How to Read Online Menus and THC Percentages Before You Buy Weed in Toronto: The Ultimate Consumer Guide

Walking into a Toronto dispensary or browsing an online menu for the first time can feel like deciphering a secret code. You’re confronted with a dizzying array of strains, products, and numbers: THC levels explained in percentages and milligrams, mysterious acronyms, and brand names promising specific effects. With products ranging from classic flower to potent concentrates and precisely dosed edibles, how can you possibly know what you’re really getting? More importantly, how can you ensure the product you choose aligns with the experience you desire—whether it’s gentle relaxation, creative energy, or therapeutic relief—without unpleasant surprises?

The reality is that understanding THC percentages is the single most important skill for a modern cannabis consumer. In today’s market, where the average potency of cannabis flower has risen from about 4% in the 1990s to a common range of 15-20%—with some strains reaching 35% , knowing how to interpret these numbers is crucial for safety and satisfaction. Misreading a label can mean the difference between a pleasant evening and an uncomfortably intense experience. This guide will transform you from a confused browser into a confident buyer. We’ll demystify Total THC vs THC, teach you to instantly convert THC mg g vs total thc, and show you how to use this knowledge to make informed, personalized choices every time you shop for cannabis in Toronto.

Understanding the Language of Potency: THC Percentages vs. Milligrams

Before you can confidently read a menu, you must speak the language. Cannabis potency is communicated in two primary ways, and confusing them is a common first mistake.

What Does THC Percentage Mean?

When you see a flower or concentrate labeled as “20% THC,” this is a measure of concentration by weight. It means that for every gram (1000mg) of that product, 200mg is THC. This measurement is standard for dried cannabis flower, pre-rolls, and concentrates like shatter, wax, and rosin . Think of it like the alcohol percentage (ABV) on a bottle of wine or beer—it tells you the strength of the substance itself.

What Do Milligrams (mg) of THC Mean?

In contrast, edibles, capsules, tinctures, and beverages list their potency in total milligrams (mg) of THC per serving and per package . For example, a package of gummies might state “10mg THC per piece” and “100mg THC per package.” This tells you the exact, active dose contained within a specific unit. In Ontario, a legal edible cannot contain more than 10mg of THC per serving .

The Simple Conversion Secret

Since you’ll encounter both systems, knowing how to convert between them is empowering. The formula is straightforward and something you can do in your head.

To convert a THC percentage to milligrams per gram:
Multiply the percentage by 10.
*Example: 20% THC flower = 20 x 10 = 200 mg of THC per gram.*

To convert milligrams per gram to a percentage:
Move the decimal one place to the left.
*Example: 180 mg/g THC = 18.0% THC.* 

This skill turns abstract percentages into tangible doses, allowing you to compare products directly. For instance, now you know that a single gram of 25% THC flower contains approximately 250mg of THC—a fact that becomes very important when considering dosing.

Decoding the Label: THC vs. Total THC – The Critical Difference

This is arguably the most important concept in this guide and the one that causes the most confusion. On a legal Canadian cannabis product, you will often see two different THC numbers: “THC” and “Total THC.” They are not the same thing, and understanding the distinction is key to predicting a product’s effects accurately.

THCA: The Raw, Inactive Precursor

Fresh cannabis flower doesn’t contain much psychoactive THC. Instead, it contains abundant THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid . THCA must be activated through heat—a process called decarboxylation (“decarbing”)—to become the THC that produces effects . This happens when you smoke, vape, or cook the flower.

What the Numbers Actually Represent

• THC (or “Active THC”): This number represents the amount of already-activated, psychoactive THC present in the raw product before you heat it. It’s usually a smaller number .
• Total THC: This is the star of the show. It is a calculated estimate of the total potential THC you will get after the product is fully heated and all the THCA is converted. This is the number that best predicts the product’s potency and should be your primary focus when shopping .

Analogy: Think of THCA as flour and THC as a baked cake. The “THC” on the label tells you if there’s any pre-baked cake in the box. The “Total THC” tells you how much cake you’ll end up with after you bake all the flour.

Pro Tip: When browsing online menus in Toronto, always look for the “Total THC” value. If only one percentage is listed, it is typically the Total THC. If you see both, the higher number is almost always the Total THC, which is what your experience will be based on.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Reading Online Menus in Toronto

Let’s apply this knowledge to a real-world scenario. Here’s how to systematically evaluate a product on a dispensary website like the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) or a private retailer.

