Last Updated: May 2026 | Astria Farm Educational Series
The online hemp market has grown rapidly since 2018, and with that growth has come an influx of brands that cut corners on quality, testing, and transparency. Knowing how to evaluate a hemp retailer before buying can save you money, frustration, and potential health risks.
Here are the five things every consumer should verify before purchasing hemp products online.
1. Third-Party Lab Testing With Accessible COAs
This is the non-negotiable starting point. Any legitimate hemp retailer will have their products tested by an independent, accredited laboratory and make those Certificates of Analysis publicly available.
What to look for: COAs available on each product page, not just a general page. Testing should cover cannabinoid potency, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials. Prefer brands that use DEA-registered or ISO-accredited labs.
If you cannot find a COA for a specific product with its batch number, that is a red flag.
2. Clear Labeling and Ingredient Transparency
Product labels should clearly state the cannabinoid content, serving size, total milligrams, and all ingredients. Vague labels like ‘hemp extract blend’ without specific cannabinoid concentrations are a warning sign.
Look for brands that specify: cannabinoid type and mg per serving, total mg per package, full ingredient list, and a QR code or link to the relevant COA.
3. Compliance With the 2018 Farm Bill
Reputable brands will explicitly state that their products comply with federal hemp law. This means Delta-9 THC at or below 0.3% by dry weight — verifiable through their COA. Brands that avoid mentioning compliance or cannot provide documentation should be avoided.
4. Small Batch Production and Quality Control
Large-scale mass production in the hemp industry often comes at the cost of consistency. Brands that manufacture in small batches have greater control over every step of the process — from raw material sourcing to final product quality. This results in more consistent dosing and effects.
Astria Farm produces all products in small batches specifically to maintain this level of quality control.
5. Genuine Customer Reviews and Reputation
Look for a mix of verified reviews across multiple platforms — not just on the brand’s own website. Long-standing brands with consistent product quality tend to have loyal customers who speak to the reliability of the experience over time, not just a one-time purchase.
Check review recency. A brand with 500 reviews from 2021 but nothing recent may have changed ownership, formulations, or quality standards.
Why Astria Farm Meets All Five
- DEA-certified third-party lab testing with COAs on every product page
- Full ingredient transparency and clear cannabinoid labeling
- Explicit 2018 Farm Bill compliance across all product lines
- Small batch production for consistency and quality control
- Established since 2017 with a loyal customer base and verified reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a COA is legitimate?
Many labs provide a QR code or web portal where you can verify the COA directly on the lab’s website. Cross-reference the batch number on the product with the one on the COA.
What are signs of a low-quality hemp brand?
No COAs available, vague ingredient lists, prices significantly below market rate, no clear business address or customer service contact, and lack of compliance statements are all red flags.