All cannabis is not the same – just look at their labels. They’re plastered with percentages, acronyms, and tons of other information. They can be confusing! But medical cannabis labels are necessary; understanding what is conveyed on them will help you decide which products are best for your needs. Let’s break down how to read a dispensary label.
Why Labels are Important
You may be thinking, “I just wanted some weed! Do labels even matter?” Yes! Reading cannabis labels is vital for helping consumers make informed decisions, much like nutrition labels help you choose which foods you want to buy.
They’re also crucial for safety reasons. Labels identify potential food allergy ingredients like shellfish and tree nuts – a must for those with allergies and dietary restrictions. They also identify any chemical additives used in the cultivation and production of medical marijuana and warning labels to ensure safe consumption.
Reading Cannabis Labels
Medical cannabis labels vary from product to product. They also vary due to differing cannabis labeling requirements across states. For example, every dispensary in Washington, DC must include:
- The name of the cultivation center where the marijuana was produced and its manufacture date
- Cannabinoid profiles, including THC levels
- All other ingredients besides medical marijuana
- Potential food allergy ingredients
- Any chemical additives used in cultivation or production
- Clear, unambiguous language identifying the product as medical marijuana
Understanding THC Labels
Though each state has different cannabis labeling requirements, information such as potency, dosage, and ingredients typically remain. They’re integral to safety and helping consumers choose their medical and recreational products.
Strain Name
Motorbreath, Lemon Skunk, Lamb’s Bread, Berry Cinex—these aren’t just fun names. They also provide insight into the flavors and experiences you’ll enjoy. For example, Berry Cinex is known for its sweet berry flavor, aroma, and uplifting, creative effects.
You’ll also notice the cannabis species when reading labels – indica, sativa, hybrid. Indica strains are believed to provide relaxing or sedative effects, and sativa strains are seen as energizing. Hybrid strains usually offer a balance of both.
Potency Levels
Product potency is arguably the most important factor when learning how to read a dispensary label. That’s because, like flavor and aroma, it helps shape your cannabis experience.
Potency is expressed through the levels of THC and CBD, the main cannabinoids found in cannabis. Medical cannabis labels usually display strength in percentage or milligrams, depending on the product. The potency of vape cartridges and flower is shown in percentages; the potency of edibles and tinctures is displayed in milligrams. Sounds simple enough, right? But potency can look different when reading different cannabis labels!
Total Amount or Amount By Unit
Edibles may indicate the total THC content in the entire package. For example, cannabis fruit chews could denote that there are 300 mg of active THC per package. That same package could also display that there’s 30 mg of THC per fruit chew.
THC and CBD Ratio or Percentages
The ratio and percentage indicate the concentration of THC and CBD in your product. For example, a label may read 25% THC, 0.1% CBD, or 5:1.
Need a quick refresher? THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It may help with anxiety and other conditions, minus the high. However, more research is needed to determine the benefits.
THC to CBD ratios are common when reading cannabis labels. Ratios indicate the amounts (in milligrams) of THC to CBD or vice versa. For example, a 1:1 ratio means that for every milligram of THC, there will be a milligram of CBD.
The choice of product potency depends on your preferences and medical needs. Whether you’re purchasing flower or edibles, it’s generally recommended to begin with a lower THC level. This helps you gauge your tolerance and preferred experience.
Understanding Common THC Levels:
- Flower: 0-30% THC
- Concentrates and Vape Cartridges: 40-80% THC (or higher!)
- Edibles: 1mg to 30mg of THC per dose
THCA Levels
You may also see a THCA percentage when reading cannabis labels. THCA is the inactive version of THC. It turns into THC once it’s heated, such as when smoked or vaped. So, if medical cannabis labels display 20% THCA, this means it has 20% THC.
Total Active Cannabinoids
Some products may also include total active cannabinoids due to cannabis labeling requirements. This shows all cannabinoids present in the product. This includes everything from THC to CBN.
Understanding THC levels isn’t the only discerning factor when choosing cannabis products. Certain present cannabinoids, like CBD, can counteract the effects of THC, while others may enhance them. This is better known as the entourage effect. Active cannabinoids interact with one another to yield more potent results. Learning how to read a dispensary label with total active cannabinoids is essential for understanding overall potency and potential effects.
Product Ingredients
You’ll also see an ingredient list when reading many cannabis labels. All ingredients are listed in order of abundance. Edibles, extracts, and topicals must also identify food allergens such as milk, tree nuts, shellfish, and soybeans. Cannabis labeling requirements indicate chemical additives must be listed on medical cannabis labels, including any pesticides and fertilizers used during the cultivation and production.
Reading the ingredients on cannabis labels is vital to avoid any of your allergens and check for any possible contaminants. Safety first!
Learn How to Read a Dispensary Label
Labels can be challenging. But learning how to read them is well worth it so you can choose the right cannabis products for your needs. We recommend heading into your local dispensary if you need more help understanding THC levels, we recommend heading into your local dispensary. Dispensary specialists are there to assist you with everything from selecting your ideal strain to reading cannabis labels.
