Colorado weed labels may be overselling the high, study finds

A University of Colorado Boulder study published in Scientific Reports found that nearly half of cannabis flower products sold in Colorado overstate their THC content. Researchers tested 277 products from 52 dispensaries and found that 44% of flower products missed the state's accuracy threshold. One notable discrepancy involved a strain labeled at 24% THC, which actually measured just 16%. In contrast, concentrates like oils and waxes showed a high accuracy rate, with 96% matching their stated claims. Accurate labeling is crucial for consumers, especially medical patients and newcomers, who depend on these figures for safe dosing.

The study also revealed that 84% of products failed to mention other cannabinoids that may offer health benefits, like CBG and CBGA. Researchers plan to expand their investigation to cannabis edibles to guide future labeling regulations in Colorado and other legal states. This research underscores the need for transparency and accuracy in the cannabis industry.