Beginner's Guide
How to Read a Cannabis Label: THC %, Terpenes & Dosing
A cannabis label tells you almost everything that matters: potency as a percentage or in milligrams, the cannabinoid and terpene breakdown, and the batch, test, and license details that prove it's legal and lab-checked. Here's how to read every part before you buy.
Potency: % vs. mg
Potency shows up two ways, depending on the product:
- Percentage (%) is used for flower, vapes, and concentrates — e.g., "22% THC" means 22% of the product's weight is THC. It measures strength, not how a strain will suit you.
- Milligrams (mg) are used for edibles, tinctures, and beverages — e.g., "5 mg per piece, 100 mg per package." Always check per serving and per package so you know how much you're actually taking.
A higher number isn't automatically better — see why THC percentage isn't everything.
Cannabinoids & terpenes
Beyond THC, labels often list CBD and minor cannabinoids, plus a terpene breakdown. "Total THC" accounts for the THCA that converts to THC when heated, so it's usually the most useful number. The terpene list tells you the aroma and likely character of the strain — our Terpenes 101 guide explains what each one means.
Batch, test & license info
Legal New Jersey products carry traceability details that prove they're regulated and lab-tested:
- Batch / lot number ties the product to a specific production run and its lab results (a Certificate of Analysis, or COA).
- Test data confirms potency and screening for contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals.
- Packaged / harvest dates help you judge freshness — fresher flower keeps its aroma and terpenes better.
- Licensed producer and the universal NJ THC symbol confirm it came through the legal supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
For flower, vapes, and concentrates, THC percentage is the share of the product's weight that is THC — "22% THC" means 22% by weight. It indicates strength, not quality or how the strain will suit you.
Percentage is used for flower and concentrates; milligrams are used for edibles and tinctures. For edibles, always check the mg per serving and per package so you know exactly how much you're taking.
Total THC accounts for THCA — the raw form that converts to THC when heated — so it reflects the potency you'll actually experience. It's usually the most useful potency number on a label.
A batch or lot number links the product to its Certificate of Analysis (COA) — lab results confirming potency and screening for contaminants. It's a sign the product moved through the regulated, tested supply chain.
Fresher flower retains its aroma and terpenes better over time. Checking the packaged or harvest date helps you judge freshness, especially for flower and pre-rolls.
Sources & Further Reading
Educational content only — not medical advice. Cannabis products are for adults 21+ with valid government-issued ID (or a valid NJ medical cannabis card). Never drive under the influence. Effects vary by person and product.
Know Before You Buy
Every product on the Unity Rd menu lists potency and lab data. Browse with confidence, or ask a budtender to walk you through a label.