THC & Cannabinoids — Education
THC and CBD: What the Numbers on a Package Mean
THC is the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis and CBD is non-intoxicating. Here is how the reported figures are measured and what they do not tell you.
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- Bsmile Editorial Team
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- Bsmile Compliance Review
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Two names you will see on every label
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effect of cannabis. CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid that is not intoxicating on its own.
Both are reported on licensed New York cannabis labels because a licensed laboratory measured them for that batch.
How the figures are reported
Flower and pre-rolls report cannabinoids as a percentage of the product by weight. Edibles report milligrams per serving and per package. Vape cartridges and concentrates are far more concentrated than flower, so their percentages sit on a different practical scale.
A measurement describes one tested batch at one point in time. It is not a quality score, and a higher number is not a better product.
What a number cannot tell you
Cannabinoid content does not predict how any individual will respond, and we do not publish effect, wellness or therapeutic claims. Cannabis products are not FDA approved for any use, and only a qualified healthcare professional can advise you about your own health.
If you use cannabis, New York's guidance for adults 21 and over applies: buy only from licensed retailers, keep products away from children and pets, and never drive after use.
Sources
- Cannabis — Frequently Asked QuestionsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention — reviewed September 11, 2026
- What You Need to Know About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-Derived CompoundsU.S. Food & Drug Administration — reviewed September 11, 2026
- Adult-Use Cannabis InformationNew York State Office of Cannabis Management — reviewed September 11, 2026