How to Read a Cannabis Label: THC, CBD, Terpenes, and Testing Info
Michigan law spells out exactly what has to be printed on every cannabis package on the shelf:
Michigan's Label Requirements
Michigan law spells out exactly what has to be printed on every cannabis package on the shelf:
- Product type (flower, concentrate, edible, topical, etc.)
- THC/CBD content (potency)
- Batch/lot number
- Date of harvest (for flower)
- Date of testing
- Testing facility information
- Producer license number
- License for legal sale
- Warnings and advisories
- Net weight or serving size
- Terpene profile (increasingly required)
None of that is optional. It's the law. If a piece of it is missing, that's your cue to walk.
Understanding Potency: THC and CBD
The number your eye lands on first is potency. Worth understanding, but it's not the whole story.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Total THC is calculated as THC + THCA (decarboxylated). This accounts for the THC that will become active when heated.
What it means:
- Measured in percentage (e.g., "18% THC")
- For flower: percentage of the weight that is THC
- For edibles: total mg THC per package (capped at 100mg in Michigan)
- For concentrates: percentage of the weight
How to interpret:
- 5-10% THC: Low potency, good for beginners
- 10-15% THC: Standard recreational potency
- 15-25% THC: High potency, experienced users
- 25%+ THC: Very high potency, high-tolerance users
Example: A gram of flower with 18% THC contains approximately 180mg of THC.
Important note: Chasing the highest number on the shelf is a rookie move. A bigger THC percentage doesn't mean a better high, and plenty of people get a better experience from something milder. The terpene profile matters as much as THC percentage.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Total CBD is calculated as CBD + CBDA (decarboxylated).
What it means:
- Non-intoxicating cannabinoid
- Measured in percentage for flower and concentrates
- Measured in mg for edibles
- Often less than 1% in traditional strains
- Can be higher in specific CBD-focused strains
How to interpret:
- Below 1% CBD: Minimal CBD influence
- 1-5% CBD: Balanced THC-CBD ratio
- 5%+ CBD: High CBD, reduced intoxication, more therapeutic focus
Important note: CBD doesn't switch THC off, but it can take some of the edge off the ride. A 1:1 THC-CBD ratio (equal percentages) usually feels more balanced and level than THC alone.
THC-CBD Ratios
Forget the raw percentages for a second. Some people shop by ratio instead:
- High THC, low CBD (20:1 ratio): Strong intoxication, cerebral effects
- Balanced (1:1 ratio): Moderate intoxication, balanced effects
- High CBD, low THC (1:20 ratio): Non-intoxicating, more therapeutic
- CBD-only: Zero intoxication, pure therapeutic use
The ratio tells you how something will feel, separate from how loud the potency number is.
Reading Terpene Profiles
Terpenes are where the personality lives, and most modern labels put them right on the package or behind a QR code that opens the full lab sheet.
What to look for:
The label should call out the dominant terpenes with their percentages:
Terpene Profile:
Myrcene: 0.8%
Limonene: 0.6%
Caryophyllene: 0.4%
Linalool: 0.2%
How to interpret:
- The highest percentage terpene is the one running the show
- Different terpenes create different effects
- High myrcene leans relaxing, high limonene leans bright and energizing
- The total terpene percentage tells you how rich and loud the profile is overall
Where to find it:
- Some labels print the terpenes right there
- Most point you to a QR code with the full lab results
- If you can't see it, ask your budtender. Gotchu.
Testing Information
Nothing reaches a Michigan shelf without clearing a state-licensed lab first. The label should carry the receipts:
Lab name and license number:
- Verifies testing was done by approved lab
- License number is traceable
Test date:
- Tells you how recently this was checked
- Fresher test dates are better
- Good product shouldn't sit forever between testing and the sales floor
Batch/lot number:
- This is the traceability thread
- If a recall ever hits, the lot number tells you whether yours is in it
- Hang on to your receipts with the lot numbers
What was tested for:
Michigan testing requires checking for:
- Potency: THC/CBD accuracy
- Pesticides: No pesticides above safe levels
- Microbial: No mold, bacteria, or harmful organisms
- Heavy metals: No dangerous metals
- Residual solvents: For concentrates, virtually zero residual solvents
- Terpene profile: Increasingly tested and reported
How to access full results:
Most labs put the full sheet online:
- Scan the QR code on the package
- Punch the batch number into the lab's website
- Ask the dispensary staff for a printout
- The full sheet lays out every terpene, the potency, and everything they screened for
Harvest and Cure Information
For flower:
Harvest date: The day the flower came off the plant. Fresher is generally better, and within 3-6 months of purchase is the sweet spot.
