How to Read a Cannabis Label: THC, CBD, Terpenes, and Testing Info
Michigan law requires specific information on all cannabis product packaging:
Michigan's Label Requirements
Michigan law requires specific information on all cannabis product packaging:
- 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)
This isn't a suggestion - it's the law. If information is missing, don't buy the product.
Understanding Potency: THC and CBD
The most obvious number on a label is the potency.
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: Higher THC doesn't automatically mean better. Some people prefer lower THC for a more manageable experience. And 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 cancel out THC, but it may moderate some effects. A 1:1 THC-CBD ratio (equal percentages) tends to produce a more balanced experience than THC-only.
THC-CBD Ratios
Some consumers focus on the ratio rather than absolute numbers:
- 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
Understanding the ratio helps predict how a product will feel, independent of raw potency.
Reading Terpene Profiles
Many modern labels include terpene information - either on the package or via QR code linking to full lab results.
What to look for:
The label should list the dominant terpenes and their percentages:
Terpene Profile:
Myrcene: 0.8%
Limonene: 0.6%
Caryophyllene: 0.4%
Linalool: 0.2%
How to interpret:
- The highest percentage terpene is dominant and most influential
- Different terpenes create different effects]
- High myrcene = relaxing, high limonene = energizing
- Total terpene percentage tells you overall terpene richness
Where to find it:
- Some labels print terpenes directly
- Most include a QR code to lab results (full terpene profile)
- Ask your budtender if not visible
Testing Information
Every product sold in Michigan has been tested by a state-licensed lab. The label should include:
Lab name and license number:
- Verifies testing was done by approved lab
- License number is traceable
Test date:
- How recently was this tested?
- Fresher test dates are better
- Products shouldn't sit long between test and sale
Batch/lot number:
- Allows traceability
- If there's a recall, you can identify if your product is affected
- Always keep receipts with 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 provide online access to results:
- Scan the QR code on package
- Visit the lab's website with batch number
- Ask dispensary staff for results printout
- Full results show all terpenes, potency, contaminants tested
Harvest and Cure Information
For flower:
Harvest date: When the flower was cut from the plant. Fresher is generally better - within 3-6 months of purchase is ideal.
Cure quality: Should smell fresh and potent, not musty or weak. Properly cured flower has a pleasant aroma.
Understanding Different Product Types
Labels vary by product type:
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
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
When evaluating a product:
- Check the basics: Legal potency info, batch number, testing facility
- Assess potency: THC % appropriate for your tolerance
- Review cannabinoid ratio: THC-CBD balance that suits your needs
- Look at terpenes: Dominant terpenes predict effects
- Verify freshness: Harvest date or test date should be recent
- Ask questions: Budtender should explain anything 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
At all four Olswell locations - Adrian], Grand Rapids], Kalkaska], and Traverse City] - our staff provides full label information and can explain any aspect of testing, potency, or terpenes.
We always have access to complete lab results for every product. If you want to see full testing information for any product, just ask. Our online ordering system] also displays potency and available testing info for your research before visiting.
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.