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Serving sizes: how to read a hemp edible package
Why serving size matters on a label
A gummy, chew or drink holds a fixed amount of each ingredient, so its label is built around a "serving." Every other amount on the package is described per serving or per package. If you read one number without the other, it's easy to misread what's in the package.
The four numbers to find
- Serving size: what counts as one serving, such as "1 gummy," "1 chew," "1 stick pack (4.6 g)" or "1 bottle."
- Amount per serving: how many milligrams (mg) of each listed cannabinoid or active ingredient are in one serving.
- Servings per package: how many servings are in the pouch, jar or bottle.
- Total per package: the amount per serving multiplied by the number of servings.
On our product pages, you'll see these under "Serving," "Servings" and "Total." For example, Amaris Mushroom Gummies list a serving as 1 gummy and 30 servings per pack, the Lift Off Mushroom Drink Mix lists a serving as 1 stick pack (4.6 g), and Finer Daze Lavender Lemonade lists a serving as 1 bottle, with 1 serving per bottle.
Doing the math
A worked example (made-up numbers, not a product we sell): a jar's label says "Serving size: 1 gummy. Servings per container: 20. CBD per serving: 25 mg." Multiply 25 mg by 20 servings and the jar holds 500 mg of CBD in total. If the front of the jar says "500 mg," that's the package total, not the amount in each gummy.
It also works in reverse. If a front label only shows a big total, divide it by the number of servings to find the amount per serving. If the numbers don't add up, ask us before you buy.
Per piece isn't always per serving
Usually one piece is one serving, but not always. Some labels define a serving as half a gummy, two gummies or a set number of ounces of a drink. Always read the serving size line before you compare products. Two jars can both say "10 mg" and mean very different things if one is per piece and the other is per two pieces.
Labels with more than one cannabinoid
Some edibles list several cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, CBN and delta-9 THC, each with its own amount per serving. Read each line separately rather than adding them up. Our LIVE Fruit Chews and LIVE Elderberry chews are examples: each flavor lists its own amounts per chew and per jar on the product page.
Mushroom products and "proprietary blends"
Functional mushroom products often list "mg of mushroom extract per serving." When the label says "proprietary blend," the brand names the ingredients but doesn't give the amount of each one. That's a normal labeling choice, but it means the per-serving number is for the whole blend. See our functional mushrooms guide for more.
Other things to check on the package
- Batch number: it should match the batch on the lab report.
- Expiration or best-by date.
- QR code: many packages link to the batch lab report.
- Ingredients and allergens: sweeteners, gelatin or pectin, nuts and colors.
- Storage: keep edibles in their original package, sealed, and out of reach of children and pets. Many look like ordinary candy.
Check it against the lab report
A lab report (COA) for an edible usually lists cannabinoids in mg per serving or per unit. Compare that to the label, and make sure the batch numbers match. Batch lab reports for each category are on our Lab reports page. You'll find edibles in our Gummies & Edibles category, and our team in Leesburg is happy to read a label with you.
Serving size questions
What's the difference between mg per serving and mg per package?
Mg per serving is the amount in one serving. Mg per package is the amount per serving multiplied by the number of servings in the package.
Is one gummy always one serving?
No. Most labels define one piece as one serving, but some use half a piece or two pieces. Always read the serving size line.
Can your team tell me how much to take?
Our team can't give medical advice. We can help you read a label and find the lab report. Please talk to your doctor about your health.
Where do I find the batch lab report for an edible?
Batch lab reports for each category are on our Lab reports page, and many packages have a QR code. Check that the batch number matches your package.