Reading the labels on cannabis products can feel like staring at a wall of tiny print. But once you know what each line is telling you, those labels become a shortcut to making better choices at the dispensary counter.
It’s also easier than you might think. Let’s break down how to read a cannabis product label, including what information you’ll find and how you can put that info to good use when making a purchase.
What You’ll Find on a Cannabis Product Label
Labeling may vary slightly, but most package labels have a standard set of details. These are the main ones:
- Product name and information: This is the headline that tells you what you’re buying, such as a live resin cartridge, gummies, or flower. It may also include flavor notes or a special line, such as reserve or solventless.
- Strain information: Many items list the strain name (such as Blue Dream or Wedding Cake) and often indicate the type, including indica, sativa, or hybrid. This provides some content about the flavor and experience.
- Weight: Carts and concentrates display net weight, while edibles usually list a total net weight along with a per-piece amount. Flower is usually sold in quantities ranging from 1g to 28g (approximately 1 ounce).
- Serving size: Edibles and beverages display the milligrams (mg) per serving and the number of servings per package. For example, a gummy pack might say “5 mg THC per piece, 20 pieces.” This line is essential for pacing.
- Ingredients and allergen information: When purchasing edibles, you’ll find a list of what’s included in the product, including sweeteners, flavoring, and any potential dietary flags such as being gluten-free or vegan-friendly.
When you look at the label, read the strain first, then servings, then potency. That covers what it is, how much you’re getting, and how strong it is, which are the basic pieces of information you need to know before you buy.
How to Read Potency Information
There can be a lot of information on a potency line, but when you know what it all means, it’s easy to decipher. Here is what you’ll usually see in the potency information:
- Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC): TAC is the total of the measured cannabinoids in the product, including THC, CBD, and CBG. It’s a more comprehensive picture of what you can expect from the product in terms of intensity.
- THC percentage: For inhalables, THC% indicates how much THC is present by weight. For example, a flower jar at 22% THC means 220 mg THC per gram of flower. Edibles will list the THC mg per serving and total mg per package.
- THC ratios: Ratios like 1:1 or 20:1 indicate the proportion of THC to CBD in a product. A 1:1 ratio means equal amounts of THC and CBD. A 20:1 ratio means the product contains 20 times more THC than CBD. Many newcomers prefer balanced ratios, such as 1:1, to start their journey and gauge their tolerance. Some brands list the ratio in reverse—CBD to THC—so always check the label to be sure which compound comes first.
What Terpenes Reveal About Flavor and Feel
Many labels list terpenes, which are the aroma molecules produced by the plant. This is what makes the cannabis smell like citrus, pine, flowers, or gas. A product’s terpene profile highlights the top few terpenes and the total terpene percentage. Terpenes don’t get you high, but they do contribute to the flavor, aroma, and experience of the product, so it’s something to pay attention to.
You can put the terpene section to good use by:
- Finding the total terpenes. Numbers around 1-3% are common, and higher numbers can indicate a bolder aroma.
- Note the top terpenes by name. Seeing the same few terps on your favorite products can help you predict which strains you’ll like in other formats.
- Compare similar products. Two eighths with the same THC% can give you a totally different experience with different terp profiles.
Quality and Safety Details You Should Always Check
A good label will also include quality and safety information. Don’t skip these lines:
- Lot and batch number. Don’t disregard it! If you want to rebuy the same batch or report an issue, this info is essential.
- Testing lab details. This shows that the product was tested. Many products include a QR code you can scan to view the full Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Harvest date. Freshness isn’t the end-all-be-all, but it matters. Check the dates, especially if you are deciding between batches.
- Use and safety statements. These lines will give you guidance and serving suggestions.
- Storage info. “Store in a cool, dry place” isn’t filler text! Heat and light can degrade your weed. Following the storage advice can keep things fresh and preserve potency.
Confident Cannabis Shopping Starts Here at MedMen
Knowing how to read the labels takes all of the guesswork out of buying cannabis. You can put this information you’ve learned to the test by visiting one of our MedMen locations.
Our budtenders are happy to show you some labels and let you put your knowledge to work. The more labels you read, the faster it gets, and the easier it is to bring home products you can be confident you’ll love. Your future self (and stash) will thank you!
