April 1, 2025
Now that cannabis is legal in Canada, navigating all the information on a product package can feel overwhelming. For many cannabis consumers, deciphering these labels can feel like reading a foreign language. With percentages, milligrams, cannabinoid profiles, and various warning symbols, packaging information can be daunting – especially for newcomers to the legal market.
Under the Cannabis Act and Health Canada regulations, all legal cannabis products must follow strict labelling requirements. This comprehensive guide will help you understand exactly what you're looking at when examining cannabis product labels, empowering you to make informed purchasing decisions that align with your preferences and needs.
Since legalization in October 2018, Health Canada has established strict requirements for cannabis product packaging and labelling under the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations. All legal cannabis products must include:
This bright red, stop-sign-like symbol is impossible to miss and signals that the product contains THC. You'll find this symbol on all products with more than 10 micrograms per gram of THC. It's a quick reminder that the product can have psychoactive effects, so handle it responsibly.
These warning messages are designed to inform consumers of potential risks, such as impaired driving, dependency concerns, and effects on youth. Although these messages can feel repetitive, they're there to keep everyone safe and aware.
This information is always highlighted on the label and is expressed in various ways depending on product type. We'll explain the differences between THC, Total THC, CBD, and Total CBD in detail below.
Labels must specify whether the product is dried cannabis, an extract, edible, etc.
The "Packaged On" date is particularly helpful for flower products, as cannabis can dry out over time, affecting the flavour and effects. Always check storage recommendations to maintain product quality.
This tells you exactly how much product is contained in the package.
This is the name and contact information of the licensed producer. It's a way to verify that you're buying from a legitimate source, and if you ever have questions or feedback, you know who to reach out to.
Legal cannabis in Canada comes with an excise stamp, which is colour-coded by province to show the product was purchased from a licensed retailer. It's your assurance that the product has been inspected and meets Canadian safety standards.
This number allows for product traceability throughout the supply chain.
While these requirements ensure consistency, the way cannabinoid content is displayed can still be confusing for consumers.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of cannabis labelling is the distinction between THC and Total THC (similarly, CBD vs. Total CBD). Here's what these terms actually mean:
THC (Δ9-THC or Delta-9-THC): This refers to the active, psychoactive form of THC that exists in the product in its current state.
THCA (THC-A or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): This is the non-psychoactive, acidic precursor to THC that naturally occurs in raw cannabis. Canadian regulations require this to be clearly indicated on packaging when relevant.
Total THC: This represents the potential maximum THC content after the product is heated (through smoking, vaping, or cooking), which converts THCA into active THC.
The relationship can be expressed as:Total THC = THC + (THCA × 0.877)
(The multiplier 0.877 accounts for the molecular weight difference when THCA is converted to THC through decarboxylation.)
When cannabis is heated, THCA converts to THC through a process called decarboxylation. This means a product with low THC but high THCA could still produce strong psychoactive effects when consumed.
For consumers seeking specific effects:
Cannabis potency is expressed in different units depending on the product type, which can add to the confusion:
For dried cannabis flower, potency is typically expressed as a percentage by weight:
For processed products like oils, edibles, and concentrates, potency is expressed in milligrams of cannabinoids per unit:
This approach provides more precise dosing information for products that are pre-portioned or measured during use.
Health Canada regulations impose limits on THC content for certain product categories:
A typical dried flower label includes:
When assessing dried flower potency, Total THC is the more relevant number for understanding the potential effects.
Cannabis oil labels typically show:
These measurements help you calculate how much THC/CBD you're consuming per drop or millilitre. Under Canadian regulations, cannabis oils are limited to 1000mg of THC per container.
Edible cannabis products display:
Remember that all edibles in Canada are limited to 10mg total THC per package, regardless of how many individual pieces are inside. This is a strict Health Canada regulation that applies uniformly across all provinces and territories.
For concentrates such as shatter, wax, or vape cartridges:
These products typically have the highest potency, so understanding the Total THC content is especially important.
Some premium products now include terpene information on labels or packaging inserts:
This section applies mainly to edibles, beverages, and topicals. Always check here for allergen information or ingredients that may affect dietary choices.
Labels might include:
All cannabis products must display:
Understanding label information allows you to make more informed choices, and Poof makes this process easier:
Understanding cannabis labels empowers you to make choices aligned with your preferences and tolerance level. The key points to remember:
As the Canadian cannabis market matures, more detailed product information is becoming available to consumers. By learning to read and interpret cannabis labels correctly, you can navigate this growing marketplace with confidence.
Download the Poof app today to start exploring cannabis products based on the exact specifications that matter to you. Our platform makes it easy to search, compare, and find the perfect products based on cannabinoid content and other important factors displayed on cannabis labels.