Ohio Cannabis Testing Rules Quietly Change After 4/20 — What It Means for THC Labels

8/31/2025 Written by Mastamynd

In January 2019, Ohio’s first medical cannabis dispensaries opened their doors. Back then, THC levels were low—strains like Northern Lights hovered around 15%. But the market evolved, and soon Ohio cannabis was hitting THC levels in the high 30s. Just after 4/20 this year, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control quietly introduced a new testing rule that changes how THC is calculated on labels.

Under the new rule, certain cannabinoids are no longer included in the total THC calculation. That means the THC percentage you see might look lower, but the actual potency of the product hasn’t changed. For example, strains like Garlic Cookies, which have consistently tested in the high 30% range, will now appear lower on paper. But that doesn’t mean they’ve gotten any weaker. It’s just a recalculation.

In the bigger picture, Ohio’s cannabis market has been too focused on THC percentages for too long. As one of Ohio’s first medical cannabis patients and the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live, I’ve seen how we need to shift the focus back to things like terpene profiles and how a strain actually makes you feel. After all, it’s not just about chasing a number on a label.

About the Author

Mastamynd is one of Ohio’s first medical cannabis patients and the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live and Another Mastamynd Hit LLC. He’s dedicated to educating the Ohio cannabis community and bringing transparency to the industry.

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