Customers ordering cannabis delivery should understand two key aspects: potency and lab testing protocols. These directly impact product safety, effectiveness, and value for money.
Potency: More Than Just THC
Potency indicates the concentration of cannabinoids—mainly THC (psychoactive) and CBD (non‑intoxicating)—and often includes THCa and CBDa, their inactive acidic forms. Legal regulations require labels to reflect total THC/CBD by converting acidic precursors to active forms after heating or aging. Many consumers fixate on high THC percentages, but this trend can overshadow important balance—high THC doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better experience and may increase risk of dependence.
Laboratories and brands may highlight potency to justify higher prices—but accuracy matters. Testing labs sometimes inflate potency figures to attract business, a practice known as “lab shopping.” Customers relying solely on THC percentages risk overpaying for misrepresented product strength or unknowingly consuming higher-potency items.
The Role of Lab Testing
All legal cannabis products must undergo lab testing for potency, contaminants (mold, pesticides, heavy metals), and sometimes terpene profiles. Accredited labs use precise analytical methods like HPLC for cannabinoids and GC‑MS for terpenes. Rigorous sample prep protocols—such as cryogenic milling—ensure results accurately represent entire batches.
However, inconsistencies across states remain. Without standardization, testing methods, allowable contaminant levels, and sampling protocols vary widely. A 2025 investigation spotlighted mold test accuracy issues in some states, which could harm immunocompromised consumers. Customers should prioritize products with clear lab documentation and third‑party testing to safeguard safety.
Reading & Verifying the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides detailed lab results, often accessible via QR code. It typically covers cannabinoid content, terpenes, moisture, foreign materials, pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, and microbiology. Consumers should check:
- Total THC/CBD (not just THCa/CBDa).
- Presence of contaminants.
- Testing lab credentials, ideally ISO/ASTM‑accredited.
- Date of testing, ensuring freshness and context.
Why It Matters for Delivery
When ordering delivery, customers can’t inspect products beforehand. They rely entirely on the COA and potency claims. Accurate potency information helps them:
- Manage dosing appropriately.
- Avoid unpleasant overconsumption.
- Choose suitable products (e.g., high CBD for relaxation, high THC for stronger effects).
- Identify value—purchasing products with true cannabinoid content and safety assurances.
Informed Purchasing Decisions
Understanding potency and lab testing equips customers to:
- Distinguish between marketing hype and genuine quality.
- Identify trustworthy brands that invest in accurate testing.
- Avoid products with inflated potency or undisclosed contaminants.
- Adjust expectations and personalize their cannabis experiences.
Best Practices for Safe Delivery Ordering
- Select products with COAs linked via QR code.
- Review testing lab credentials and accreditation.
- Look beyond THC—check for CBD ratio, terpene content, and safety metrics.
- Prefer brands with transparent testing protocols and batch traceability.
- Be wary of exaggerated potency claims, especially if no lab source is provided.
By becoming savvy about potency and lab testing, delivery customers can make informed decisions that prioritize health, safety, and enjoyment—avoiding misleading labels and picking products aligned with their needs.