Last verified: March 2026

What Every Label Must Include

OCM regulations require all cannabis product labels to display:

• THC and CBD content — both total and per serving, expressed in milligrams and percentages
• Product weight or volume — the net amount of cannabis in the package
• Metrc tracking number — the seed-to-sale tracking identifier (Metrc launched December 2025, replacing the previous BioTrack system)
• Lab testing results — confirmation that the product passed all required safety tests
• Batch or lot number — for traceability in case of recalls
• Cultivator/processor identification — who grew and/or manufactured the product
• Expiration or packaging date
• Warning statements — including "For use by adults 21+ only" and health warnings

Understanding THC Percentages

THC content is displayed differently depending on the product:

• Flower: Listed as a percentage (e.g., 22% THC). This represents the proportion of THC by weight in the dried flower.
• Edibles: Listed in milligrams per serving and per package (e.g., 10mg per gummy, 100mg per package).
• Concentrates: Listed as a percentage, typically 60-90% THC.
• Tinctures: Listed in milligrams per milliliter and per bottle.

The Metrc Tracking System

New York launched the Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system in December 2025, replacing the failed BioTrack implementation. Every legal cannabis product carries a Metrc tag that tracks it from cultivation through processing, testing, distribution, and retail sale. This system ensures product accountability and consumer safety.

What Lab Testing Covers

All cannabis products sold in New York dispensaries must pass testing for:

• Potency (THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid levels)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)
• Microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria, E. coli)
• Residual solvents (for extracted products)
• Mycotoxins

This testing is one of the key advantages of purchasing from a licensed dispensary. Unlicensed products carry none of these safety guarantees.