FAQ
How can I recognize a CQA-certified product?
Look for the gold seal! Products that have been CQA-certified will be identified with our logo featured on strain cards or screens accompanying the product displays. Retailers may also display the CQA logo next to certified products on their website. Consumers will be able to scan the CQA seal with their smartphones to unlock content on the app and can browse the app for a complete list of products that meet the gold standard of cannabis quality. And of course, you can always ask your favourite budtender to direct you to a CQA-certified selection.
What is the criteria for CQA certification?
CQA certifies dried flower cannabis products using a combination of quantitative lab testing, and several sensory-based qualitative evaluation criteria including aroma, look, feel, flavour, and function (such as how it burns or vapes). Certification is not based on effects or medical/therapeutic applications, and we do not report on safety concerns, if any, associated with cannabis use.
Certification for cannabis extracts including concentrates, edibles, and topicals will be made available in 2022.
Can consumers provide feedback on products?
Yes, we want your feedback! Consumers can give feedback on CQA-certified products via our interactive app allowing the user to accumulate CQA points and earn rewards. The app gives access to independent lab test results including terpene content by volume and tasting notes from the CQA tasting panel.
How does CQA remain independent from the industry?
Once a licensed producer/processor applies for CQA-certification, the cannabis strain lot undergoing certification is sourced from one or more actual retail stores, purchased anonymously, as opposed to being solely supplied by the applicant. Testing and qualitative evaluation are performed using a double-blind process, where both the labs and the members of the CQA tasting panel are unaware of the producer and name of the product being certified.
How do you submit a product?
Producers can submit a request for certification through our online platform (coming soon) which is then reviewed by the CQA Standards Committee. The CQA team purchases the cannabis products for qualitative evaluation and blind testing. The anonymized (blind) product is sent to a randomized set of CQA tasters for evaluation.
CQA only certifies dried flower cannabis products at this time, including whole flower and pre-rolls. Flower and pre-rolls of the same cultivar from the same producer will need to be submitted as separate items. Certification for cannabis extracts including concentrates, edibles, and topicals will be made available in 2024.
Does the certification of a product automatically apply to subsequent lots?
CQA certifies dried cannabis products specific to each lot produced. When a lot is certified, it does not apply to subsequent lots, subject to certain comparative thresholds. Subsequent lots are available for re-certification using an abbreviated qualitative and testing procedure.
Why is DNA genotyping important?
Genotyping ensures that the flower purchased at the retail level under a brand or strain name originates from the same mother plant, thus ensuring a consistent user experience. Genotyping eliminates the possibility of producers switching strains based on availability of similar chemotypes.
How is DNA genotyping performed?
CQA compares the genetic profiles of mother stock and finished flower using a proprietary 5000 marker assay developed specifically for rapid and cost effective genetic characterization.
What happens when a product does not meet the certification criteria?
When a product does not pass the CQA lab testing norms or qualitative evaluation, the producer will receive usable insight on what qualitative aspect could be improved on. Products that are not certified will not be announced. Licensed producers may appeal the decision and submit a request for reevaluation in certain circumstances such as inconsistencies in the qualitative data, or if the specified lot was unavailable.
Will CQA certification affect the price of dried cannabis?
The consumer cost of dried cannabis products is determined by producers, processors, and retailers, as well as applicable government taxes. CQA does not make recommendations on pricing, nor is there a specific fee for consumers regarding CQA certification.
The CQA pricing model is based on production sales output, allowing for an equal playing field for producers of all sizes.
How was the CQA tasting panel created?
The CQA tasting panel is composed of notable members of the Canadian cannabis community from across the country and work independently from any extractor, processor, or producer of dried cannabis. The tasting panel has been vetted for their cannabis knowledge and thorough understanding and application of our grading system.
Is there a cost associated with the app?
The CQA app is free to download and there are no in-app purchase options. The CQA app is meant to be accessible to all cannabis consumers who want a guarantee of quality when making a purchase. For those without cell phone access, content for the app will be modified for desktop. CQA information will also be made available at licensed cannabis retailers.