Do not use cannabis if you are under twenty-one years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
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You’re standing in the dispensary, looking at a jar of flower. The cannabis label reads “Total THC 26.4%, Myrcene-dominant, Harvested 03/2025.” You nod as if you know what it means, but secretly, you’re wondering, “What exactly am I getting into?”
If that sounds like an all-too-familiar experience, you’re not alone.
Learning how to read a cannabis label can feel like cracking a secret code. But figuring out what all those numbers and symbols on weed packaging labels mean is your ticket to finding the products that truly match your needs. From pain relief to creative spark to the perfect chill night at home, the dispensary label on every cannabis product is how you’ll get there.
By understanding things like THC percentage, terpene profile, and lab testing on the cannabis label, you’re not just buying weed; you’re curating a dialed-in experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to read a cannabis label with confidence and clarity.
Cannabis product labels do more than just list ingredients or a nutrition facts table like your favorite bag of Cheetos. Most of what you find on the label is actually required by law. In states like Missouri, Connecticut, Illinois, and Ohio, cannabis labeling requirements are strictly regulated to ensure transparency, safety, and consistency across every product. That means every legal cannabis item you see, from flower and vape cartridges to edible cannabis products and tinctures, must include key information about potency (THC and CBD contents), potential health risks, and more, front and center on the packaging.
Why does that matter to you? Because reading a cannabis label helps you make smarter, safer, and more personalized choices. It allows you to spot important details like THC and CBD percentages, identify any allergens or additives, and steer clear of products that might trigger unwanted effects. For example, if you’re sensitive to high-THC products or want to avoid drowsiness, reading the label helps you find a better match.
Ultimately, weed packaging isn’t just about compliance; it’s a tool for you, the consumer, to make informed decisions and craft a cannabis experience that feels good.
Whether it’s recreational or medical marijuana, what is the first thing most people look for on a weed packaging label? THC percentage.
But what does that number actually mean? Deciphering the THC on labels is the key to knowing how strong the effects might be and how they might feel. Remember, it’s not just about chasing the highest number; it’s about finding the right balance for your body, goals, and tolerance.
You’ll often see terms like “Total THC” or “Delta-9 THC” listed on a label. Here’s the difference:
But here’s the thing: When you are looking at cannabis product labels, more THC doesn’t always mean a stronger or better experience.
In fact, for many people (especially beginners or those seeking balanced effects), a lower THC percentage can feel more enjoyable. Think of THC ranges like this:
Knowing how much THC is in a cannabis product helps you stay in control of your experience and avoid uncomfortable side effects like anxiety, couch-lock, or dry mouth.
While THC often steals the spotlight, CBD (cannabidiol) plays a major supporting role on many cannabis labels. CBD isn’t intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high, but it can still contribute to how a product makes you feel.
On its own, CBD is mellow, calming, and has many therapeutic properties. But when combined with THC, it helps balance out some of the latter’s more intense effects, like paranoia or anxiety.
Because of CBD’s naturally soothing properties, many people seek out pure CBD or THC and CBD combos for more balanced effects.
You also might see products labeled with a THC:CBD ratio, like 1:1, 10:1, or 20:1.
Here’s how to read that:
Looking for CBD-dominant products? Focus on tinctures, capsules, or edibles labeled with low THC percentages, clearly marked high CBD ratios, and terms like “CBD-rich” or “full-spectrum CBD.” These are especially helpful for folks who want to stay clear-headed while still experiencing the wellness potential of cannabis.
And as always, if you’re unsure, ask one of our Shangri-La patient consultants to help you find the best match for your goals. We’re here to help.
Ever wonder why two strains with the same THC percentage can feel completely different? That’s the power of terpenes, aromatic compounds that shape your cannabis experience by influencing flavor, scent, and even how the high feels.
When you see terms like “myrcene-dominant” or “limonene-rich” on a label, you’re getting a sneak peek into the product’s terpene profile. These compounds don’t just smell good; they also play a role in the potential effects you might feel.
Some of the most common cannabis terpenes you’ll see on weed packaging labels include:
While indica and sativa labels are still common, many budtenders and cannabis educators believe that the terpene profile is technically a more accurate guide to how a strain will make you feel. A strain labeled as indica might be relaxing, but if it’s rich in limonene, it could still give you a burst of mental energy.
Right now, terpenes on cannabis packaging are usually not a legal requirement. Instead, it’s a choice by the brand. If listed, terpene information provides valuable insights to help you discover the flavors and effects that best suit your personal preferences. So next time you’re scanning a label, don’t stop at THC. Take a peek at the terpene profile because that’s where the scent, taste, and magic really begin.
