Whether you’re a cannabis vet, newcomer, or returning to consumption, making sense of everything on a product label can be overwhelming. THC, CBD, UID, indica, sativa, resin, distillate–what does it all mean? Read through for a simple, line-by-line breakdown that helps demystify product labels.
While the labeling requirements for cannabis products may differ slightly depending on the product type, all of them will have two main parts:
- A primary panel
- An information panel
These are illustrated above and explained below.
Primary Panel
- Product Description: Details about the product type (cannabis-infused fruit chews, i.e. “edible”) and flavor profile (pineapple).
- Strain/Classification: Cannabis strains are generally used to predict the type of “high” associated with the product.*
- Package/Serving Details: Information on servings per package and what cannabinoids are in the product.**
- Universal Symbol: This indicates a product is a legal, licensed cannabis item. You should always look for this symbol to ensure you’re buying a regulated, tested product.
*Strain/Classification: You will likely see one of three classifications on a product label – indica, sativa, or hybrid.
- Indica: tends to provide a relaxing effect
- Sativa: for those seeking a more sociable, uplifting experience
- Hybrid: is what it sounds like – somewhere in between
When in doubt, ask the budtender at your favorite legal dispensary which is right for you.
**Cannabinoids: THC is the psychoactive compound that creates the feeling of being “high.” The higher the THC content, the stronger the effects. Other cannabinoids you may see listed on the label include CBD, CBN, or CBG; these are all nonintoxicating cannabis compounds often mixed with THC. They may reduce the psychoactive effects of THC or work in tandem to create a less intense “high.”
Information Panel
- Product ID & Packaging - Information related to the Department of Cannabis Control’s track and trace of the product. This includes the packaging date, the unique tracking number associated with the product (UID), and the product’s specific production run, harvest, or manufacturing cycle (batch number). Like the Universal Symbol, this helps ensure you’re buying a regulated, tested product.
- Directions: Instructions for use.
- Ingredients: Edibles specifically must list all ingredients, allergens, or artificial food dye information, and nutrition facts on the sugar, sodium, fat, and carb contents.
- Manufacturer Information: Name and contact information (phone or email) of the manufacturer.
- Government Warning: Consumer PSA required by law to be on all cannabis products.