Step 1: Identify the Product Type and Format

Your consumption method dramatically changes how the THC will affect you. Ask yourself first:

• Inhalables (Flower, Pre-rolls, Vapes, Concentrates): Effects are felt within minutes, peak quickly, and typically last 1-3 hours. Potency is listed as a Total THC percentage .
• Ingestibles (Edibles, Beverages, Oils, Capsules): Effects take 30 minutes to 2 hours to onset, last much longer (4-12 hours), and can be more intense. Potency is listed as mg of THC per serving/package. START LOW (e.g., 2.5mg or less) and go slow.
• Topicals (Creams, Balms): These are generally non-intoxicating as they don’t enter the bloodstream. THC content is less critical here.

Step 2: Locate and Interpret the Cannabinoid Profile

This is your potency dashboard. A good menu will clearly show:

1. Total THC: Your key potency indicator.
2. THC: The minor, already-activated amount.
3. Total CBD & CBD: Crucial for understanding the effects balance.

Why CBD Matters: The THC vs. CBD Balance
THC vs CBD is not just a comparison of two compounds; it’s about the ratio, which shapes your entire experience. CBD is non-intoxicating and can modulate the effects of THC .

• High THC, Low CBD (e.g., 25% THC, <1% CBD): Likely to produce a strong psychoactive “high.” May increase the risk of anxiety or paranoia in some users .
• Balanced THC:CBD (e.g., 10% THC, 10% CBD): Often provides a clearer, more functional experience. The CBD can temper THC’s intensity, making it popular for therapeutic use like pain or anxiety relief without severe impairment .
• High CBD, Low THC (e.g., 1% THC, 20% CBD): Minimally psychoactive. Sought after for potential therapeutic benefits like inflammation reduction without a significant high .

Step 3: Analyze Supporting Information

• Strain Type (Sativa, Indica, Hybrid): While these are broad guides (Sativa for energy, Indica for relaxation, Hybrid for a mix), your personal body chemistry is the ultimate determinant . Use this as a starting point, not an absolute rule.
• Terpene Profile: Terpenes are aromatic oils that contribute to scent, flavor, and may influence effects (e.g., myrcene for sedation, limonene for uplift). A menu listing terpenes indicates a quality-focused producer.
• Package Date: Cannabis, especially flower, is best enjoyed fresh. Fresher products (packaged within the last 6-8 months) will typically have better flavor and potency.

Responsible Consumption: Understanding Potency and Side Effects

More potency isn’t always better. Higher THC levels are directly associated with a greater likelihood of negative side effects and an increased risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder.

Short-Term Side Effects of THC

Being aware of potential weed side effects helps you identify them and know they are temporary. Common effects can include :

• Altered senses and perception of time
• Impaired memory, coordination, and reaction time
• Increased heart rate and dry mouth
• Anxiety, paranoia, or, in high doses, hallucinations

How to Use Potency Information to Minimize Risk

1. For Beginners: Start with low-THC products. For flower, this means Total THC of 10-15%. For edibles, start with 2.5mg of THC or less and wait at least 2 full hours before considering more .
2. Choose Balanced Ratios: If you are sensitive to THC or using it for wellness, a 1:1 THC:CBD product can provide benefits with significantly reduced psychoactive intensity.
3. Respect the Method: A 10mg edible is NOT equivalent to a few puffs of 10% THC flower. Edibles are processed by the liver into a more potent compound (11-hydroxy-THC), leading to a stronger, longer-lasting effect. Never drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis.

Toronto Buyer’s Checklist: Putting It All Together

Use this actionable checklist every time you review an online menu to make a confident, safe purchase.

Mastering the Cannabis Product Label: Your Key to Informed Purchases

Health Canada mandates strict packaging and labeling for all legal products, ensuring you have the information needed to make safe choices. Here’s what every element means and why it matters for your purchase decision.

The THC & CBD Breakdown: More Than Just a Percentage

This is the core of your purchase decision. Labels must display “Total THC” and “Total CBD,” which represent the active cannabinoid levels ready for consumption.