Most cannabis labels highlight THC and CBD content, but these are just the beginning. Behind the scenes, the cannabis plant produces dozens of other minor cannabinoids that can subtly (or significantly) influence your experience.
You might see names like CBN, CBG, or THCV on a label or Certificate of Analysis (COA). These are other naturally occurring cannabinoids. Although they’re present in smaller amounts than typical THC or CBD, they can still contribute to the overall effect, especially when working together through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Here are a few you might come across:
To tap into the benefits of these lesser-known cannabinoids, look for products labeled as full-spectrum (which includes THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids) or broad-spectrum (similar, but without THC). Vape cartridges, tinctures, and some edibles may list these additional cannabinoids right on the packaging, or you can check the lab results for a deeper breakdown.
If you have questions about these essential details hidden behind the lab test, let us know! We’d love to help you decipher them.
One of the biggest advantages of shopping for legal cannabis? Lab-testing. Every item sold at a licensed dispensary is required to undergo third-party testing, and the results are made readily available to you. You’ll find them right on the cannabis label or through a QR code.
Reading those lab results (also known as the Certificate of Analysis) is a great way to double-check the quality, safety, and potency of your cannabis.
Speaking of safety and quality, a Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is a lab report that verifies what’s in your cannabis and, importantly, what’s not.
Look for the QR code on the product’s packaging. Scanning it will take you to the full test results, often hosted by a licensed lab. Although it varies slightly from state to state, here are a few of the test results you’ll typically see:
And here are a few red flags to watch out for:
You’ll be happy to know that every cannabis product in the Shangri-La inventory has gone through all state-regulated testing. You can trust it to be free from contaminants and other harmful issues, such as mold. Plus, the cannabinoid content will be there to help guide your purchasing decision.
Tucked away in the fine print of most cannabis product labels, you’ll also find a batch number, harvest date, and/or expiration (best-by date). Now we are getting into the nitty-gritty!
The harvest date indicates when the cannabis flower was originally cut. Considering you are buying dried and cured cannabis, you may be asking yourself why this even matters. After all, isn’t dried cannabis shelf-stable?
Properly cured and dried flower is technically safe for months (if not years), but cannabinoids like THC and CBD can degrade over time. Terpenes (those flavorful aromatic compounds) also begin to fade. That’s why the old, dusty flower you found in the back of your drawer has lost a lot of its appeal. Most of the cannabinoids and terpenes would have degraded, which in turn would tarnish your experience.
Now, let’s talk about the packaging date. This shows when the product was sealed, which helps you understand how long it’s been sitting around. Again, checking the packaging date will help you obtain the best products and the best possible experience.
For products like edibles, tinctures, or topicals, the expiry date is especially important since these items can not only lose potency, but are at higher risk of spoilage because of the other ingredients.
Finally, the batch number helps trace the product back to a specific production run, which is essential for quality control and safety recalls. Altogether, these small but mighty details help you shop smarter and get the freshest cannabis possible.
Understanding cannabis labels is a powerful first step. Your next adventure is to apply that knowledge to your shopping strategy.
We always recommend starting by thinking about what you want to feel. Are you hoping to wind down and relax? Look for products with calming terpenes like myrcene or linalool and lower THC percentages. Need a boost of energy or creativity? Uplifting terpenes like limonene and pinene, paired with a moderate THC level, might be a better match. If you’re managing discomfort or stress, look for balanced THC:CBD ratios or full-spectrum products rich in minor cannabinoids.
Even if you’ve done your best to learn how to read dispensary labels, we know it’s not easy to master. There is a lot of lingo and fundamental cannabis education to work through. That’s what our Shangri-La staff are here for. We love helping guests decode labels, find the right fit for their goals, and discover products that align with their lifestyle.
And no matter what you’re buying—flower, edibles, pre-rolls, or vape cartridges—start low and go slow with all new products. It’s especially advised with high-THC or long-lasting products like edibles. To ensure the entire experience is pleasant from the start, give your body time to respond to a small dose first.
Not sure what all that label lingo means? Here’s a simple glossary to help you navigate cannabis product labels with ease:
Understanding cannabis labels gives you control. It helps you shop with confidence, find what fits, and avoid surprises. Our shelves are stocked with clearly labeled, lab-tested products, and our team is always here to help. Have questions? Just ask. Or start exploring the menu and tracking your favorites with the Shangri-La experience journal.
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