How to Read Medical Marijuana Labels
Recreational and medical cannabis is a booming industry that will continue to grow exponentially throughout the next decade. Research now enforces the medical community’s support of medicinal marijuana. Additionally, many states have legalized recreational marijuana from licensed dispensaries. Overall, many clients with various medical needs use products with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
With more and more cannabis products hitting the market, understanding how to read their labels is imperative. That’s why the experts at Royal Label will discuss the requirements of what needs to go on them and how companies can make sure their labels meet these specifications to ensure the health and safety of the consumer.
Let’s take a closer look:
Medical Cannabis Labels: What Are They?
Medical cannabis labels or “weed labels” are on the back or side of a medicinal or recreational product containing cannabis. This includes CBD products or items that contain THC — the chemical that causes the psychological effects in cannabis. The label will tell you what it is, where it came from, and other important information. No matter what type of product you plan on using, it is crucial to know what you are looking for on its label before you do.
The same goes for when you’re reading U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required food ingredient labels or medical device labels. Whether they have listed intimidating scientific names or harsh chemicals, it is your right to know what is in any product you consume. That’s why Royal Label has extensive capabilities for labeling medical devices and products through marijuana label printing.
Recognizing Important Elements of Medical Marijuana Labels
The requirements of medical marijuana labels vary from state to state. However, some elements are constant across the board and will be, or certainly should be, found on every medical label. Here are a few components we hope to make easier for you to identify:
Tracking Information
On medical cannabis labels, you will find an ID or unique identification number (UIN), such as a barcode, as well as the name of the lab that tested the cannabis for safety and the date it was produced. Though patients do not have to pay attention to this, it is helpful to know what miscellaneous numbers and locations mean.
Most importantly, the production date can help the consumer verify that the product is fresh and therefore safe to consume. The shelf life of different cannabis products varies. There is also an expiration date for testing the product, but that does not necessarily dictate the item’s safety.
Warnings
Though some warning labels are relatively evident, others may be more obscured or in a smaller font. Warnings are one of the most critical segments of a medical label. Some people may be uninformed or misinformed about risks related to using cannabis products or any other substance.
Commonly, the warning section includes a caution about using while driving or operating machinery. Additionally, it has information about whether or not the product is safe for pregnant and nursing women and whether they need to consult a doctor. In the case of cannabis, the warning may mention age legality, such as the fact that the individual must be over 21.
Cannabis Strain
When applicable, the cannabis strain is typically on the front of a weed label. This specifies the strain and type, such as Sour Diesel or Blue Dream. It may have a number associated with the strain, as well as a classification like “budder,” which describes the appearance, texture, and other aspects of cannabis.
Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid
This item is fairly straightforward, but the label will often show if the product is Indica, Sativa, or a hybrid of both. It may be written out clearly or have a checked box next to one of those three options.
THC or CBD
Universally, cannabis products will have the amount of THC and/or CBD written out on the label. This could be written in milligrams or a percentage. Other amounts of various cannabinoids may also be disclosed.
Activation Time
Sometimes, but not always, the label includes an activation time, which is an estimate of when one can expect to feel the product’s effects. This is particularly relevant in products with high amounts of THC, which creates the “high.”
Royal Label Meets All Regulations & Requirements
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis labels, Royal Label is your go-to label printing resource. You can trust us to create high-quality, industry-compliant labels for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, industrial products, cannabis, and any other custom products you need. Ready to work with the experts? Contact us today!
