How to Read a Cannabis Product Label

Cannabis products go through rigorous testing to ensure the safety and quality of each item in a dispensary, and they’re labeled accordingly. Packaging for marijuana products share this essential information, including dosage, potency, terpenes, and more.

In this guide, we’ll break down the various numbers, percentages, and nomenclature found on cannabis labels, including:

• What is a Cannabis Label?
• What Does “Product Name” or “Strain” Mean?
• What Are “Cannabinoids”?
• What is “TAC”?
• What are THC to CBD Ratios?
• What’s a Terpene Profile?
• What Does “Lab Testing” Mean?
• Why Are There Dates on Cannabis Labels?
• Variations by Cannabis Product
  
  

Cannabis product labels can be found on the packaging for just about any product you purchase at a dispensary–from flower jars to tincture bottles and bags of infused gummies. These labels contain detailed information so that consumers know exactly what is in the products they purchase.

Cannabis labels vary as each state has its own regulatory and compliance requirements. However, regardless of the state you’re in, cannabis labels will generally provide the same type of information.

The strain or product name is a fairly simple line item on any cannabis label: “Product Name” or “Strain” refers to the product inside the packaging. The cannabis industry is filled with creative product names, so most budtenders will advise against making decisions based on name alone. This is especially true when it comes to buying marijuana flower, as strain names don’t always indicate flavor or experience.

Most cannabis consumers are familiar with such cannabinoid acronyms as THC and CBD, but there are actually over 100 more cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While a cannabis label isn’t going to include every single one, consumers will likely see the familiar THC and CBD, as well as less-familiar cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC, and more.

One point of confusion our budtenders often hear about is the presence of THCA and CBDA in cannabis products. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are the raw, non-psychoactive compounds and precursor molecules of THC and CBD, respectively. Cannabis needs to be decarboxylated (or decarbed) via a heating process to turn the inactive compounds into their active forms.

TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids, and it indicates the total concentration of cannabinoids in the product. This includes THC, CBD, and any other cannabinoid that is present. This number is a nod to the entourage effect, giving you a better understanding of how all these compounds work together to produce the desired effect.

Most consumers already know that THC and CBD play a vital role in the cannabis consumption experience, but it’s also important to understand how these two cannabinoids work together. Known as the THC to CBD ratio, this number can give you a good indication of what works best for your endocannabinoid system. For example, a 1:1 ratio means that there are equal parts CBD and THC within the product. There are some studies that indicate equal parts CBD and THC may enhance the effects of THC.

Terpenes are what give the cannabis plant its complex flavors and aromas, and, like cannabinoids, they also contribute to the entourage effect. The terpene profile presented on a cannabis label will give you a better idea of the anticipated sensory experience. For example, myrcene is known for its peppery and hoppy flavors, while limonene gives a product a citrus profile.

Some states require marijuana products to be tested by an independent laboratory—specifically for medical cannabis. Laboratories test the cannabinoids, terpenes, pesticides, mold, solvents, and more, and the report tells cannabis users what’s in the product.

If the product has been lab tested, it gives you assurance that it's part of the regulated cannabis market since the potency, quality, and safety have been verified.

As you’ve likely figured out by now, cannabis products are highly regulated and scrutinized to make sure they are safe to consume. Manufacturers also provide key dates, including when the product was harvested and packaged, to ensure freshness..

• Harvest Date - The harvest date or production date is when the flower was harvested from the cannabis plant. The cannabis is fresher when the gap between harvesting and buying is smaller.
  
  
• Packaging Date - This date refers to when the product was packaged and sealed. Ideally, the packaging date should be within a few days of the harvesting date.
  
  
• Expiration Date - Cannabis doesn’t technically expire, but over time and especially when not stored properly, it loses potency. It’s important to check the expiration date or best by date on the label.

Because of the variety of cannabis products, there are also many variations within product labels. Here’s the label information about a few cannabis product variations:

• Flower - The product label may share the strain information, terpene profiles, cannabinoid percentages, and dates when you buy cannabis flower. The label may also have a batch ID number, the grower’s name, and the usable marijuana weight.
  
  
• Edibles - The labels on edibles may have nutritional information, an expiration date, a lot number (like a batch ID), THC percentages, and other dosage information.
  
  
• Tinctures - Cannabis tincture labels may include an ingredient list, potency, dosage information, and concentration of the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids per serving.
  
  

Feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes it can feel intimidating to sort through all the information and better understand the product you’re buying. Don’t worry, your budtender can help answer your questions and is there to help.