• For Dried Flower & Pre-Rolls: Potency is listed in milligrams per gram (mg/g). A strain listed as “Total THC: 220 mg/g” has a THC percentage of 22%. With average potencies now around 20%, compared to just 4% two decades ago, understanding this strength is critical.
• For Edibles, Capsules, and Oils: Potency is listed in milligrams per unit (mg/unit) or mg/mL. The most critical number here is THC per piece. A gummy bag may contain 10 pieces with 10mg THC each. Always check this “per piece” dosage to avoid overconsumption.
• The “Total THC in Package”: Always note this figure. It tells you the cumulative potency of all the product inside, helping you manage inventory and understand the total value.

Beyond Potency: Ingredients, Allergens, and Dates

The ingredients list on edibles and extracts is vital. It reveals more than flavor; ingredients like MCT oil or coconut fat can influence the onset time and duration of effects. Always check for allergens and added sugars if you have sensitivities.

Look for the packaging date, which indicates when the product was sealed. While not an expiry date, fresher flower generally offers better aroma and flavor. Some edibles may carry a “best before” date if their quality degrades within 90 days.

Mandatory Symbols and Seals of Authenticity

Every legal product must display two key identifiers:

1. The standardized cannabis symbol (a red hexagon with a cannabis leaf and “THC”).
2. An excise stamp specific to Ontario (a yellow stamp). This stamp is proof that federal and provincial excise duties have been paid and is your guarantee of a legal, tested product.

If an online product image lacks these, it is not a legal purchase.

Table: Key Information on a Cannabis Product Label and What It Means

How to Shop for Specific Product Types Online

Choosing Dried Flower: Strain is Just the Start

When browsing dried cannabis, the strain name (e.g., Pink Kush, Animal Face) gives you a general profile. However, the cultivar and producer are equally important. The same strain grown by different producers can yield different results. In 2026, top-rated strains in Ontario include heavy indicas like Comatose for sleep, balanced hybrids like Wedding Pie for daily use, and potent sativas like Cuban Linx for energy. Always cross-reference the stated effects with the THC percentage and CBD content to gauge intensity.

Navigating Edibles: Precision Dosing is Key

Edibles require the most careful label reading. The golden rule is always start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before considering more. Use the online menu to:

1. Identify your desired THC per piece (e.g., 2.5mg for beginners, 10mg for experienced users).
2. Check the total THC in package to understand the product’s full scope.
3. Review the ingredients for allergens and to see if fats or oils are listed, which may slow digestion but prolong effects.

Selecting Vapes, Oils, and Concentrates: Understanding Potency Formats

For cannabis extracts like vape cartridges and oils, potency is typically shown as “Total THC per activation” (e.g., per inhale) or total mg in the container. Concentrates like shatter or live resin are extremely potent, with THC percentages often exceeding 70%. These are recommended for highly experienced consumers only. The 2025 regulatory updates also allow for more innovation in inhalables, including the use of ethyl alcohol in certain metered-dose products.

Maximizing Your Toronto Delivery Experience

Once you’ve mastered the menu, choosing a delivery service is the next step. Toronto boasts services from hyper-local Markham delivery specialists to city-wide leaders like Pink House, known for speed and premium curation.

• Check for Real-Time Menus and Transparency: Top-tier services like Pink House and Montrose Cannabis offer live menus with real-time stock levels and full label details.
• Understand Delivery Protocols: Legal delivery requires age verification (19+) at the door. Drivers cannot leave packages unattended without pre-arrangement. Be prepared to show ID and accept the order sober.
• Look for Discreet, Secure Packaging: Reputable services use smell-proof, plain packaging for privacy.

The Legal and Safety Framework: Why Label Literacy Matters

Reading labels is your primary tool for harm reduction. With rising potencies, starting low and going slow is the universal advice. A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal noted that high-potency cannabis is associated with increased risks, particularly for young adults. The label provides the data you need to dose responsibly.

Furthermore, purchasing from a legal Toronto cannabis delivery service ensures your product is free from contaminants and accurately labeled. The legal market contributes billions to Canada’s GDP and supports thousands of jobs, but its growth relies on informed consumers choosing regulated products over the illicit market

FAQs: Your Toronto Cannabis Questions, Answered

What’s the most important number to look for on a cannabis label?
Total THC. This number estimates the total psychoactive potential you will experience after heating the product. It’s a more accurate gauge of strength than the “THC” number alone .

I see “THC mg/g” on flower. How do I convert that to a percentage I understand?
Move the decimal one place to the left. For example, 185 mg/g becomes 18.5% THC. You can also simply divide the mg/g number by 10 (185 ÷ 10 = 18.5%) .

