Did you know that Americans spent $25 billion on cannabis products in 2021? With so many of them available in the market, finding the right one for your requirements can prove to be a difficult task. Whether you are seeking a cure for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or something else, it is crucial to understand the product labels in order to get optimum results.
However, understanding the labels on marijuana products can be somewhat overwhelming, especially for a novice. Understanding the labels is also important because it allows you to determine the quality and the potency of the product. You may rely on, or want to avoid specific ingredients based on past experiences or medical restrictions.
Therefore, it becomes crucial for marijuana consumers to understand how to read the labels on products. The tips mentioned in this blog will help you understand the terms you generally find on product labels and the essential things you should be looking out for.
Understanding the Terms
Below are some of the most common terms you’ll find on cannabis product labels.
Cannabis
The term Cannabis refers to the Cannabaceae family plants, containing more than 170 species, classified into 11 genres, such as Celtis, Humulus, Cannabis, etc.
The popular cannabinoids Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), also belong to the Cannabis genus.
The term cannabis also refers to the plant’s three species with psychoactive properties - Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
Hemp
According to the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp refers to any part of the Cannabis sativa, with less than or equal to 0.3% of THC. Any plant with more than the specified amount of THC falls outside the category of hemp.
The significantly low amounts of THC mean that hemp isn’t listed as a controlled substance by the law. The same goes for other cannabis plants with less than 0.3% of THC.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a schedule-1 drug, meaning that the Federal Government believes that it has high chances of causing addiction. It refers to the drug class, which contains parts of the Cannabis sativa.
Marijuana based products are known to cause psychoactive effects, and its THC will also show up on a drug test.
Cannabis Compounds
You must familiarize yourself with the cannabis compounds in order to read a cannabis product’s label. However, the plant contains lots of compounds and you need not learn them all. The most common cannabis compounds include:
Cannabinoids - these chemical compounds interact with particular receptors located in different parts of the central nervous system. Thus, allowing the immune function and nervous system to function optimally.
Flavonoids - they are chemical compounds, rich in antioxidants and have many health benefits. They can also affect the flavor of the strain and protect against diseases.
Terpenes - these chemical compounds help with reducing the effects of cancer, inflammation, are antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic, antiparasitic, and antihyperglycemic. They are also responsible for the way a cannabis strain smells.
Spectrum Vs. Isolate
The type of CBD isolate/ spectrum you choose determines what your product will be like.
Broad spectrum - this type of CBD contains the natural cannabis compounds, with little to no amount of THC.
Full spectrum - this type of CBD contains all natural cannabis plant compounds, including THC. The levels of THC in oil products will be higher and much lower, at around 0.3% in hemp-based products.
CBD isolate - this is the purest form of CBD, removed from the other parts of the hemp plant. It does not contain THC.
Making the Final Decision
After deciding the type of product you wish to purchase, look for the following so you know you’re getting what you paid for:
Ensure that the product has cannabidiol or CBD. Some products may even list it as “hemp-extract,” which is the result of constantly changing rules and laws.
Look out for products that list only hemp seeds, cannabis sativa oil, or hemp seed oil, and do not mention hemp or cannabidiol extract. The aforementioned ingredients aren’t the same as CBD, so do not be fooled.
CBD edibles/ oils may contain some sort of flavoring or coloring. The oils usually contain a carrier oil to help your body absorb the CBD.
When purchasing a full-spectrum product, ensure that its THC content meets your needs.
Getting a Recommendation
For numerous benefits such as lower taxes, it is recommended to have an MMJ card in states with legalized marijuana, such as Nevada. If you are looking for a reliable source to apply for your card, visit Nevada MMJ Card Doctor. They provide quick and affordable MMJ cards to patients in Nevada.
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