How to Tell if a Hemp Product's COA Shows Energizing Terpenes

Written by Sipho Sam

November 19th, 2025

The terpene section sits below cannabinoids on most COAs.

To read it, convert mg/g to percent by moving the decimal one place left.

Energizing profiles show pinene at 0.5% or higher, limonene at 0.8% or higher, and myrcene under 0.5%.

These three numbers predict daytime clarity better than THC percentage or strain names.

Here's the 30-second scan that transforms confusing lab reports into confident purchase decisions.

Table of Contents

• The 30-Second COA Scan for Daytime Energy

• Start With the Header Information

• Where to Find Terpenes on a COA

• Convert mg/g to Percent in One Step

• The Three Terpenes That Signal Clear, Daytime Effects

• Understanding Hemp Potency on COAs

• The Safety Panel Quick Check

• Why Your COA Might Not Match Your Experience

• Lab Methods and Testing Variability

• A Real Example Walkthrough

• How Mood Makes This Easier

• Reading COAs With Confidence

The 30-Second COA Scan for Daytime Energy

Reading a Certificate of Analysis for energizing effects breaks down into six quick steps.

Find the terpene table below the cannabinoid section.

Convert any mg/g readings to percent by moving the decimal one place left.

Check that pinene exceeds 0.5%, limonene exceeds 0.8%, and myrcene stays under 0.5%.

Verify all contaminant panels show PASS.

Confirm the batch number matches your package and the report date falls within the last 90 days.

This scan works on any hemp product from any vendor.

The numbers matter more than strain names or marketing claims.

Each section below deepens what you can already use.

You'll understand why these thresholds work, what to watch for in questionable COAs, and how hemp products showing 0.3% Delta-9 THC deliver strong effects after heating.

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Start With the Header Information

The COA header confirms you're looking at results for the product in your hands.

Look for the product name, batch number or lot ID, testing lab name and contact information, sample collection date, and report issue date.

Recent reports matter.

COAs dated within 90 days reflect current product quality.

Older reports may show terpene levels that have since degraded through heat, light, or air exposure.

Three technical terms appear in most headers.

LOQ stands for Limit of Quantification—the smallest amount the lab can measure accurately.

LOD means Limit of Detection—the threshold below which the lab cannot reliably confirm a compound's presence.

ND indicates Not Detectable, meaning the compound falls below the LOD.

Some states use Metrc Retail IDs for scannable verification.

These QR codes or barcodes link directly to lab results, preventing fake or altered COAs.

Watch for red flags.

Missing batch IDs make it impossible to match the COA to your specific product.

Ancient dates suggest the product sat in storage while terpenes evaporated.

COAs listing only 2-3 terpenes indicate minimal testing.

Single terpenes exceeding 8% in flower products suggest artificial additives or testing errors.

Mood provides COAs with every purchase from DEA-registered, ISO-accredited labs.

The public COA directory lets you verify results before and after buying.

Where to Find Terpenes on a COA

Terpenes appear after the cannabinoid section.

Scan for headings like "Terpene Profile," "Terpenoids," or "Potency Analysis."

Some labs group terpenes with cannabinoids under a single "Potency" heading.

Not all COAs include terpene testing.

Some states don't require it.

Budget products often skip this test to save costs.

If you're selecting for specific effects, terpene data becomes non-negotiable.

The terpene section lists individual compounds with their concentrations.

You'll see names like limonene, pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene alongside numbers.

Those numbers appear in two formats: percentages (%) or milligrams per gram (mg/g).

The unit confusion stops most readers.

A terpene showing 8 mg/g looks different from one showing 0.8%, even though they're identical.

The next section removes this barrier.

Convert mg/g to Percent in One Step

Move the decimal one place left.

That's the complete conversion.

8 mg/g becomes 0.8%.

15 mg/g becomes 1.5%.

3 mg/g becomes 0.3%.

This works because percentages and mg/g measure the same ratio differently.

One percent equals 10 mg/g.

Shifting the decimal adjusts for that factor of 10.

Terpenes above 0.5% are considered dominant.

They shape the product's aroma, flavor, and effects.

Terpenes below 0.5% contribute background notes but rarely drive the experience.

Total terpene content provides context.

Products with 2% or higher total terpenes feel full and complex.

Profiles reaching 3-4% are exceptionally rich.

Products under 2% often feel generic or muted, regardless of THC percentage.

This threshold aligns with Mood's guidance that only terpenes above 0.5% meaningfully affect your experience.

When you scan a COA, your attention goes to the compounds clearing that bar.

The Three Terpenes That Signal Clear, Daytime Effects

Energizing profiles share a pattern.

They feature high levels of specific uplifting terpenes and keep sedating terpenes low.

Three compounds tell most of the story.

α-Pinene at 0.5% or higher (1%+ ideal): This terpene carries a pine, woody aroma.

It's often linked to alertness and mental clarity.

Many users find it counteracts THC fogginess.

Combined alpha and beta pinene around 0.5% to 0.8% creates a practical threshold for sharper, daytime-leaning effects.

