How to Read Cannabis Labels

The first time you wander into a marijuana dispensary, you may be overwhelmed by the colors, shapes, and designs on hundreds of different cannabis products. Looking at any one of these cannabis labels comes with its own form of information overload, as you see stats about weight, batch number, cultivator, and other words you can’t even pronounce. At this point, you may be thinking, “I just wanted some weed!” 

Well, while there will be a bit of a learning curve, it’s important for marijuana consumers to know how to read cannabis labels, and that goes double for medical marijuana patients. Understanding what’s being conveyed on a marijuana label will help you decide which flower suits you best. Let’s review some of the most commonly seen items on a cannabis packaging label.

Marijuana Product Name

The name of the flower you’re buying, the strain name, is always front and center on a marijuana label. The product name sometimes gives an indication of the flower’s flavor (especially for fruity and sweet strains), but other times the name is just a fun little catchphrase!

While this likely won’t mean much to new and infrequent consumers, most cannabis veterans will start to build up a list of favorite products that they come back to time and time again. There’s also a certain level of brand loyalty that you may develop after enjoying the same products over and over.

Product Type

It isn’t always apparent what a cannabis product is at a glance. Try to scan the label to identify whether the product is a flower, concentrate, edible, tincture, or another type of product entirely. Each type has different consumption methods and effects. With an ever-growing selection of unique ways to get high, make sure you know exactly what you’re buying to determine whether or not you’re familiar with that type of product.

Cannabis Type

There are three main types of cannabis flower: indica, sativa, and hybrid. For those of you who are unfamiliar, these types, sometimes called a lineage, are more than fancy labels to describe the flavor. The condensed explanation is that indica strains are more calming, while sativa strains are more stimulating and energizing.

Obviously, these are completely different effects, so when you’re reading a cannabis label, ask yourself, “Do I want to relax or increase my focus?” Beyond indica and sativa is the hybrid flower, which is a combination of the two. Depending on which is more dominant in your hybrid strain, you may find that more energizing or more calming. If you’re unsure about which is best for you, be sure to learn more about indica, sativa, and hybrid weed effects.

THC or CBD Product

Depending on your desired effect from smoking weed, it’s important to decide whether you’re in the market for THC products or CBD products. THC is more likely to get you “high,” while CBD products are better suited for individuals who need help getting relaxed without the psychoactive feeling. Cannabis product labels will indicate which is active in the flower and will show the exact THC/CBD contents and ratios. Keep in mind that higher THC doesn’t make you higher every time, as there are a number of other factors in play.

Terpene Profile

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to flavor and may influence effects. Common terpenes include myrcene, limonene, and pinene. A detailed terpene profile can help you choose a product that matches your preferences.

Cannabis Flower Weight

It isn’t always apparent how much weed you’ll be getting when looking at a flower container. That’s why cannabis labels are required to disclose the exact amount of product in each container. The marijuana packaging label will usually disclose the amount in grams or ounces, depending on how much is in the container.

Recommended Dosage

Cannabis packaging labels have a legal requirement to include dosage on all marijuana products. This will explicitly describe the intended amount of product for a single dose. This is especially important for edibles and concentrates, which can have more potent effects than just smoking.

Grower or Cultivator

The grower is the name of the company that grew the cannabis (simple enough). Keep in mind that the cultivator is not the same as the brand, as a single grower may distribute to multiple cannabis brands. Once you find a grower that consistently delivers high-quality flower, you may want to check out cannabis labels and packaging for other products to see if they’re from the same place.

Cannabis Flower Harvest Date, Package Date & Use-By Date

Make sure you’re shopping for the freshest flower by checking the dates on the cannabis label. The harvest date represents when the flower was removed from the plant, the package date represents when the flower was packed, and the use-by date represents the estimated time that the weed will expire. 

Marijuana Potency

Sometimes labeled as “Total Active Cannabinoids” (TAC), your marijuana packaging label will include a section that breaks down the percentage of cannabinoids that a product contains. This label will show the exact amounts of THC and CBD. Some labels also provide information about minor cannabinoids like CBG and THCa. These cannabinoids can have unique effects on your high and will often contribute to the overall experience. This section is important for newcomers, as you’ll be able to evaluate the strength of the product before making a purchase.

A cannabis label can appear confusing at first, but once you understand what it means, you can use the labels to your advantage. Paying attention to these details on a cannabis label can help you make more informed choices based on your preferences and needs. Many of these items are even cannabis labeling requirements by U.S. law, so you should expect them on every product you buy from a trusted source. Once you know how to read a cannabis label, you’ll be able to find the exact marijuana flower you’re looking for in a matter of minutes!

Have you ever been confused about cannabis labels? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it.