What Does Total THC Mean on a Hemp Label?

Short answer: What does total THC mean? It's the combined amount of THC in a product, counting delta-9 THC plus THCA (the raw acid form that turns into delta-9 THC when heated) and, under Louisiana law, other THC forms and derivatives. It's the number that tells you how much THC a product really carries, and it's the figure Louisiana requires on every consumable hemp label, listed per serving.

As of October 2026. This is not legal advice. Hemp rules change often. Check the official sources at the end of this article, or talk to a licensed attorney, before you rely on anything here.

Why "total THC" matters more than one number

A hemp label or lab report can list several THC figures: delta-9 THC, THCA, sometimes delta-8 or other forms. Looking at only one can paint the wrong picture. A product might show very little delta-9 THC but a lot of THCA. Once that THCA is heated, it converts, and the real THC content is much higher than the delta-9 number suggested.

Total THC solves that problem by rolling the forms into one figure. For a drink or an edible, where the THC is already in its active form, the total and the delta-9 numbers are usually close. For raw plant material, the gap can be huge. If you want the background on how heat changes THCA, our guides to THC vs. THCa and decarboxylation walk through it.

How Louisiana defines total THC

Louisiana's consumable hemp law defines "total THC" as "any combination of tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, THC component, or any derivative thereof" (La. R.S. 3:1481). In plain terms, the state doesn't let a brand count only one form. Everything THC-related goes into the total.

That definition drives several other rules (La. R.S. 3:1483):

Labels must clearly state total THC per serving.
Labels must link to a certificate of analysis (COA) by barcode, QR code, or web address.
The label has to match the contents within a 15% variance.
Serving caps are based on total THC. A hemp beverage serving can't go over 5 mg, and the container must be at least 12 ounces. Edibles other than beverages and tinctures are capped at 5 mg per serving and 40 mg per package.

So when you see "5 mg" on a Louisiana-compliant can, that number is meant to be total THC for that serving, backed by a lab test.

How labs calculate total THC

Labs usually measure delta-9 THC and THCA separately, then combine them. Because THCA loses a bit of mass when it converts, labs don't simply add the two. The widely used formula, the one the USDA uses for hemp crop testing, is:

Total THC = delta-9 THC + (0.877 × THCA)

The 0.877 factor accounts for the weight THCA sheds as it becomes delta-9 THC (USDA AMS Hemp Program). For example, a sample with 0.1% delta-9 THC and 20% THCA works out to roughly 17.6% total THC. That's why a "low delta-9" figure on raw plant material doesn't mean low THC.

For finished drinks, you'll usually see THC reported in milligrams per serving or per container rather than percentages. The math is simpler because the THC is already active.

How to find total THC on a COA

A COA is the lab report behind the label. Here's a quick way to read the THC section:

Match the batch. Make sure the product name and batch or lot number on the COA match what you bought.
Find the cannabinoid table. Look for rows for delta-9 THC, THCA, and a line labeled "Total THC."
Check the units. Percent (%) and milligrams per gram (mg/g) describe concentration. Milligrams per serving or per unit tell you dose.
Compare to the label. Under Louisiana rules, the label should be within 15% of what the lab found.
Scan the safety panels. Louisiana COAs also cover solvents, pesticides, microbials, and heavy metals.

Our full walkthrough, How to Read a Cannabis Lab Report, covers each section in more detail. You can see the reports for our products on our lab results page.

What total THC looks like on our drinks

Here's how it plays out on two products from our shop:

5mg Delta 9 THC Seltzers: 5 mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC per 16 fl oz can, one serving per can. Each flavor (Berry High, High Lime, Cherry Jane, and Peach Buzz) has its own COA linked on the product page.
Highlyte 5mg Delta-9 THC Drink Mix: each packet lists 5 mg delta-9 THC plus 5 mg CBG. It comes in Strawberry Lemonade and Fruit Punch, is mixed with 8 ounces of water, and has a COA linked on the page.

Because these are made with THC that's already active, the delta-9 figure and the total THC figure should line up closely on the COA.

Total THC and the federal hemp change

Total THC is also at the center of the coming federal change. In November 2025, Congress rewrote the federal definition of hemp to use a total THC standard that includes THCA, replacing the old delta-9-only standard. It also set a cap of 0.4 mg combined total THC per container for final hemp-derived cannabinoid products. A September 2026 law delayed those parts to December 11, 2026 (Congressional Research Service, IF13136). Congress could still change course before then, and we'll update this page as things develop.

Louisiana already measures THC this way, and the state also does not approve floral hemp material for retail sale (La. R.S. 3:1483(C)(2)).

FAQ

Is total THC the same as delta-9 THC?

Not always. Delta-9 THC is one form. Total THC adds THCA (adjusted with the 0.877 factor) and, under Louisiana's definition, other THC forms and derivatives. For drinks made with active THC, the two numbers are often close.

Why does Louisiana care about THCA in total THC?

Because THCA converts to delta-9 THC when heated. Counting it gives a truer picture of how much THC a product can deliver, so Louisiana includes it in the definition of total THC.

Where do I find total THC on an Ounce of Hope product?

On the product label and on the COA linked from each product page. You can also browse every report on our lab results page.

How accurate does the label have to be?

Louisiana requires labels to reflect the contents within a 15% variance, so a 5 mg serving should test reasonably close to 5 mg.

Does a higher total THC number mean a stronger product?

Generally, more THC per serving means a stronger effect, but people respond differently. Start with one serving and wait before having more.

Sources

For adults 21+ only. Contains hemp-derived THC. Do not drive or operate machinery after use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Not for use if pregnant or nursing. May cause a failed drug test. Talk to your doctor before use if you take medication or have a medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.