Cannabis Certificate of Analysis Review and Product Release Checklist
This cannabis certificate of analysis (COA) review and product release checklist provides a systematic process for reviewing testing laboratory COAs against state pass/fail criteria before releasing cannabis products for sale. COA review is the final quality gate before consumer access — a rigorous review process prevents inadvertent sale of non-compliant products.
- Industry: Cannabis
- Frequency: Per Batch
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Quality Manager / Compliance Manager
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: State Cannabis Required Testing Panel Pass/Fail Standards, ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation for Cannabis Testing Labs, State Cannabis COA Validity Period Requirements, METRC Package Release After COA Requirements, State Cannabis Potency Labeling Accuracy Requirements
Lab Accreditation Verification
Testing lab credentials.
- Testing lab holds current state cannabis testing license?
- Lab is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for cannabis testing methods?
- No vertical integration conflict — lab is independent from cultivator/processor?
- COA issued within state validity period (typically 12 months from test date)?
- COA signed or authorized by lab director?
Sample Traceability
Sample-to-product verification.
- COA sample ID traceable to production batch or harvest via METRC?
- Sample weight on COA within acceptable range for product type?
- Product type on COA matches actual product being released?
- Sample collection date on COA matches production period?
- Chain of custody from production to lab confirmed on COA?
Required Panels Pass Review
Panel-by-panel pass verification.
- Potency / cannabinoid panel: PASS?
- Microbial safety panel: PASS?
- Pesticide residue panel: PASS?
- Heavy metals panel: PASS?
- All additional required panels (residual solvents, mycotoxins, homogeneity): PASS or N/A?
Potency Accuracy and Label Compliance
Potency label matching.
- THC result within state label tolerance (typically ±10-15% of labeled amount)?
- CBD result within tolerance if labeled?
- Product label updated to reflect actual COA potency?
- THC potency not significantly overstated on label — consumer protection?
- Homogeneity testing results confirm uniform dosing for infused products?
Release Decision
Product disposition.
- ALL required panels PASS — product authorized for release?
- METRC package released from quarantine/testing hold to active?
- Product label printed with COA potency values before sale?
- COA filed in batch record with product available to customers on request?
- QR code on product packaging linking to COA if required by state?
COA Records
Documentation.
- COA archived by batch number with minimum 3-year retention?
- COA accessible to state inspector or regulator on request?
- COA accessible to customers who request it (posted, QR, or by request)?
- Any failed COAs documented with batch disposition?
- COA Review Notes
Related Quality Control Checklists
- Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing and Remediation Compliance Checklist
- Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing and Remediation Compliance Checklist
- Cannabis Product Microbial and Potency Sample Preparation Checklist
- Final Vehicle Quality Inspection Checklist
- Supplier Quality Management (IATF) Checklist
- Quality Escape / Containment Checklist
Related Quality Assurance Checklists
Why Use This Cannabis Certificate of Analysis Review and Product Release Checklist?
This cannabis certificate of analysis review and product release checklist helps cannabis teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality manager / compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per batch.
Ensures compliance with State Cannabis Required Testing Panel Pass/Fail Standards, ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation for Cannabis Testing Labs, State Cannabis COA Validity Period Requirements, METRC Package Release After COA Requirements, State Cannabis Potency Labeling Accuracy Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cannabis Certificate of Analysis Review and Product Release Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Lab Accreditation Verification, Sample Traceability, Required Panels Pass Review, Potency Accuracy and Label Compliance, Release Decision, COA Records. It is designed for cannabis operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per batch. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Cannabis Certificate of Analysis Review and Product Release Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Quality Manager / Compliance Manager professionals in the cannabis industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.