Cannabis products are goods made from the cannabis plant, and they fall into two legal groups. Hemp-derived products contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis under US law. Marijuana-derived products exceed that limit and stay illegal under federal law even where a state allows them. The product format, the label, and the lab report matter more than the marketing name on the package.
Types of cannabis products
Inhaled
- Flower and pre-rolls
- Vape cartridges and disposables
- Concentrates such as wax, shatter, and hash
Ingested
- Tinctures and oils taken under the tongue
- Capsules and softgels
- Gummies, chocolates, and baked goods
- Beverages, shots, and drink mixes
Topical
- Creams, balms, and salves
- Roll-on gels and patches
Hemp-derived compared with marijuana-derived
Hemp products are sold in most states as CBD oils, gummies, topicals, and hemp-derived THC edibles. Marijuana products come from dispensaries in states with adult-use or medical programs. The two categories share plant chemistry, but they differ in THC content, legal status, age limits, and testing rules. Check your state law before you order anything shipped.
How to read a cannabis product label
- Find total THC and total CBD, listed in milligrams per serving.
- Check the serving size and the number of servings per container.
- Confirm the source, hemp or marijuana, and the extraction method.
- Locate the batch or lot number on the package.
- Scan the QR code or find the certificate of analysis (COA) reference.
- Read the expiration or best-by date.
- Review the warnings for age limits, pregnancy, and driving.
Why third-party lab testing matters
A COA comes from a lab that has no stake in the sale. A complete panel covers cannabinoid potency, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, and mycotoxins. Potency numbers on a label can drift from batch to batch, so a COA tied to the batch you hold is the only reliable check. If a seller cannot produce one for that lot number, treat the label as unverified.
How to choose a product
- Decide the route you want: inhaled, ingested, or topical.
- Confirm hemp or marijuana based on your state law.
- Pick a format you can dose in consistent increments.
- Request the COA for the exact batch before you buy.
- Start with the lowest serving and wait before adding more.
- Store the product in a cool, dark place with the lid sealed.
Storage and basic safety
Keep cannabis products locked away from children and pets. Edibles are the most common source of accidental exposure because they look like ordinary snacks. Do not drive after use. Do not mix cannabis with alcohol or sedatives. If you take prescription drugs, ask a clinician or pharmacist about interactions before you start.