How to Read Cannabis Product Labels

Legal cannabis products come with labels containing information that can seem overwhelming or confusing at first glance. Percentages, milligrams, batch numbers, and testing certifications crowd the packaging. But this information exists to help you make informed choices. Learning to read cannabis labels empowers you to select products that match your preferences and ensure you're getting what you pay for.

This guide breaks down what you'll find on cannabis labels and what it actually means.

Cannabinoid Content: The Key Numbers

The most important information on most cannabis labels is cannabinoid content:

THC percentage (flower) or THC milligrams (edibles, tinctures) indicates how much of the primary psychoactive cannabinoid is present.

For flower: THC is typically expressed as a percentage. A strain with 20% THC contains 20mg of THC per 100mg of flower. Higher percentages generally mean stronger effects, though terpenes and other factors also play roles.

For edibles: THC is listed in milligrams, both per serving and per package. A package might contain 100mg total with 10 servings of 10mg each.

CBD content follows the same pattern—percentage for flower, milligrams for products. High-CBD products may have significant CBD with minimal THC, or balanced amounts of both.

THCa vs. THC: You might see both listed. THCa is the acidic precursor that converts to THC when heated. Total THC considers this conversion. If a label shows 25% THCa and 0.5% THC, the total THC when consumed would be roughly 22% (THCa × 0.877 + THC).

Terpene Information

Not all products list terpenes, but when they do:

Dominant terpenes indicate which aromatic compounds are most prevalent. This might be listed as a percentage or simply named in order of abundance.

Terpene profiles can help predict aroma and may influence effects. Seeing myrcene as dominant suggests earthy aromas; limonene indicates citrus notes.

Total terpene percentage indicates overall terpene content. Higher percentages often mean more aromatic, flavorful products.

Testing Information

Legal products must be tested by licensed laboratories:

Potency testing verifies cannabinoid content matches label claims. This ensures you're getting what you're paying for.

Contaminant screening checks for:

• Pesticides
• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium)
• Microbial contamination (mold, bacteria)
• Residual solvents (for extracts)

Batch or lot numbers allow you to trace the specific production run. If there's ever a recall or issue, this number identifies affected products.

Testing date indicates when the product was analyzed. Cannabinoid content can degrade over time, so very old tests may not reflect current potency.

Lab name or certificate number allows you to verify testing. Reputable brands often provide QR codes linking to full lab reports.

Product Identification

Labels also include basic product information:

Strain name identifies the specific variety (for flower and strain-specific products). This helps you find products you've enjoyed before or research unfamiliar strains.

Product type (flower, concentrate, edible, etc.) clarifies what you're buying.

Weight or volume indicates how much product is in the package. Flower is typically sold by weight (grams, eighths, quarters); liquids by volume (ml).

Manufacturer/brand identifies who made the product. Building familiarity with reliable brands helps guide future purchases.

Serving Size and Dosing

For edibles and tinctures:

Serving size defines a single dose. For gummies, this might be one gummy; for tinctures, perhaps half a dropper.

Servings per package tells you how many doses are in the container.

Cannabinoids per serving is often the most useful number. A 5mg THC gummy is very different from a 25mg one.

Cannabinoids per package is the total amount in the container. This is particularly important for products with multiple servings.

Dates and Freshness

Harvest date (flower) indicates when the cannabis was harvested. Fresher isn't always better—proper curing takes time—but extremely old products may have degraded.

Production date indicates when the final product was made.

Expiration or best-by date suggests when the product should be used by for optimal quality. Cannabinoids and terpenes degrade over time.

Package date shows when the product was packaged for sale.

Warning Labels and Compliance

Legal products include required warnings:

Health warnings about cannabis use during pregnancy, operating vehicles, and other concerns are mandated by law.

Age restrictions confirm the product is for adults only (typically 21+).

Universal symbol (where required) indicates the product contains cannabis. This varies by state—a common example is a diamond with "THC" or "cannabis" inside.

Child-resistant packaging warnings indicate safety features designed to prevent accidental consumption.

What to Prioritize

When shopping, focus on:

1. Cannabinoid content matching your tolerance and goals
2. Product format suited to your preferences
3. Testing verification ensuring safety
4. Terpene profile (if available) for flavor and potential effect nuances
5. Freshness via dates when visible

Don't obsess over every number—cannabinoid content and quality testing matter most for most consumers.

Key Takeaways

Cannabis labels provide crucial information about potency, testing, and product specifications. Understanding THC/CBD percentages and milligrams helps you dose appropriately, while testing information ensures product safety. With practice, reading labels becomes second nature and empowers you to consistently choose products aligned with your preferences.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Individual experiences may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine.