)—including how to verify total THCA content and confirm you're getting compliant, properly labeled hemp flower.
But if you're the kind of buyer who reads every detail (like we do), there’s a lot more value hiding in that lab report. And when it comes to craft cannabis, that extra data can make or break your smoke.
This guide dives deeper into terpenes, moisture content, minor cannabinoids, and how to spot real flower vs gimmicks—so you can read a COA like a pro.
Interpreting the Full Cannabinoid Breakdown
A typical COA lists more than just THCA. Let’s walk through the minor cannabinoids you might see—and what they actually mean for your experience:
| Cannabinoid | What It Means | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| THCA | The raw, non-psychoactive precursor to THC | Typically 15–35% in quality flower |
| Δ9-THC | The “active” THC (usually low in legal hemp) | <0.3% to remain compliant |
| CBGA | Known as the “mother cannabinoid”; may support clarity | 0.2–1% range is solid |
| CBCA | Less common, but contributes to the entourage effect | Often below 0.5% |
| CBN | Degraded THC; shows up in older or overly cured flower | Should be minimal |
Red flag: If you’re seeing high levels of Δ9-THC in supposed THCA flower, that’s either mislabeled, decarbed, or improperly handled post-harvest.
Moisture Content: Why “Too Wet” or “Too Dry” Ruins the Bud
Every COA should include moisture analysis—an often overlooked number that tells you if the flower will:
-
Burn clean or leave you relighting
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Stay fresh or dry out in days
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Avoid mold or risk contamination
Ideal moisture range: 9% to 12%
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Below 9% = crispy, terpene loss, harsher smoke
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Above 12% = mold/mildew risk, wet interior, poor combustion
At Geremy Greens, we cure our flower to the sweet spot, then package with humidity control to keep it there. That’s why our buds stay fluffy, flavorful, and ready to smoke.
The Terpene Profile: The Real Flavor & Effect Map
This is where the COA gets exciting.
While THCA shows potential potency, terpenes shape the actual experience—the flavor, aroma, and even whether the flower feels mellow, buzzy, or focused.
A few key terpenes to look for:
| Terpene | Aroma Notes | Known Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, clove, musky | Relaxing, body-heavy |
| Limonene | Citrus, lemon | Uplifting, mood-boosting |
| Caryophyllene | Pepper, spice | Balancing, tension relief |
| Linalool | Lavender, floral | Calming, stress-reducing |
| Humulene | Hops, woody | May curb appetite, grounding |
Total terpene % over 2.0% = great
Over 3.5% = craft-level loudness
And remember—the mix of terpenes matters more than any single one.
Pro Tip: Cross-Reference With the Nose
If your COA shows limonene and myrcene as dominant, you should smell citrus with a hint of earth or musk.
If it smells like cardboard or hay? The cure is off, and the terp content has likely dropped—even if the COA says otherwise.
Why Geremy Greens Posts COAs for Every Strain
We’re not in the game to hide behind branding.
Every strain we release includes a real, up-to-date COA you can access before you buy. Not just to show compliance—but to give you a full-spectrum snapshot of what’s in your jar.
We encourage you to open the file, zoom in, and read it for yourself.
Because flower this carefully grown deserves that level of transparency.
Final Thought:
Premium cannabis buyers deserve premium information.
And once you learn to read a COA properly, no one can sell you mid with a flashy label.
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