Cannabis menus can be difficult to compare at first. Flower, pre-rolls, cartridges, concentrates and edibles come in different package sizes, with potency expressed in percentages or milligrams. Understanding the product format and reading the label carefully can help make those differences clearer.
Adults researching a Seattle cannabis dispensary can review the product categories listed by Kings Cannabis before visiting. Use the menu to identify questions, then check the actual package for the details needed to compare individual products.
Start With the Product Format
A format tells you something about a product’s contents and intended use. Begin there before comparing strain names, package sizes or THC numbers.
Flower and Pre-Rolls
Flower is dried cannabis plant material. Compare the producer, package size, THC and CBD content, and package condition. A strain name alone does not tell you everything about the contents of a particular package.
Pre-rolls contain cannabis that has already been rolled. Check whether a product contains flower alone or is infused with concentrate. Also check how many pre-rolls are included and the weight of each; similar-looking packages may contain different quantities.
Vapes and Cartridges
Cartridges and disposable vaping devices contain cannabis oil intended for inhalation. Review the product’s ingredients, labeled potency and intended device. If a cartridge requires a separate battery, confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Ask about any ingredient or device information you cannot understand. Avoid making assumptions based on the appearance of the hardware or the size of the package.
Edibles and Infused Beverages
Edibles include cannabis-infused foods such as gummies and chocolates. Infused drinks also need to be checked for serving information: a container may hold more than one serving.
Read the amount of THC per serving alongside the total amount in the package. Do not assume that one bag, bottle or other container represents a single serving. Ask a staff member to clarify the label if the serving count is unclear.
Concentrates
Wax, shatter and live resin are examples of concentrates. Package size alone can be misleading when comparing these products, so pay close attention to the labeled cannabinoid content.
Read the intended-use information and ask questions about unfamiliar terminology. Experience with another product format should not be treated as a guarantee of the same response.
Topicals
Topicals are intended for application to the skin. Read the ingredients and application directions, and do not eat products labeled for external use. Product marketing does not establish that a topical can treat a medical condition.
Read the Label and Laboratory Information
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s guide to reading a cannabis product label explains potency information, ingredients, warnings and access to laboratory results.
Pay particular attention to:
● Potency units: Inhalable products generally show cannabinoid percentages; edibles show THC in milligrams per serving or unit and per package.
● Ingredients and allergens: Edible labels include ingredient and allergen information. Check any accompanying ingredient disclosures for other products.
● Warnings: Edible labels warn that intoxicating effects may be delayed by more than two hours. Do not interpret a lack of immediate effects as a reason to take more.
● Additional information: A web address or QR code may lead to product disclosures or test results. Check what the destination actually provides.
Consumers may request the certified laboratory’s name and quality-assurance results. A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, records findings for a tested product or batch, including cannabinoids and specified contaminants. Ask whether the report matches the product you are considering. A test report does not guarantee an individual response or make cannabis risk-free.
Compare More Than the THC Number
A higher THC figure does not automatically indicate better quality or suitability. Compare it alongside the format, package quantity, intended use and clarity of the available information.
Keep the units consistent. A percentage and a milligram amount describe different measurements, so the larger printed number is not automatically the stronger product. If you cannot tell whether a figure describes a serving, one item or the entire package, ask before making a comparison.
Make Responsible Shopping Part of the Decision
Inspect the package before purchasing. If it is damaged, the label appears altered or essential information is unclear, pause and ask for clarification. There is no need to make a decision while important questions remain unanswered.
Keep the original packaging so the directions, warnings and product identifiers remain available. Store cannabis securely away from children and keep infused foods separate from ordinary snacks. Plan transportation in advance and do not drive while impaired.
Use retail staff to clarify product information. Questions about pregnancy, medications or an existing health condition belong with a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the whole package one serving?
Check the serving count and the amounts listed per serving and per package. Packaging size or appearance is not enough to answer that question.
What should I do if the label is confusing?
Ask the retailer to explain which figures apply to the serving, individual item and full package. If the information still cannot be clarified, leave the purchase undecided.
How can I make product comparisons easier?
Start with products in the same format, then compare package contents, ingredients and potency using the same units. Note any differences or missing information before deciding whether the comparison is meaningful.