How To Read Cannabis Product Labels

When you read a cannabis label, you might feel like you’re looking at a sheet of high school math homework. THC mg/g? Lot number? CBD total? What does it all mean?

Don’t worry: we’re here to clear things up. Here’s how to understand cannabis labels, and the types of information you’ll find on them: 

THC & Total THC Content

When you’re reading a cannabis label, you’ll see two terms that might sound the same: THC, and Total THC.

THC and CBD are the two of the main cannabinoids present in cannabis. When you combine cannabis with heat, the decarboxylation process activates those cannabinoids. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have very different effects when the product is heated. 

So, the THC (or CBD) tells you how much of the cannabinoid is present before the product is heated. The THC Total (or CBD Total) tells you how potent it is after it has been heated—which indicates how strong the effects of the cannabis will be.

How To Convert mg/g To A Percentage

On any cannabis product label, you’ll find the THC and CBD content listed in milligrams. But if you want to convert that amount into a percentage, you’ll need to do a little math first. Thankfully, converting mg/g to % is pretty easy. Here’s our simple trick:

First, divide the mg amount by 10. Like this:

• 500 mg / 10 = 50

Then, all you need to do is add a % sign to the end: 

• 500 mg = 50%

Now you know how to calculate the potency of a cannabis product! This is especially useful when you’re determining the THC content of a product. Since THC has psychoactive effects, it’s important to know how potent your cannabis is. 

Expiry Dates, Packaging Date & Storage Information

Just like most consumable things, cannabis products come with an expiration date. On any cannabis label, you’ll find the following:

• The expiry date. After the expiration date, the cannabis product is less stable. It may be less (or more) potent after this date.

• The packaging date. This tells you when the product was packaged (but not necessarily when it was harvested).

• Lot number. These digits tell you the specific batch that your cannabis product came from. If that batch is recalled for any reason, the lot number makes it easy to identify whether your product was affected.

• Storage instructions. These will vary based on the product you choose; dried cannabis should be kept in a dry, cool place, while cannabis drinks may need to be stored in a refrigerator. 

Warnings

Legal recreational cannabis is regulated by Health Canada. The Government of Canada requires all cannabis packaging to contain warning labels. These health warnings contain advisories like:

• Do not consume cannabis while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not operate heavy machinery after using cannabis
• Do not use cannabis if you are underage

Cannabis products should always be stored in a child-safe container and kept out of reach of children and pets. 

Brand Logos

You can usually find a brand logo near the warning label of a product. You’ll also see producer information so you can contact the manufacturer, if necessary. 

With edible products, you’ll also see a nutrition facts table that breaks down calorie content and other ingredients.
Interested in trying a new strain of cannabis? At our Penticton dispensary, we carry all kinds of cannabis products, from edibles to concentrates. Check out our selection of high-quality cannabis at Green Gaia today!