What’s the difference between a 15% THC flower and a 10mg edible?
They are completely different dosing experiences. The 15% flower (about 150mg THC per gram) allows you to self-titrate by taking small puffs, with effects felt in minutes. The 10mg edible delivers a single, full dose that takes 30-90 minutes to kick in, lasts for hours, and is processed by the body more intensely. Never consume them the same way.

Will a product with higher CBD get me less high?
Generally, yes. CBD can counteract some of THC’s psychoactive and anxiety-inducing effects. A product with a balanced or CBD-dominant ratio (like 1:1 THC:CBD) will typically provide a milder, more clear-headed experience than a high-THC, low-CBD product .

Is Indica always for sleep and Sativa always for energy?
Not always. This is a useful guideline but not a hard rule. The effects are heavily influenced by your individual body chemistry, the specific THC and CBD levels, and the terpene profile. A “Sativa” with very high THC might make some people anxious, while an “Indica” with balanced THC:CBD might be perfect for daytime pain relief without sedation .

How can I find discussions about specific products or “THC vs Total THC Reddit” style advice?
While community forums can be helpful for anecdotal reviews, always prioritize the official, tested data on the legal product label. Legal producers are required to provide accurate cannabinoid information, whereas online discussions may not be reliable or based on the same product batch .

What does “Total THC” mean on a label?
“Total THC” represents the amount of activated, psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol in the product once it’s ready for consumption (after heating for flower, or as-is for processed items like edibles). It’s the most important number for gauging potential strength.

How do I compare the strength of edibles vs. flower?
It’s about total milligrams consumed. A 10mg THC edible is a discrete, precise dose. Smoking a 0.5g pre-roll of 20% THC flower delivers roughly 100mg of THC, but inhalation is less efficient, so you absorb a smaller percentage. They are different experiences, with edibles having a delayed, often longer-lasting effect.

Is it legal to get cannabis delivered to my home in Toronto?
Yes, it is fully legal when ordered from a retailer licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The driver must verify you are 19+ at the point of delivery.

Why is legal cannabis sometimes more expensive than the illicit market?
Legal cannabis includes federal and provincial excise duties, HST, and costs for rigorous testing, security, and compliance. The excise duty alone is often $1 per gram for dried flower, plus additional markups. You are paying for a regulated, tested, and safe product.

How long should I wait for the effects of an edible to kick in?
Always wait at least 2 full hours before consuming more. Onset can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your metabolism, what you’ve eaten, and the edible’s ingredients (fatty foods can delay but intensify absorption).

What is the most important thing to check on an edible label?
Without a doubt, the “THC per piece” or “Total THC per unit” figure. This tells you the exact dose in a single gummy, chocolate square, or capsule. Misunderstanding this is the most common cause of an uncomfortably strong experience.

Can I trust the strain effects (Indica/Sativa) listed on a menu?
These are helpful general guides but not guarantees. The effects are determined by the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile. A label showing high THC percentage with minimal CBD will likely be more intense, regardless of it being labeled Indica or Sativa. Use the strain type as a starting point, not a definitive predictor.

What does the yellow excise stamp on Ontario products mean?
The yellow stamp is the Ontario-specific excise stamp. It proves that all required federal and provincial duties have been paid on the product and that it has entered the legal supply chain. It is a primary marker of a legal product.

Conclusion: Shop with Knowledge, Consume with Confidence

Navigating Toronto’s legal cannabis market no longer needs to be an exercise in guesswork. By understanding the critical distinction between Total THC vs THC, mastering the simple conversion between THC mg g vs total thc and percentages, and respecting how THC vs CBD ratios alter your experience, you hold the keys to a safe, predictable, and enjoyable experience.

Your new knowledge empowers you to be your own best budtender. You can look past marketing terms and strain names straight to the scientific data that matters. You can choose a product that aligns with your desired experience and personal tolerance, minimizing unwanted weed side effects. Remember, the golden rules of cannabis—“start low and go slow,” especially with edibles—are built on a foundation of understanding THC levels explained on the label.

Ready to put your skills to the test? The next time you browse your favorite Toronto dispensary’s online menu, approach it with curiosity and confidence. Use the checklist, calculate those percentages, and make a choice that’s perfectly tailored to you. Share this guide with a friend who’s just starting their journey—because an informed community is a safe and thriving one. Happy (and smart) shopping, Toronto!