The legalization of cannabis in several states has given rise to a multi-billion-dollar industry. With the increasing demand for cannabis products, it’s essential to provide customers with accurate information about the product they’re purchasing. One of the critical factors a consumer looks for while purchasing cannabis products is the THC content. Unfortunately, the labeling on cannabis and hemp products for THC limits is complicated and calculated wrong, leading to customer confusion. In this blog post, we will discuss the need to simplify THC labeling on cannabis products and propose solutions to communicate THC levels accurately to customers.
The current labeling on cannabis products for THC content varies depending on the form in which they’re sold. For instance, flower is sold as weight % of THC, Vape cartridges as THC/Total weight of oil, and edibles are labeled by their THC content in milligrams. This inconsistency results in confusion and misconception among consumers about the THC levels in the products they’re using.
The first solution to clear this confusion is to have a universal unit of measurement for THC content in all cannabis products. The most common unit of measurement used in the industry is milligrams per serving. Adopting this as the standard unit of measurement for all cannabis products will significantly simplify THC labeling and make it easier for customers to understand and compare.
The second solution is to introduce a color-coded system to indicate THC content. Similar to the traffic color codes, the color-coded system could use green, yellow, and red-color coding to indicate low, medium, and high THC content, respectively. This labeling system would be helpful for novice users, indicating the potency and dosage of the product and reducing the risks of overconsumption.
The third solution is to emphasize the total THC content, including both THC and THC-A, in cannabis products. THC-A is the non-intoxicating compound present in cannabis plants that convert into THC when heated or decarboxylated. Labeling products with only THC content can be misleading for users, as they might not know the potency level of the product they’re consuming.
Furthermore, it’s essential to include the expected onset time and duration of effect in the labeling of the product. For instance, a product with 5mg THC per serving may take 60 minutes to take effect and last for up to six hours. This information would provide users with crucial information to make informed decisions and avoid under or overconsumption.
In conclusion, simplifying THC labeling on cannabis products is vital for customers to make informed decisions about the products they’re purchasing. By adopting a universal unit measurement, introducing a color-coded system, emphasizing the total THC content, and including expected onset time and duration of the effect, we can significantly reduce customer confusion about THC levels in cannabis products. We must continue to educate and raise awareness among consumers about THC labeling to ensure responsible and safe use of the plant.