Why Labels Matter
A cannabis label contains the information you need to make a safer, more informed purchase. But only if you know how to read it. A THC percentage means something different on flower than it does on a concentrate. A "10 mg serving" can mean very different things depending on the product and who is consuming it. And the absence of a number — a terpene profile not listed, or a COA not available — is information too.
This lesson walks through every element you are likely to encounter on a Maryland cannabis product label and explains what it tells you, what its limitations are, and what questions to ask when the label leaves you uncertain.
Required Label Elements in Maryland
Maryland Cannabis Administration regulations require the following on all cannabis product labels:
- Total THC — the total tetrahydrocannabinol content after decarboxylation
- Total CBD — the total cannabidiol content
- Net weight or volume of the package
- Serving size and servings per package (for products with multiple servings)
- THC per serving (for edibles and other multi-serving products)
- Producer or manufacturer name and Maryland license number
- Batch or lot number — traceable to a Certificate of Analysis
- Harvest or production date and use-by or expiration date
- Universal cannabis symbol and required warnings
- Child-resistant packaging confirmation
THC Percentage on Flower
On cannabis flower, the THC percentage tells you roughly how much is present by weight of the dried flower. A 20% THC flower means approximately 200 mg of THC per gram of flower.
What it does not tell you:
- How much THC you will absorb (delivery efficiency varies by inhalation technique, device, and individual)
- How potent the experience will feel (tolerance, biology, and terpene profile all affect subjective effects)
- Whether a 25% flower is "better" than a 20% flower — potency percentage is not a quality indicator
Research consistently shows that consumer preference for high-THC percentages does not consistently correlate with more satisfying or preferable experiences. Terpene profile, cultivation quality, freshness, and personal biology are often more predictive.
THC mg on Edibles and Other Products
For edibles, beverages, tinctures, capsules, and other ingestible products, potency is expressed in milligrams of THC per serving and per package. This is a more meaningful number for dosing than a percentage, because edible THC doses are fixed and consistent.
| THC Amount | General Consumer Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2.5 mg | Microdose / very light | Recommended starting point for new consumers or those with high sensitivity |
| 5 mg | Low dose | Common 'standard' serving in legal markets; still a starting point for many |
| 10 mg | Moderate dose | May be strong for new consumers; common among experienced users |
| 20–50 mg | High dose | Typically for experienced consumers with established tolerance |
| 50+ mg | Very high dose | Not recommended for most consumers; significant overconsumption risk |
Total THC vs. THC-a
On flower labels, you may see both THC and THC-a listed. THC-a (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the non-intoxicating precursor to THC found in the raw plant. When cannabis is burned or vaporized, THC-a converts to THC through a process called .
Total THC on a Maryland label represents the calculated amount of THC available after full decarboxylation:Total THC = THC + (THC-a × 0.877)
This is the number that most directly predicts the intoxicating potential of the flower when smoked or vaporized. Our THC Math tool walks through these calculations with examples.
CBD and the THC:CBD Ratio
CBD (cannabidiol) is the second major cannabinoid listed on most labels. is non-intoxicating at typical doses and is studied for a range of applications, though the only FDA-approved CBD drug (Epidiolex) is for specific seizure conditions — claims about CBD "treating" general conditions go beyond established evidence.
The THC:CBD ratio on a label can be a useful guide for consumers interested in more balanced products. A 1:1 ratio means equal THC and CBD; a 10:1 ratio means ten times more THC than CBD. Higher-CBD products may produce a different character of experience for some consumers, though individual response varies.
Terpene Profiles
Not all labels include terpene data, but it is increasingly common — and one of the more useful pieces of information for experienced consumers. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give different cannabis products their distinct smells and may contribute to differences in character.
The COA (Certificate of Analysis) for a product typically includes a more complete terpene breakdown than the retail label. Ask your SOL budtender to pull the COA if terpene profile matters to your decision.
How to Read a COA
A Certificate of Analysis is the laboratory test report for a specific product batch. The batch or lot number on the product label ties directly to its COA. Key sections to review:
- Cannabinoid panel: THC, THC-a, CBD, CBD-a, CBG, CBN, and others — all measured as percentages by weight
- Terpene panel: Percentage by weight for each detected terpene
- Residual solvents: Must be below Maryland limits (important for concentrates)
- Pesticides, heavy metals, microbials: Pass/fail for regulated contaminants
- Moisture content: For flower — affects weight and freshness
- Lab name and accreditation number: Should be an MCA-licensed independent lab
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Try the THC Math Tool →Reviewed by: SOL Education Team.
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