Every adult-use cannabis product sold at a licensed Maine dispensary must carry a standardized label with specific information required by the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) under 18-691 C.M.R. Chapter 1. Understanding what each element means helps you make informed purchasing decisions, dose accurately, and — critically in Maine — distinguish between the two very different regulatory tracks for cannabis products.

Adult-Use Product Labels

The OCP mandates that all adult-use cannabis product labels include:

• Product name and brand — The product's commercial name and the licensed producer
• License number — The OCP-issued license number of the cultivator, manufacturer, or retailer
• Net weight or volume — The total amount of product in the package
• THC and CBD content — Total milligrams per package and per serving for edibles; percentage for flower and concentrates
• Metrc tag number — The unique seed-to-sale tracking identifier for the batch
• Batch/lot number — Links to the specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from testing
• Testing laboratory — The name of the licensed lab that tested the product
• Harvest or manufacture date
• Ingredients list — For manufactured products like edibles and tinctures
• Universal cannabis symbol — The state-mandated warning symbol indicating THC content
• "Keep out of reach of children" warning
• Child-resistant packaging

Metrc: Maine's Seed-to-Sale Tracking

Maine's adult-use market uses Metrc (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance), a seed-to-sale tracking system that follows every cannabis product from cultivation through retail sale. Each plant, batch, and package receives a unique Metrc tag number that appears on the product label.

Metrc ensures:

• Every product can be traced to its source cultivator
• All required testing has been completed and passed
• Inventory cannot be diverted to the illicit market
• Recalls can target specific batches if needed

Understanding Potency Numbers

Potency is the most important number on a cannabis label, but it is expressed differently depending on the product type:

Flower and Pre-Rolls

Potency is listed as a percentage of THC by weight. A product labeled "24% THC" contains 24 milligrams of THC per 100 milligrams of flower. You may see both THC and THCA listed — THCA is the raw, non-psychoactive form that converts to THC when heated. The "Total THC" number accounts for this conversion and is the more meaningful figure.

Edibles

Potency is listed in milligrams of THC per serving and per package. For new consumers, 2.5 to 5 mg is generally considered a starting dose. Always check both the per-serving and per-package numbers before consuming.

Concentrates

Potency is listed as a percentage of THC, typically ranging from 60% to 90%+. Some labels also list total milligrams. Maine's renowned hash rosin and full-melt products often feature terpene percentages as well, reflecting the craft emphasis on flavor and entourage effect.

Tinctures

Potency is listed in milligrams per dropper (serving) and per bottle. Labels specify the THC:CBD ratio if the product contains both cannabinoids, allowing for precise dosing.

Terpene Profiles

Many Maine products — especially craft flower and solventless concentrates — list terpene content on the label. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to aroma, flavor, and potentially effects. Common terpenes include:

• Myrcene — Earthy, musky; the most abundant terpene in cannabis
• Limonene — Citrus aroma; associated with uplifting effects
• Linalool — Floral, lavender; associated with calming effects
• Caryophyllene — Peppery, spicy; the only terpene known to interact with cannabinoid receptors
• Pinene — Pine aroma; associated with alertness

Maine's craft cannabis culture places high value on terpene preservation, which is one reason solventless extraction and living-soil cultivation are so popular in the state.

Medical and Caregiver Product Labels

Caregiver and medical dispensary products may carry different labeling than adult-use products. Key differences:

• No Metrc tag — Medical products use paper records, not electronic tracking
• Testing is optional — Caregivers are not required to test products, so potency and contaminant data may be absent
• Variable labeling standards — Some caregivers provide detailed labels with COAs; others provide minimal information
• No universal symbol requirement for caregiver products

If you purchase from a caregiver, ask whether the product has been tested and request to see the COA. Many reputable caregivers voluntarily test their products even though it is not required.

What to Look For When Shopping

• Metrc tag — Confirms the product is from the regulated adult-use supply chain
• Testing lab name — Confirms independent laboratory testing was performed
• Batch/lot number — Enables you to look up the specific COA for your product
• Harvest date — Fresher flower generally provides a better experience
• Terpene content — Indicates a brand that values transparency and full-spectrum quality
• Growing method — Some Maine producers list their cultivation method (living soil, organic, indoor)

For comprehensive information about cannabinoids, terpenes, and how they work together, visit Cannabinoids & Terpenes on TryCannabis.org.