Pinene acts quickly, often within 5 to 15 minutes.

Limonene at 0.8% or higher: Citrus scent defines limonene.

It's often associated with uplifted mood and brightness.

Noticeable influence appears around 0.5% to 1.0% and up.

At 0.8%, most people detect a shift toward daytime energy without jitters or edginess.

Terpinolene at 0.5% or higher: Floral and herbal notes mark terpinolene.

Less common than pinene or limonene, it contributes to focused, clear-headed experiences.

When it appears at meaningful levels, it reinforces the energizing profile.

Myrcene under 0.5%: This terpene smells earthy and musky.

Above 0.5%, it typically creates sedating, body-heavy effects that work against daytime clarity.

Products with myrcene above 1% often leave users feeling couch-locked or foggy, regardless of other terpenes present.

If Your Last Product Felt Too Heavy

High myrcene explains most disappointing purchases.

A product marketed as energizing can still drag you down if myrcene dominates the profile.

Check your last COA—myrcene probably exceeded 0.5%, possibly reaching 1% or higher.

THC percentage doesn't predict clarity.

A product with 18% THC and 1.1% pinene often feels clearer than one with 28% THC and minimal terpenes.

The terpene profile shapes the experience more than raw potency.

Strain names like "sativa" or "indica" tell you less than the COA does.

Products sold as sativa can feel sedating when myrcene exceeds 0.5%.

Products labeled indica sometimes provide focus when pinene and limonene lead the profile.

Mood's 30-second focus scan uses these exact thresholds.

Their Focused category features products where pinene and limonene exceed the marks while myrcene stays controlled.

Balance Matters

Profiles where a single terpene exceeds 50% of the total can feel one-note.

Balanced profiles with three strong terpenes tend to feel more versatile and pleasant.

A product showing 0.8% limonene, 0.6% pinene, and 0.4% caryophyllene often outperforms one with 2.0% limonene and nothing else meaningful.

Look at your top three terpenes.

If limonene and pinene both feature prominently, you're likely holding an energizing product.

If myrcene dominates or exceeds both, expect heavier effects.

Understanding Hemp Potency on COAs

Hemp products must contain 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less by dry weight to remain federally compliant.

When you scan a hemp COA, you'll see low Delta-9 numbers—often 0.2%, 0.1%, or ND.

That low number doesn't mean weak effects.

THCa becomes more potent when heated.

Hemp flower showing 0.2% Delta-9 THC but 20% THCa delivers strong psychoactive effects after smoking or vaping.

The heat transforms THCa into its more potent form.

Total THC calculations account for this conversion.

Labs typically use a formula that adds THC to a portion of the THCa content.

The exact calculation varies by lab, but the principle remains consistent: heating activates compounds that appear inert on paper.

Mood offers millions of users hemp-derived THC, which is 100% legal and fully compliant cannabis.

You may have heard that the legality of hemp-derived THC is currently under attack, which could threaten the wellness of so many.

Consider your employer's policies and travel restrictions.

Drug tests detect THC regardless of whether it came from hemp or marijuana.

Some states have complex hemp regulations that differ from federal law.

Products showing compliant levels on the COA can still create situations where you test positive or face legal questions while traveling.

The Safety Panel Quick Check

Four safety panels protect you from harmful compounds.

Each must show PASS for the product to be safe.

Pesticides: Tests for agricultural chemicals used during cultivation.

PASS means no pesticides exceeded safe limits.

FAIL indicates dangerous residues.

Heavy metals: Checks for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.

Cannabis plants absorb metals from soil.

PASS confirms levels stay below safety thresholds.

Microbial impurities: Detects bacteria, mold, and yeast.

PASS means the product is free from harmful microorganisms.

FAIL suggests contamination that could make you sick.

Residual solvents: Looks for chemicals left over from extraction.

Butane, propane, and ethanol appear here.

PASS confirms safe levels or complete removal.

If any panel shows FAIL or is missing entirely, don't use the product.

Missing panels suggest the manufacturer skipped testing to hide problems or save money.

These panels protect against synthetic cannabinoids too.

Products containing K2, Spice, or similar compounds typically fail testing or avoid it altogether.

Legitimate hemp products with complete safety panels give you confidence in what you're consuming.

Mood tests through DEA and CLIA-licensed, ISO-accredited labs.

Every product includes full safety testing alongside cannabinoid and terpene analysis.

Why Your COA Might Not Match Your Experience

Terpenes are volatile compounds that degrade with heat, light, and air exposure.

The COA captures a snapshot at testing time—usually shortly after harvest or production.

By the time the product reaches you weeks or months later, some terpenes have evaporated.

Storage conditions affect degradation rates.

Products kept in cool, dark, airtight containers retain terpenes better than those exposed to heat and light.

Clear glass jars look appealing but accelerate terpene loss.

Opaque, sealed packaging protects the profile you see on the COA.

Processing methods also shape terpene survival.

Live resin preserves a high percentage of original terpenes by freezing fresh flower immediately after harvest.

