Understanding Labels

Understanding what you have purchased in the Illinois Cannabis market.

Cannabis products come in many forms and labels can differ from each manufacturer.

While product content must remain consistent under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), label layouts and locations may vary. Labels list potency, but the results of other required tests are available exclusively on the Certificate of Analysis (COA).

A product label must contain a content list that includes the minimum and maximum percentage content by weight for:

• delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA); cannabidiol (CBD); cannabidiolic acid (CBDA);
• Any other cannabinoid present at a concentration greater than 0.3% by weight, or, for a cannabis-infused product, greater than 0.4 milligrams by weight, as indicated on the product’s Certificate of Analysis.
• The total THC amount
  • The total THC amount and the cannabinoid content may be listed in milligrams for cannabis infused products
  • THCA is the raw, non‑psychoactive form of THC found in the plant. When cannabis is heated, THCA turns into THC through a process called decarboxylation. Because this conversion happens during smoking, vaping, or cooking, labs calculate “Total THC,” which includes both the THC already present and the THC that will form when THCA is heated. Total THC is used for labeling, legal compliance, and understanding product potency.

Potency must be indicated on the product label as a percentage (%) or by weight (mg), as applicable to the product:

• Percentages are used for flower, pre-rolls, enhanced flower, enhanced pre-rolls, extracts, and vape cartridges or devices.
• Weight concentrations are used for edible foods, beverages, tinctures, capsules or tablets, and topicals, which are legally capped at a maximum of 100 mg per product.
• The acceptable analytical tolerances for the minimum percentage or milligram amount printed on the label must fall between 85% and 115% of the labeled value.