Currently, kratom is not federally regulated in the United States. So, how can you guarantee that the products you’re buying are fresh, pure, and high-quality? The answer lies in the kratom certificate of analysis, also known as a COA.
COAs are obtained when vendors send their kratom products to an independent lab for testing. Unfortunately, this practice isn’t currently mandated, but reputable businesses know that it’s important to go the extra mile for their customers and have their kratom sent to a lab for testing. Testing ensures that your kratom is safe and reliable.
At Joe’s Botanicals, we’re dedicated to providing the best kratom on the market, and that’s why we have our products verified by a third-party lab. But whether you buy your kratom from us or another vendor, we believe it’s important to understand the process involved in obtaining certification of analysis. This will help you make a more informed choice as a kratom consumer.
So let’s dive in and learn more about kratom COAs:
What is a COA?
A kratom certificate of analysis is a document that shows test results after the kratom products have been examined in a lab. After testing is completed, vendors receive this document so they make it available to customers and promote transparency about their kratom products.
There are several methods for testing kratom in a laboratory. However, most labs use a method called liquid chromatography. This is a process where the kratom is dissolved in a solvent and then separated into its molecular components. The molecules are then analyzed for different variables.
COAs record the results of this testing, which may include any of the following:
Pathogens: Is the kratom contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens? Testing will determine if the batch has any potentially infectious agents at a measurable level. Mold spores, salmonella, and e.coli are some of the microbes most commonly tested for.
Heavy Metals: Because kratom is a plant, it can be affected by the composition of the soil where it’s grown. Theoretically, minerals (also known as heavy metals) in the soil can be absorbed by the kratom and may be harmful to humans if present at a dangerous level. Testing verifies that the kratom is safe from this. Generally, tests will screen for the following heavy metals:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
However, individual labs may scan for additional metals or other substances.
Alkaloid Composition: Labs will also check the kratom’s alkaloid balance. This ensures that the strains are within known parameters to guarantee product consistency. For example, they can ensure that red maeng da kratom has the alkaloid balance customers will expect. This also allows vendors to make sure their products are accurately labeled.
Regional Origin: Kratom is imported from Southeast Asia. Most US vendors (like us!) work closely with small farms to understand where their kratom comes from, but testing can clear up any doubts. At the molecular level, kratom will have chemical properties that are unique to each region. By using a lab test to verify where the kratom comes from, vendors can offer greater transparency to their customers.
Impurities: Has the kratom been adulterated with other substances? If there are any additives, fillers, or traces of illicit drugs, the COA will display this information so vendors can act accordingly and avoid selling the tainted product to customers.
Why Lab Testing Matters
For consumers, it’s important to look for lab-tested kratom because it guarantees quality and safety. Additionally, testing will give you more “bang for your buck” by ensuring that your kratom is fresh and potent.
COAs allow you to trust that the kratom you’re buying is accurately labeled. When you’re buying a specific strain, you’ll want to make sure that the alkaloid balance is consistent with what you’re used to. Testing verifies this.
Understanding Test Results and What to Look For
If you’re feeling intimidated by all the scientific terms involved in kratom testing, don’t worry! COAs are actually very easy to interpret when you know what to look for. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the vendor for help understanding the results on the lab certificate.
Generally, every third-party kratom certificate of analysis will include the following information:
- Lot and batch numbers: This indicates where the kratom comes from and when it was harvested
- Arsenic content: This should be under 2 PPM
- Cadmium content: This should be under 0.85 PPM
- Lead content: This should be under 1.2 PPM
- Mercury content: This should be under 0.41 PPM
- Coliforms: A type of naturally occurring microbe which should be less than 10,000 CFUs per gram
- Pathogens (including e.coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus): Should not be detectable in the testing results
- Mold spores: This should measure in at less than 100,000 CFUs per gram
- Alkaloid content: This should include the concentration of Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine present in the kratom
How to Find a Kratom Certificate of Analysis
Many kratom vendors make their COAs available for download on their website or by scanning a QR code on the product’s package. If these options aren’t available, you can always contact the vendor to request your own digital copy.
For the highest-quality kratom that’s always verified by a third-party lab, shop Joe’s!
