How to Read a Massachusetts Cannabis Label, Line by Line

Every legal cannabis package in Massachusetts carries a dense block of small print. It can look like legal boilerplate, but most of it is useful: how much THC is inside, how big a serving is, which batch it came from, when it was tested and when it was made. This guide walks through how to read a Massachusetts cannabis label line by line, using the state's labeling rules in 935 CMR 500.105(5), and explains what changes between flower, edibles, concentrates and tinctures. It's for adults 21 and over.

Key takeaways

• Cannabinoid profile first. Every label lists THC and other cannabinoids. Edibles, concentrates and tinctures show them per package and per serving.
• Batch number plus test date connect the package to its lab record.
• "Tested for contaminants, no adverse findings" plus a seal and the date of testing is required on every label.
• Dates differ by product. Edibles and concentrates carry a use-by or expiration date. Flower shows its packaging date.
• Two state symbols: one marks the package as marijuana, one warns that it's harmful to children.

The elements every label shares

Whatever the product, Massachusetts labels are built from the same core elements. Here's what they are and what each one tells you.

Who made or packaged it

The label names the licensee, with its registration number and business contact information (phone, email and website). For flower, it also says who packaged the product and when. If you ever have a question about a specific product, this is who's responsible for it.

How much is in the package

Net weight or volume appears in both U.S. and metric units. For flower that's grams and ounces. Our flower sizes guide translates eighths, quarters and ounces into grams.

The cannabinoid profile

This is the section most people are looking for. For flower, the label shows the full cannabinoid profile, including THC and other cannabinoid levels. You'll often see both THCA and THC, plus a total. For edibles, concentrates, tinctures and topicals, the label lists the amount of delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids in the package and in each serving.

Two things to keep in mind:

• Total THC isn't the same as THCA. The label may list the acid form alongside a calculated total. Our THC percentage guide explains the formula.
• CBD appears here too. If a product contains a meaningful amount, it's listed with THC. The CBD vs. THC guide explains how to read both.

Batch number and serial number

The label carries a batch number, a sequential serial number and a bar code when one is used. The batch number identifies the specific production run, and it's the link between the package in your hand and the lab test behind it. Massachusetts tracks every package through the METRC seed-to-sale system. Our METRC package tag guide covers what that tag means.

Testing statement and date

Every label must include a statement and a seal certifying that the product has been tested for contaminants, that there were no adverse findings, and the date of testing. This is one of the most useful lines on the package:

• It tells you the batch passed the state's required contaminant screens.
• The date of testing shows how recent the test is. It's not an expiration date.
• The full details (potency, microbial, heavy metals, pesticides) live on the certificate of analysis. Our COA guide explains how to read one.

The Commission's symbols

Labels carry two symbols issued by the Cannabis Control Commission: one showing that the product contains marijuana, and one showing that it's harmful to children. Edible servings are also marked with the state's cannabis symbol.

The required warning

Every label ends with a required warning. For flower, concentrates, tinctures and topicals it reads:

"This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN."

Edible labels open the same warning with one more sentence: "The impairment effects of edible products may be delayed by two hours or more."

What changes by product type

Flower and pre-rolls

On top of the core elements, flower labels show the packaging date and the licensee that did the packaging. There's no serving size, since flower is sold by weight. For pre-roll specifics, including infused pre-rolls, see the pre-roll buying guide, or shop flower and pre-rolls.

Edibles

Edible labels add the most. Beyond the core elements, you'll find:

• Product name and whether it needs refrigeration
• Number of servings in the package and the weight in milligrams of a serving size
• The type of marijuana used and the processing techniques and solvents
• Ingredients, including THC and other cannabinoids in the package and in each serving
• Sodium, sugar, carbohydrates and total fat per serving, in grams
• Date of creation and a recommended use-by or expiration date, which can't be altered
• Directions for use and allergen warnings

A single edible serving can't contain more than 5 mg of delta-9 THC, subject to a testing variance. If you're new to edibles, start low, go slow: one serving or less, then wait. The impairment effects may be delayed by two hours or more. The edibles guide for first-timers explains serving and package limits, and the edibles menu shows each product's lab data.

Concentrates and vapes

Concentrate labels identify the product as a "concentrate" or "extract," list the processing techniques and solvents, and show cannabinoids in absolute terms and as a percentage, plus the amount of any additives. They carry a date of creation and a use-by or expiration date.

Vape labels must also say which terpenes were used: either "This product was produced using only cannabis-derived terpenes" or "This product was produced using terpenes derived from sources other than cannabis." Our vape cartridge guide and the live resin vs. rosin vs. distillate guide go deeper. Browse vapes or concentrates.

Tinctures and topicals

Tinctures and topicals have their own labeling section. They list the cannabinoid profile per package and per serving, the number of servings where applicable, the processing method, a date of product creation, directions for use and allergen warnings. Our tinctures guide covers serving sizes and onset. Shop tinctures or topicals.

A 30-second label check

Before you open anything, run through this:

1. THC per serving (or per package for flower). Is it what you expected?
2. Servings per package. For edibles and tinctures, how many servings are in there?
3. Date of testing. How recent is the lab test?
4. Use-by or creation date. For edibles and concentrates, is it still within the recommended date?
5. Allergens. Especially for edibles.
6. Directions for use. Follow the label's serving, not a guess.
7. Packaging intact. Child-resistant packaging should be sealed when it arrives.

Labels vs. the lab record

A label is a summary. The certificate of analysis behind it holds the full test results, and that's where our site goes further than most. Every product page on our menu shows the state-tracked lab record for its package when it's available: tested potency, the contaminant screens, the testing lab and the test date. The lab results page explains each field, so you can compare products before they ever reach your door.

After delivery

Keep products in their original labeled packaging. The label is your reference for servings and dates, and the child-resistant container is the first line of defense at home. The storage guide covers locking products away from children and pets. In case of accidental ingestion, the state warning directs you to call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1.

We deliver across Greater Boston and MetroWest, including Brookline, Somerville, Dedham and Ashland. Browse the menu and read the lab record before you buy. Adults 21+ only.

Labeling rules summarized from 935 CMR 500.105 as of September 2026. Check the current regulations for the complete requirements. For adults 21+ only.