Cure quality: It should hit your nose fresh and loud, not musty or flat. Well-cured flower smells like something you want to open.
Understanding Different Product Types
The label changes shape depending on what you're holding:
Flower:
- Weight (usually in grams or ounces)
- Total THC % and CBD %
- Terpene profile
- Harvest date
- Testing information
Edibles:
- Serving size (typically 10mg THC per serving in Michigan)
- Total mg THC per package (capped at 100mg)
- Servings per package
- Ingredients list
- Allergen information
Concentrates:
- Total THC % and CBD %
- Concentrate type (live rosin, live resin, distillate, etc.)
- Terpene profile
- Residual solvents tested
- Weight
Topicals:
- mg THC per container
- Ingredient list
- Whether it's transdermal or topical
- Application instructions
Vape cartridges:
- Total mg THC in cartridge
- Total mg CBD (if applicable)
- Terpene profile
- Hardware compatibility (510-thread, proprietary, etc.)
- Cartridge type (distillate, live resin, etc.)
Red Flags: What NOT to Buy
A label is also a lie detector. Here's what should make you put it back down.
Missing information:
- No THC percentage
- No batch number
- No test date or testing facility info
- No license information
- Anything from unlicensed sources
Suspicious indicators:
- Label looks unprofessional or handwritten
- Potency seems unrealistically high or low (flower over 35% THC is rare)
- Unclear or unreadable information
- Product packaging compromised (open, damaged)
- Unusually cheap for the potency (possible counterfeits exist)
Testing concerns:
- No reference to testing at all
- Lab results unavailable when requested
- Testing date more than 6 months old
Label Interpretation Strategy
Run a product through this quick pass and you've basically read it like a pro:
- Check the basics: Legal potency info, batch number, testing facility
- Assess potency: A THC % that matches your tolerance, not your ego
- Review cannabinoid ratio: The THC-CBD balance that fits what you're after
- Look at terpenes: The dominant ones tip you off to the effect
- Verify freshness: Harvest date or test date should be recent
- Ask questions: A budtender should break down anything that's unclear
Using Labels Strategically
If seeking relaxation:
- Look for high myrcene, moderate THC (12-18%), some CBD
- Indica-classified strains often have this profile
If seeking energy:
- Look for high limonene or pinene, moderate THC (12-20%), minimal CBD
- Sativa-classified strains often have this profile
If seeking potency:
- Look for 20%+ THC, any terpene profile, low CBD
- Concentrates will be higher potency
If seeking medicinal benefits:
- Look for balanced THC-CBD ratio or high CBD
- Specific terpenes (caryophyllene, linalool) may help
Labels at Olswell
Across all four Olswell shops, Adrian, Grand Rapids, Kalkaska, and Traverse City, our budtenders read every label for a living and will walk you through any line of testing, potency, or terpenes you want decoded.
We can pull complete lab results on anything in the case, so if you want to see the full sheet before you buy, just ask. Gotchu. Our online ordering system shows potency and available testing info too, so you can do your homework from the couch before you ever walk in.
FAQ
Q: What does THCA mean? A: THCA is the raw, non-intoxicating form of THC. When heated (smoked, vaped, or cooked), THCA converts to THC. Labels show "Total THC" accounting for this conversion.
Q: Why do two products with the same THC % feel different? A: Terpene profile and individual factors. Two 18% THC strains can feel completely different based on terpenes and your body chemistry.
Q: Is older flower bad? A: Depends on storage. Properly stored flower stays good for months. Improperly stored (light, heat, moisture) degrades. Check smell and appearance.
Q: What's a "hot" batch? A: A batch testing higher than expected potency. Generally good quality indicator - proper testing and handling during production.
Q: Can lab results be wrong? A: Rarely - but labs must meet strict standards. If you suspect an issue, ask your dispensary to investigate.
Medical Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
Age Disclaimer: For adults 21 and older only. Must present valid government-issued photo ID. Please consume responsibly.
