Aug 12, 2025
If you’ve ever stood in front of a dispensary shelf wondering what all those numbers and symbols mean, you’re not alone. New York has some of the strictest cannabis labeling standards in the country, and while that means products are safer, it also means there’s a lot to take in. From THC percentages to batch codes to scannable QR links, every detail on that package tells a story about what’s inside. Understanding it empowers you to shop smarter and enjoy with confidence.
When you buy cannabis in a licensed New York dispensary, you’re getting more than a jar of flower or a pack of gummies—you’re getting a product that’s been tested, tracked, and verified for safety. Labels aren’t just for show; they’re your window into a product’s quality.
Here’s why they matter:
Safety: Labels confirm the product has been screened for pesticides, mold, and other contaminants.
Potency: They tell you exactly how much THC or CBD you’re getting per dose and per package.
Compliance: NY’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) requires strict labeling so customers know their products are legal and trustworthy.
Contrast that with gray-market products, where potency claims might be exaggerated and testing is unreliable. A professional label is one way to separate safe, regulated products from risky imitations.
NY cannabis labels are packed with information—here’s how to decode them.
This one’s simple: the label identifies the product and the company that made it. Strain names help you understand expected effects (e.g., sativa, indica, hybrid), but for the full picture, you’ll want to look at the terpene and cannabinoid breakdown.
Potency is listed per serving and per package. For example, a 100 mg pack of gummies might say 10 mg THC per gummy. Flower is usually labeled with a percentage (e.g., 23% THC), while vapes and concentrates can hit much higher numbers. This info is crucial for dosing—especially for edibles, where effects are delayed.
Every regulated cannabis product has a batch or lot number. This number ties the product to a specific production run and its associated test results. If there’s ever a recall or quality concern, that batch number makes it traceable.
Cannabis doesn’t spoil quickly, but potency and freshness do degrade over time. Always check the packaging date for flower and the expiration date for edibles, tinctures, or topicals to ensure you’re getting the best experience.
By taking a few seconds to read these details, you’re not just following the rules—you’re making sure you know exactly what’s going into your body.
New York dispensary products go a step beyond basic labels by including a QR code—and scanning it can tell you more than you might expect.
That small black-and-white square isn’t just for show. When you scan it with your phone, it links directly to the product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA), which is a detailed lab report. This transparency gives customers a way to verify everything the label claims.
A COA is like the product’s report card. It includes:
Cannabinoid Profile: Exact percentages of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
Terpene Profile: Which aromatic compounds are present, influencing flavor and effects.
Contaminant Testing: Confirmation the product is free of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and mold.
For example, if you scan a Treehouse edible package QR code, you’ll see the lab’s stamp of approval, test results, and verification that the product meets NY standards.
Not all products sold outside licensed dispensaries include a QR code—or if they do, it may lead to a generic webpage rather than a real lab report. If scanning a product doesn’t provide a legitimate COA, that’s a red flag.
Confirms authenticity: Ensures the product was legally produced and tested.
Verifies potency: Confirms you’re getting what you paid for.
Gives peace of mind: You’ll know the product is free from harmful contaminants.
Treehouse only carries products with fully traceable COAs, so you’ll always know exactly what’s in your purchase. Whether it’s flower, vapes, or concentrates, every package comes with a QR code for transparency.
Imagine you pick up a pre-roll from Treehouse. You scan the QR code and instantly see the test results showing 18% THC, 0.1% CBD, and a terpene profile rich in myrcene and limonene. You also confirm it passed pesticide testing. That quick scan tells you the product is safe, compliant, and exactly as advertised.