Distillation strips terpenes completely, requiring reintroduction of either cannabis-derived or botanical terpenes.

Cold-extraction methods preserve integrity better than high-heat processes.

For flower products, check the moisture content and water activity tests.

These numbers indicate proper curing and storage.

Products with appropriate moisture levels maintain terpene profiles longer.

Overly dry flower loses terpenes faster.

Overly moist flower risks mold growth.

Mood recommends using your nose as quality control.

A vibrant, clear scent suggests intact terpenes.

Muted or hay-like aromas indicate degradation.

The COA shows what the product contained, but your nose tells you what survived.

Individual responses vary too.

Your endocannabinoid system, tolerance level, time of day, empty or full stomach, and setting all influence effects.

The COA provides reliable data about the product.

Your experience depends on factors beyond the lab report.

Lab Methods and Testing Variability

Different labs use different equipment and methods.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is common for cannabinoid testing.

Gas Chromatography (GC) often handles volatile terpenes.

Each method has strengths and limitations.

Inter-lab variability creates genuine differences in results.

The same product tested at two accredited labs can show different terpene percentages.

Equipment sensitivity, calibration, methodology, and even the specific batch sample all contribute to variation.

State requirements vary too.

Some mandate comprehensive panels of 15 or more terpenes.

Others require testing for only a few dominant compounds.

A COA from California might look more detailed than one from a state with minimal requirements, even for identical products.

Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

This standard indicates the lab meets rigorous quality and technical competence requirements.

Accredited labs follow consistent procedures and participate in proficiency testing.

Mood uses accredited labs for all testing.

The variance exists across the industry.

This reality means you should look for consistent patterns over time rather than obsessing over single-number precision.

A product consistently showing 0.8% limonene across multiple batches gives you more confidence than one with wildly varying results.

A Real Example Walkthrough

Here's a sample terpene section from an actual hemp flower COA:

Terpene Profile: Limonene: 9.2 mg/g α-Pinene: 6.0 mg/g β-Pinene: 4.5 mg/g Myrcene: 3.0 mg/g Caryophyllene: 5.5 mg/g Total Terpenes: 28.2 mg/g

Convert everything to percent by moving the decimal left:

Converted Profile: Limonene: 0.92% ✓ α-Pinene: 0.60% ✓ β-Pinene: 0.45% Myrcene: 0.30% ✓ Caryophyllene: 0.55% Total Terpenes: 2.82% (strong profile)

Limonene at 0.92% exceeds the 0.8% threshold.

α-Pinene at 0.60% exceeds the 0.5% threshold.

Myrcene at 0.30% stays well under the 0.5% ceiling.

Combined alpha and beta pinene total 1.05%, providing strong clarity signals.

Check the header.

Report date: October 15, 2024.

Today is November 19, 2025, so this COA is too old.

A product sitting for over a year has likely lost terpenes.

Request a fresher batch or choose a different product.

Verify the batch number matches your package label.

Confirm all safety panels show PASS.

If the dates were recent and everything else checked out, this profile would suggest clear daytime effects with mood lift and focus.

How Mood Makes This Easier

Every Mood product includes a public COA from accredited labs.

You can review terpene profiles, cannabinoid content, and safety testing before purchasing.

Mood's mood-based categories translate complex terpene data into accessible outcomes.

Products in the Focused category already meet the energizing thresholds taught here.

Creative, Social, Happy, Relaxed, and Aroused categories each correspond to different terpene profiles.

Their 30-second focus scan applies these exact principles.

Limonene above 0.8%, pinene above 0.5%, myrcene under 0.5% — Mood has already done the analysis.

You get the benefit without doing the math.

This doesn't mean you can't read COAs yourself.

Learning these skills protects you when shopping anywhere.

It helps you understand what you're consuming and why certain products work better for you than others.

Mood's approach gives you both options.

Read COAs independently to build expertise and confidence.

Or trust their curation when you want straightforward selection without homework.

The COA library provides practice on real reports from products you might purchase.

Reading COAs With Confidence

You can now scan any hemp COA and identify energizing markers in 30 seconds.

Convert mg/g to percent by moving the decimal left.

Check that pinene exceeds 0.5%, limonene exceeds 0.8%, and myrcene stays under 0.5%.

Verify PASS on all safety panels.

Confirm recent dates and matching batch numbers.

This framework works on products from any vendor.

The three-number pattern predicts daytime clarity better than strain names, marketing claims, or THC percentages.

You've gained transferable knowledge that protects against weak or inflated claims.

COA literacy transforms shopping from guesswork into informed decisions.

Products that left you foggy before make sense now — high myrcene explains the heaviness.

Products that energized you show the pinene and limonene combination on paper.

Mood's COA library and product line offer continued learning.

Practice these skills on their reports.

Track your own responses to different profiles.

Discover which terpene combinations work best for your needs.

Effects vary between individuals.

Consult licensed professionals for health advice.

Mood is not a wellness resource and cannot provide medical guidance on cannabis use, drug testing, or interactions with medications.

This information helps you read lab reports, not diagnose conditions or treat health issues.