How to Read a Cannabis Label: THC, CBD, and Dosing Explained
Learn how to read a cannabis label: total THC vs. THCA, milligrams per serving, terpenes, batch numbers, and COAs, so you know the dose before you buy.
To identify dosage on a THC label, look for "Serving size" and "THC per serving" in milligrams. Most US states cap one serving at 10 mg THC. For flower, the label shows THC percentage. For concentrates, it shows mg per gram or percentage.
Serving size and servings per package
Every legal label lists a serving size. For edibles, a serving is one piece or a portion of a piece. The label states how many servings the package contains. Example: "Serving size: 1 gummy (10 mg THC). Servings per package: 10." That package holds 100 mg THC total.
How to Read Cannabis Edible Labels for Dosage
THC per serving vs total THC
The label lists THC in milligrams per serving. It may also list total THC for the whole package. Some labels list "Delta-9 THC" and "THCA" as separate numbers. Total THC = delta-9 THC + (THCA x 0.877). This conversion accounts for THCA losing a carboxyl group when heated.
Flower and concentrate labels
Flower labels show THC percentage by weight. A label that reads "THC: 20%" means 200 mg THC per gram of flower. Concentrate labels show THC percentage or mg per gram. A 1-gram concentrate at 80% THC contains 800 mg THC. One serving of concentrate is 0.05 g or less in many states.
Cannabis Label Compliance and Regulation: What Has to Be on the Package
State dosage limits
Colorado, California, and Washington cap recreational edibles at 10 mg THC per serving and 100 mg per package. Some states allow 5 mg per serving. Medical products may have higher limits. Check your state cannabis regulator for exact rules.
Lab testing and batch numbers
Labels include a batch number and a lab name. The lab tests for THC potency, pesticides, and solvents. The batch number links the product to a certificate of analysis (COA). The COA lists exact THC content. Ask the seller for the COA if the label is unclear.
Hemp vs cannabis labels
Hemp products may be sold online. Federal law limits hemp to 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. A hemp label may show "delta-9 THC < 0.3%" and "total THC" as a separate number. Total THC for hemp includes THCA. Some hemp products list mg THC per serving. Federal law does not require serving size on hemp labels.
Common label terms
- "Serving size": the amount one person should consume.
- "THC per serving": mg of THC in one serving.
- "Total THC": mg of THC in the whole package.
- "Delta-9 THC": the primary psychoactive compound.
- "THCA": non-psychoactive until heated.
- "Full spectrum": contains multiple cannabinoids.
- "Broad spectrum": contains multiple cannabinoids but no THC.
- "Isolate": only one cannabinoid.
What to do if the label is unclear
Look for the batch number and contact the manufacturer. Ask for the COA. If the label lacks serving size or THC per serving, do not guess. In legal states, the label must include these details. Report missing labels to the state regulator.
Start with 5 mg THC or less if you are new to cannabis. Wait two hours before taking more.