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A Guide To Reading Cannabis Labels

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Cannabis can offer benefits for those who may find it useful to take. When it comes to cannabis, it’s important that you read the labels provided on the back. Understanding all the information that’s given to make sure that you’re aware of everything that is listed and what it all means. Here is some useful guidance on reading cannabis labels.

Some cannabis brands will provide proof of their results of what they claim to be lab-tested, but depending on region-specific labeling laws, this might not be very detailed. However, any results can help to confirm anything you’re buying when it comes to potency, purity, and above all, the safety of cannabis. 

What To Know About Lab Testing?

If a cannabis brand refuses to be transparent about lab test results when asked this should be a red flag. If they had nothing to hide, they’d give the results freely and to the best of their ability. Not showing tests can mean they haven’t actually done the testing or there’s another reason as to why the company doesn’t want the results to be viewed. Either way, it’s a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. Brands should be happy to provide access to third-party lab-testing results to consumers.

 Lab testing results can be hard to decipher, but as a consumer, it’s important to know and understand what’s on there and why. That way, when you do come across a cannabis product, you can look at the ingredients to make sure that it is a safe product for you to use. Whatever form of cannabis it is, it’s always smart to check the label.

Breaking Down Lab Test Results

Understanding these results is essential for your own safety. How do you go about understanding them when you might have very little knowledge of what goes into the cannabis you’re buying? Third-party lab test results will be based on various factors, which include the product type, what it’s used for, as well as relevant local regulations. 

With that in mind, let’s go through the various ingredients that are labeled on the back of many cannabis labels.

Cannabinoids 

Cannabinoids are the chemicals that are found in cannabis. There are 113 different cannabinoids that are isolated from cannabis and can exhibit various effects. In terms of potency, most results will show the levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids that are in the product itself. THC and CBD are the most common when it comes to cannabis products, but there are also some other ones too that are worth noting to recognize such as THCa, CBN, CBC, CBG, CBDa, and THCV.

There are also restrictions and regulations, as mentioned above. Nevada, for example, has limitations on the amount of THC that can be used when it comes to each edible serving to 10 milligrams. It’s important to note these restrictions when looking at any cannabis products you may have purchased and currently have.

Terpenes

These are something that is less common when it comes to lab test results. For some products, terpene levels are provided. Terpenes are responsible for most of the flavor and aroma that you’ll find in cannabis products. Some are intentionally removed for preference, but may remain in others.

It’s worth noting that other specific terpenes you may see are myrcene, limonene, and terpinolene. These are often found in ingredients for edibles because they add that flavor, and with edibles, you do need the taste element to be as enjoyable as possible.

Moisture Content

Moisture content is an important part of the test results because they can provide an indication of how enjoyable the experience will be for you as the consumer. Some products, like the cannabis bud, will reveal moisture content, and if the moisture level is too low, below 5%, it might be too dry and brittle. That can lead to a less enjoyable experience where a higher level of above 15% means there’s increased risk of fungi and bacteria thriving in the product. Moisture is something that really matters in the cultivation of cannabis.

Residual Solvents

When it comes to cannabis production, there can sometimes be results of low levels of solvent left behind. Particularly with extractions, this can be fairly common. However, what makes it dangerous is that if the residual material levels are too high. That can be harmful to your health, and it’s important to know the acceptable levels depending on the region you live in. When solvents are tested, they’re usually tested for things like butanes, benzene, propane, and xylenes. It’s definitely important to be aware of what solvents if any are on the labels you read. Make sure you aren’t ingesting something or using a cannabis product that could be very risky for your health.

Where To Buy Cannabis?

Buying cannabis something you want to do carefully and through trusted companies, particularly when it comes to online resources. You want to be sure that what you’re buying is legitimate and that it’s not going to be something that can cause you harm. For many people, cannabis may be able to help relieve stress, anxiety, and other medical conditions. It can relieve chronic pain and can also help to lose weight in some individuals. The results and benefits can all vary from person to person, so it’s not always a guaranteed solution.

If you’re looking for a cannabis marketplace that only supplies the very best in high-quality products from pre-rolls, edibles to concentrates, then Thrive is the place to shop online for your cannabis needs. We offer the best Las Vegas marijuana delivery and curbside pickup 24/7, meaning you can get access to cannabis around the clock, no matter when and where. See up-to-date info on our dispensaries and their menus on our website.