If you have just recently purchased legal marijuana products from dispensaries, it is very likely that you will be wondering how to interpret the details on the label, specifically the THC content of the item that you purchased.
Being able to understand the texts written on the label is very important for consumers so they will know how to use the cannabis product properly and maximize the benefits of taking marijuana products. And being able to decode the indicated figures is crucial so you will determine the proper dosage.
Learn more as well tackle how to read THC content on marijuana label in today’s article.
Decoding Cannabis Labels
Although each state has its own regulations regarding the labeling of marijuana products, there are few things that are self-explanatory and each to decipher while reading cannabis labels, such as:
- The name of the marijuana strain
- The manufacturer/producer of the strain
- The sativa/indica class
- The date when the cannabis strain was tested
- The name of the testing lab and related information
- The expiration date when the testing results will expire (this should NOT be confused with the product’s expiration date)
- Information pertaining to state laws and legal compliance
On the other hand, there are abbreviations which may appear as too scientific or technical to an average consumer. And so we’ll try to explain some of them below, particularly the amount of THC content in the cannabis product:
Total THC – Also written as “THC Maximum”, this term represents the total Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in the product. This is the information that most consumers want to know about since the amount of THC allowed in a cannabis product varies from state to state (as indicated in their legalized use of marijuana products for medication or recreation).
This figure actually gives you an idea of how potent the psychoactive levels of the product you bought. And cannabis strains with high THC content usually have 18%-20% (or more) of the total THC content.
As for cannabis edibles, the figure is often shown in milligrams (mg), which can be pretty difficult to decode by an average consumer. But to be safe, a dose of 10mg of THC content is enough, especially for inexperienced cannabis users.
Δ9-THCA – This refers to the amount of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid in the product, a raw form of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is non-psychoactive. To activate the psychoactive effects, you have to burn or heat the product.
Δ9-THC – This is often seen in dried cannabis products. And it indicates both the THCA and THC present during the curing process.
CBDA – This refers to the Cannabinol Acid, which is a raw form of Cannabinol (CBD). When the product is heated, the CBDA will be converted into non-psychoactive CBD.
CBD – This pertains to the activated Cannabinol that is present in the cannabis product.
Aside from these details, the label of the marijuana product may also indicate information about Δ8-THC, THCV, CBG, CBN, and CBC which are classified as Other Cannabinoids as well as Total Cannabinoids, Pesticide, and Mold/Mildew.
