Posted: January 9, 2026 By: zach

How to Read THC Labels: Potency, Terpenes & What NYC Buyers Should Know

Shopping for cannabis in New York City has changed dramatically. With legal delivery and premium dispensary products now everywhere across the boroughs, NYC smokers have more options than ever. But more options mean more decisions — and that starts with understanding how to read THC labels correctly.

Whether you’re a first-time smoker or a daily consumer, knowing what the numbers and terms on cannabis packaging mean can completely change your experience. Potency isn’t the only factor — terpenes, cannabinoids, dosage, and product type all play vital roles in how weed makes you feel.

This guide is crafted for NYC cannabis shoppers, so you’ll know exactly what you’re buying the next time you order your favorite flower, carts, pre-rolls, or edibles.

Why THC Labels Matter

Legal cannabis products must include a standardized label showing:

Total THC percentage
CBD and other cannabinoids
Terpene profile
Product type and strain genetics
Serving size + recommended dose
Testing dates + batch numbers

This information helps you:
✔ Choose the right potency
✔ Avoid unwanted side effects
✔ Predict the type of high you’ll experience
✔ Confirm the product is safe and lab-tested

In NYC’s fast-growing cannabis marketplace — knowledge is power.

THC Potency: What Those Percentages Mean

You’ll usually see THC percentage listed on the label. But what does 25% THC actually mean?

Here’s a simple breakdown for flower potency:

THC %	Strength Level	Experience Insight
0–10%	Low	Mild buzz or daytime relief
10–18%	Medium	Balanced body + mental effects
19–25%	High	Strong, euphoric, recreational use
26–35%+	Very High	Intense high — best for experienced smokers

NYC smokers often chase higher THC, but don’t assume stronger equals better. The full cannabinoid and terpene profile matter just as much — sometimes more.

Total THC vs. THCA: What’s the Difference?

You’ll see two forms of THC on labels:

THC — psychoactive compound you feel after heating (smoking/vaping)
THCA — raw, non-psychoactive precursor that converts into THC when heated

So a label reading:

THCA: 30%
THC: 1%

Does not mean low potency — it means the real THC kicks in after heating.

If you want to estimate Total THC, look for:
Total THC = (THCA × 0.877) + THC

Most brands already calculate this for you, so look for Total THC number on your packaging.

Cannabinoids Beyond THC

You may also see:

CBD — reduces anxiety and creates a smoother high
CBG — uplifting, focus-friendly
CBN — sleepy, relaxing
CBC — mood-enhancing

The term “Entourage Effect” means these cannabinoids work together with terpenes to shape your overall high.

A product with lower THC but balanced cannabinoids can feel better than a 35% THC strain with no supporting compounds.

Terpenes: The Real Flavor and Feel of Cannabis

Terpenes are natural aroma compounds — they give weed its taste and also influence the high:

Terpene	Flavor + Aroma	Reported Effects
Myrcene	Earthy, herbal	Sedating, body-high
Limonene	Citrus	Energetic, anti-anxiety
Caryophyllene	Peppery	Anti-inflammatory, stress relief
Pinene	Pine	Alertness, creativity
Linalool	Floral	Calming, soothing

You might love flavors like Zaza, Gelato, Runtz, Purple Punch — what you’re really enjoying is the terpene blend.

Quick Tip for NYC Consumers

If you want:

Creative daytime high → look for Citrus (Limonene)
Heavy nighttime couch-lock → choose Earthy (Myrcene)

Always check which terpenes rank in the top 3 — they usually define the effects.

Dosage Labels for Vape Carts

Vape labels include:

THC %
Milligram content (mg per cart)
Serving size (usually per puff)

Example:

90% THC in a 1g cart
≈900mg total THC

Dosing Guide

Experience Level	Suggested Puff Count
Beginner	1–2 small puffs
Intermediate	2–4 puffs
Daily Smoker	4+ puffs

NYC carts are known for potent hits — always start slow.

Understanding Edible Labels

Edibles hit differently because your body processes THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC — a stronger form.

Check these label indicators:

Mg per piece (ex: 10mg per gummy)
Mg per package (ex: 100mg total)
Suggested serving size

Edible Dosing Guide:

Level	Dose	Expected Effects
Microdose	1–2.5mg	Creativity, subtle mood boost
Standard	5–10mg	Classic edible high
Strong	15–30mg	Deep, long-lasting high
High Tolerance	50mg+	For experienced users only

NYC tip: Don’t redose for at least 2 hours.

Testing and Safety Labels in NYC

Your product should list:

COA (Certificate of Analysis)
Batch number + lab info
Harvest/Test date
Pesticide + solvent test results

Avoid products missing:
✘ testing info
✘ lab verification
✘ manufacturing transparency

If safety isn’t clear — neither is the high.

NYC Shopping Guide: Matching the Label to the Experience

Ask yourself:

Do I need energy or relaxation?
Do loud spaces stress me out?
Do I prefer fruity or earthy flavors?
How strong do I want the high?

Strain categories help:

Type	Best For	Look For
Sativa	Daytime, motivation	Limonene, Pinene
Indica	Sleep, relaxation	Myrcene, Linalool
Hybrid	Anytime balanced high	Mixed terpene profile

NYC has anything you need — if you read the label right.

Where to Shop Smart in NYC: Choose Chronic Buddha

Chronic Buddha brings premium, tested cannabis products right to your door — fast.

Why NYC customers love us:

Top-shelf flower, carts, pre-rolls, edibles
Transparent potency + terpene breakdowns
Secure and fast NYC-wide delivery
Friendly guidance for choosing your product

Explore, order, enjoy — safely and confidently.
Your next favorite high is only a click away.

Conclusion

Understanding cannabis labels isn’t about science — it’s about getting the experience you want. THC potency tells only part of the story. Once you pay attention to: