Category: weed
When it comes to cannabis, the plant offers a multitude of variations and forms. Among the various cannabis products, kief and hash hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Both kief and hash are concentrated forms of cannabis, but they differ in their composition, production methods, and uses.
This blog will delve into the dissimilarities between kief and hash, shedding light on these two popular cannabis concentrates.
Understanding Kief:
Kief, often referred to as “pollen” or “trichomes,” is the resinous and powdery substance found on cannabis flowers. Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like structures that contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desirable compounds responsible for the plant’s aroma, flavour, and effects. The extraction of kief involves separating these resin glands from the plant material, resulting in a fine powder with a greenish-yellow hue.
Kief is typically collected using specialized screens or grinders with a mesh screen. By gently agitating the cannabis buds over the screen, the trichomes fall through while the plant material remains on top. The resulting kief powder can be collected and used in various ways, such as sprinkling it on top of bowls, joints, or incorporating it into edibles for an extra potency boost.
Exploring Hash:
Hash, short for “hashish,” is another concentrated form of cannabis that has been around for centuries. Unlike kief, hash undergoes a more complex extraction process, resulting in a denser and more concentrated product. The production of hash involves separating the trichomes from the plant material and compressing them into a solid block or resinous paste.
Traditionally, hash is made by rubbing fresh cannabis flowers between the palms or by using sieving methods to separate the trichomes. The collected resin is then pressed and shaped into various forms, such as balls, bricks, or coins. Hash can have different consistencies, ranging from sticky and malleable to harder and more brittle forms.
Hash is renowned for its potency and the unique flavours and aromas it offers. It can be smoked in pipes, vaporizers, or added to joints, providing a more concentrated and intense cannabis experience compared to regular flower.
Distinguishing Features:
Composition: Kief consists mainly of loose trichomes and has a powdery texture, while hash is a compressed resinous product.
Potency: Hash is typically more potent than kief due to its higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Appearance: Kief is a fine powder, often with a greenish-yellow tint, while hash comes in various forms, including soft, sticky, or solid blocks.
Consumption Methods: Kief is commonly sprinkled on top of cannabis bowls or joints, while hash can be smoked, vaporized, or used in edibles after decarboxylation.
Conclusion:
In the realm of cannabis concentrates, kief and hash hold their own distinct allure. Kief, with its fine and powdery texture, is prized for its versatility and ease of use, enhancing the potency of various cannabis products. On the other hand, Hash captivates consumers with its concentrated form, delivering potent effects and a wide range of flavours and aromas.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of kief or the concentrated punch of hash, both offer unique experiences for cannabis enthusiasts.
Smoking shatter, also known as butane hash oil or BHO, is a popular method of consuming cannabis concentrates. Shatter is a form of cannabis extract that has a glass-like consistency and is typically amber or yellow in colour.
Here are some steps on how to smoke shatter properly:
Gather your materials: To smoke shatter, you will need a rig (a particular type of pipe or bong used for concentrates), a nail (a small metal or glass piece that attaches to the rig), a dome (a small glass piece that sits on top of the nail), a butane torch, and, of course, your shatter.
Heat the nail: Turn on your butane torch and heat the nail until it is red hot. The nail needs to be extremely hot in order to vaporize the shatter.
Place the dome over the nail: Once the nail is hot, place the dome on top of it. This will help to contain the vapour and make it easier to inhale.
Place the shatter on the nail: Take a small piece of shatter and place it on the nail. The shatter should start to vaporize almost immediately.
Inhale the vapour: Once the shatter has vaporized, inhale the vapour through the rig. You should hold the vapour in your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling.
Repeat: As the shatter vaporizes, take additional hits until you have consumed the desired amount.
It is important to be cautious when using a butane torch and to follow all safety precautions when handling it. Always use in a well-ventilated area, never near any flammable materials or open flames. Additionally, it is important to note that consuming cannabis concentrates such as shatter can produce stronger effects than smoking flower, so it is important to start with a low dosage and work your way up.
Growing weed in your basement or backyard might sound like a great idea, especially if you’ve been using marijuana for some time with regularity. After all, it may seem like a way to save money, and if you’ve got a green thumb or love to keep a thriving garden, an interesting new hobby.
But there are some things to know about growing marijuana, and one common question both new and experienced growers want to know is, “Should I grow from cannabis seeds or from a clone?”
This article will explore:
- The legal considerations of growing marijuana in Canada
- The difference between clones and seeds
- The pros and cons of growing from clones
- The pros and cons of growing from seeds
- Best practices of growing marijuana
Is Growing Marijuana Legal in Canada?
In the fall of 2018, it became legal to buy and use recreational marijuana in Canada. We all did a dance of joy, grabbed our lighters, and collectively inhaled in celebration. However, the legalization of weed in Canada didn’t open up a free market for the growth or sale of cannabis.
Yes, it’s legal to purchase pot, but it must be bought from government cannabis stores or approved retailers and can’t be sold on the street or even from friend to friend.
In the spirit of good old government regulation, the spirit of this law has been passed down and implemented on growers as well.
Yes, it’s legal to grow weed, but only enough for personal consumption. You can grow up to four cannabis plants in a household at a time, and you must use regulated seeds to do so. You also can’t sell your cannabis or grow it on behalf of another person.
If you’re going to grow cannabis at home, make sure you brush up on the laws so you don’t end up with any legal issues.
Please note: While the federal government of Canada has legalized growing marijuana at home, not all provinces allow this practice, and rules vary around the country.
Here are the provincial laws as of this publishing:
Alberta
- Legal age: 18
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
British Columbia
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Manitoba
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: No home cultivation
New Brunswick
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Northwest Territories
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Nova Scotia
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Nunavut
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Ontario
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Prince Edward Island
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Quebec
- Legal age: 21
- Grow law: No home cultivation
Saskatchewan
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
Yukon
- Legal age: 19
- Grow law: 4 plant limit
*Before you use or grow marijuana, please verify you are complying with current laws in your jurisdiction.
What’s the Difference Between Clones and Seeds?

If you decide to grow a cannabis garden, there are a few ways to go about it. One question you’ll want to ask is whether you should use clones or seeds.
Cannabis Seeds – You likely know that a seed is a plant’s method of reproduction; we place seeds in a growing medium and they have the ability to sprout and become a brand new plant. Most seeds for sale will be feminized seeds with a near certain chance of being a female plant, this chance, however, is never 100%.
Cannabis Clone – A clone is the same thing as a cutting; we can take a piece of a mature cannabis plant and place it in a growing medium to encourage it to become a full plant which is an exact genetic copy of it’s mother plant. This ensures that a clone of a strong female plant will grow into another female plant with similar bud characteristics.
Where Can I Get Cannabis Seeds or Seedlings?
In Canada, cannabis seeds must be purchased from a legal dispensary. If you live in a province where home-grown cannabis plants are illegal, you won’t be able to buy seeds or seedlings in a dispensary. Often cannabis seeds are in short supply and they are not always easy to get. You may not be able to choose from a wide variety of seed types, but likely there are at least 3 or 4 available to purchase.
Depending on the retailer, you may be able to have seeds sent directly to your home. In other cases, you’ll need to go to a dispensary to buy them. However, as more and more people become familiar and interested in growing from their own seeds or seedlings, the more options will be available, and with more regularity.
Seedlings are not currently available for purchase in Canada so, in order to grow clones, you must first grow a plant from seed and then create your own clones from cuttings of your best plants.
How to Grow Marijuana From Seed
Most growers will agree that growing a cannabis plant, whether it is from a seed, a seedling, or a cloned plant isn’t overly difficult. However, there are certain procedures you can take that will help ensure you grow vital, healthy plants of good quality.
There are plenty of experienced growers who begin with seeds and can teach you the step-by-step process. Here are our best tips and takeaways from our experiences:
- Always germinate seeds before planting. To speed up germination, soak your seeds in a small bowl with lukewarm water and set it in a warm, dark spot for 12-24 hours. This allows the seed to soak up the water and begin to germinate. This loosen the shell and makes it easier for the taproot to emerge. When your seeds sink to the bottom, they’re ready to plant! But if it doesn’t sink, that’s ok too. Try to plant before your tap root emerges. If you do see the little tail root coming out of the seed, be very gentle with the seed as you plant it.
- Get some pH test strips for your soil. Your plant needs a pH of 6.0 (give or take 0.3) to grow most optimally. We recommend this product to help manage your plant’s pH.
- Purchase cannabis soil for your specific climate. You need to choose your soil depending on how dry or humid your air is, or if you’re growing indoors or outside, so do your research about soil type for your area.
- Check to see if your soil comes infused with cannabis nutrients. If not, you’ll want to add them to your soil mix.
- Resist the urge to overwater your cannabis plants. Cannabis grows naturally outdoors and doesn’t need a lot of water. If the top 3-4cm of soil is dry, give your plant a bit of water.
How To Grow Weed From Clones
Plants grown from clones or cuttings can often produce the fastest yield of cannabis and this method is a favourite among experienced growers. Here are a few of our best tips for growing healthy, thriving weed from clones.
- Make sure you begin with a healthy parent plant (mother plant). If your plant has any issues with diseases or pests, you’ll carry those problems over to your new plant. Healthy clones, however, should produce very healthy plants.
- Make sure you’re cutting your clones from a mature plant.
- Try to take your cutting from the lower part of the plant. Cuttings from closer to the root will grow faster than those from near to the top.
- Very quickly place your cutting into water to prevent air from getting into the root.
- Remove larger leaves from the top of the clone to prevent the plant from focusing on converting energy from light while it should be focused on creating new roots.
- Gently roll the base of your cutting in some rooting hormone to encourage new root growth.
- Plant your clone in a moistened starter cube of the growing medium of your choice to encourage healthy root development.
- Transfer the new growing plant into a larger growing medium as necessary.
Things to Look For In a Healthy Parent Plant
Make sure you take your cuttings from a healthy plant. This means it should have no signs of pests like chewed leaves or roots. The flowers should be large and vibrant in their respective colours. Any new buds should be large and healthy looking, and the plant should have no signs of rot.
If you have a healthy mother plant, you can continue to use it for cloning over and over again. Select your very best plant and keep it thriving and you’ll always have exceptional quality cannabis growing in your own home.
Conclusion: Cannabis Clones vs. Seeds
Both cannabis seeds and clones can produce excellent weed depending on your goals and preferences. If you want to grow a parent plant for future cloning, begin with seeds. Seeds also allow a grower to grow multiple plants of different strains at once whereas clones will all be exact genetic copies of the mother plant. If you’ve grown yourself an incredible plant and want to replicate the results, this might be an excellent time to try cloning.
When it comes to cannabis and exercise, everyone has an opinion one way or another. Some people tell you cannabis hinders motivation, while others say they wouldn’t get up off the couch without it. So, what effects does cannabis have on exercise, whether going to the gym or playing sports? This is the question we’ll answer today.
Discover what the scientific research says about exercise and cannabis – and what limitations currently exist. We’ll compare this research with the everyday stories of average cannabis consumers. Finally, you’ll learn the tips you need to know about combining cannabis and exercise.
Experiencing Cannabis and Exercise
Do you have experience with cannabis and exercise? Many Canadians enjoy some cannabis alongside playing sports, going to the gym, or enjoying a strenuous walk. Further, individuals use cannabis post-exercise to facilitate recovery – enhancing appetite and encouraging a good night’s rest.
What benefits do people claim they get from using cannabis? Most stories involve more repetitive and moderate-intensity activity – such as biking, running, or walking. Some love using cannabis before going to the gym, but few use it to support intense exercise.
On the other hand, there are stories of getting high and skipping the gym. This behavior is counter-productive to a healthy lifestyle. If you lose motivation because of cannabis, use it as a reward for after you exercise instead. The same could be said about those heavy days or ones where you strive for a personal best.
Safety is a top concern at all times. You should not be getting high before doing any activity unless you are comfortable doing so. It is far better to save cannabis for after the gym if you’re still working out your tolerance level. Avoid using cannabis before any dangerous activities, such as kayaking or mountain biking.
There seems to be a nice middle-ground where cannabis can fit without causing problems. Let’s take a look at the research and see what it says about all of this.
1. Fitness, Exercise Science, and Cannabis
Cannabis is a vastly understudied topic, especially in regards to potential benefits. Within the limited world of cannabis research, looking at fitness and exercise is even rarer. That said, we can learn from the dozens of studies looking into the effects of cannabis on exercise. Ultimately, anecdotes and the research literature are mixed. Without more rigorous investigations, we are limited in what we can say with confidence.
The studies we do have tend to be on athletes, and more specifically, college athletes. While there is growing interest in cannabis within sports physiology and exercise science, we have catching up to do. In the meantime, we can use some of these early findings to give us an idea of big red flags we should be noticing.
2. Systematically Reviewing of the Literature
In 2017, Michael Kennedy performed a systematic review of the scientific literature on the effects of THC on exercise. At this time, he found only 15 studies exploring this fascinating topic. The results demonstrate some mixed findings – but ultimately, it is clear that cannabis is not an endurance or strength-enhancing drug (Kennedy, 2017).
None of the studies demonstrated enhanced aerobic performance after consuming THC (Kennedy, 2017). This aligns with the view that cannabis is not a sport-enhancing drug. While many people may enjoy combining exercise and cannabis, performance athletes won’t be using it to beat old personal records any time soon. But, that does not mean there are no benefits from everyday people using cannabis before, during, and after exercise.
For example, Kennedy did find evidence that cannabis inhibits exercise-induced asthma (Kennedy, 2017). Plenty of anecdotal reports support this claim, with people describing how they take a puff or two from their vaporizer before going for a run or bike ride.
One negative effect of cannabis consumption and exercise was the symptoms of angina or chest pain. Angina during exercise is thought to be associated with a potential decrease in strength. Athletes should not consume cannabis when trying to set new personal records while performing at elite levels. For the weekend warrior, if you experience any chest pain while exercising, do see your doctor.
Another negative outcome noted was the lack of exercise protocol completion due to cannabis side effects (Kennedy, 2017). The potential for adverse reactions is why cannabis consumers should start low and go slow. The best way to manage side effects is by avoiding them in the first place.
3. Growing Interest in Cannabis and Athletics
A more recent systematic review provides even more illuminating information on the field of athletics and cannabis. There has been growing interest in the research literature over the past several years. Docter and colleagues (2020) included 37 studies in their review.
Overall, 1 in 4 athletes reported using cannabis during the past year. A total of two studies found a negative impact of cannabis on performance, while two others found no effects. There were no studies on the topic of athletic recovery. Finally, the researchers highlighted the generally poor quality and quantity of studies on this important topic (Docter et al., 2020).
This is unfortunate as many high-level athletes describe their post-exercise use of cannabis as highly beneficial for recovery. Hopefully, future research will explore whether cannabis helps you recover from physical activity – and what effects THC or CBD have by themselves (Docter et al., 2020).
4. Should you Use Cannabis as Part of Your Exercise Routine?
Ultimately, this is a very personal question. That said, some broad guidelines can help you decide when and where to get high. Keep these in mind before you consider combining exercise and cannabis:
- Start low and go slow. Stay well below your tolerance level. A little goes a long way when it comes to exercise and cannabis. On the other hand, a lot can slow you down or get in the way entirely.
- Only combine when you’re comfortable with both. You should know the effects of the dosage you’re about to consume. You should also be very familiar with the exercises coming up. Do not get high before trying new activities or learning new exercises.
- Avoid cannabis when seeking peak performance. If you’re looking for a personal record or doing Olympic lifting, maybe hold off on the joint.
- Go with low-moderate intensity activities. Overall, cannabis seems to pair best with safe endurance activities like walking, jogging, or using an elliptical machine.
- Pay attention to your environment. Is it ok if you smell like weed?
- If you have any concerns with your heart or any chest pain, see a doctor. If you have existing medical conditions, see a doctor before considering using cannabis alongside exercise – the same goes for starting any new exercise routine.
Conclusion
Congratulations on getting through this look at cannabis and the gym. As you learned today, there are far too few studies exploring the topic of getting high and exercising. Most of what we’ve learned is from college athletes, and the findings are mixed. The anecdotal stories of regular cannabis consumers tell a far different story.
In summary, cannabis does not appear to be a sport-enhancing drug. But, many people use it to enhance their exercise experience or promote recovery afterward. If you’re someone who enjoys exercising after consuming cannabis, there is nothing wrong with that. Instead, consider using it as a post-activity reward if it gets the way of exercise for you.
Either way, always start low and go slow when consuming cannabis and avoid dangerous activities. Finally, cannabis is best paired with moderate endurance activity than high-end performance.
Citations
Docter S, Khan M, Gohal C, et al. (202). Cannabis use and sport: A systematic review. Sports Health, 12(2):189-199. doi:10.1177/1941738120901670
Kennedy, M. (2017). Cannabis: Exercise performance and sport. A systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20, 9, pp. 825-829. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244017303420.
We can all agree that keeping cannabis fresh for as long as possible is crucial. After spending our valuable dollars on high-quality weed, it would be a shame for any of it to go to waste. Discover just how important it is to store your cannabis correctly and how you can quickly get it done.
The World of Cannabis Storage
The cannabis plant contains more than 500 different compounds. Out of these, the most valuable to us are the phytocannabinoids (or just cannabinoids) and terpenes. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and terpenes are therapeutically active compounds preserved inside the dried flower. Together, these compounds act synergistically via the entourage effect to produce the outcomes we all seek (Milay et al., 2020).
To get to dried flower, producers follow several steps. They take freshly harvested buds (cannabis flowers or inflorescences) and start by drying them out. The buds may be trimmed either before or after this drying process. From there, the buds enter a more extended curing phase. The environment maintained during the curing stage is carefully controlled to reach ideal temperatures, humidity, and light conditions.
Once the curing is complete, producers package up the dried flower and send it off to the Provinces and Territories to be purchased by consumers. While the buds are safely stored when we buy them, once you open the package, everything changes. Once opened, it becomes your responsibility to store the cannabis optimally.
But, you may be asking why?
Why should you care about storage?
Storage is critical because of those cannabinoids and terpenes mentioned earlier. These compounds are volatile, which means that they are not stable. Even in ideal conditions, there is a small percentage of loss over time. As consumers, our goal should be to keep degradation, or the loss of these valuable compounds, to the lowest level possible. In other words, the compounds that you paid for may be lost before you get to enjoy them (if you don’t store your bud correctly).
You may be surprised at how little research there is on this subject. That said, we know plenty about the inevitability of losing cannabinoids and terpenes. Natural causes of cannabis degradation include (Milay et al., 2020):
- Decarboxylation
- Oxidization
- Isomerization
- Photochemical reactions
- Evaporation
- And more
The specifics behind these terms are not essential for this conversation today. What you should focus on is what environmental conditions enhance this natural decay. Based on consumers’ experiences and limited studies, we know which factors are the most important.
These include light, air, temperature, and humidity. Find out what to avoid and the ideal conditions for each below.
Light
Research has shown that light is the most significant single factor impacting cannabinoid loss (Fairbairn, Liebmann, & Rowan, 2011). If you leave bud out in the sun, it will rapidly lose terpenes and cannabinoids. The same goes for artificial light. Keep your bud in a dark container and in a dark place to avoid this dramatic loss of valuable compounds. There is no better way to improve your storage conditions than by removing any light.
Temperature
Reaching a temperature of 25°C was seen to produce a very significant loss of cannabinoids over time. Terpenes are even more volatile and can be lost at just about any temperature. Overall, the authors of this study concluded that storing whole buds at 4°C was the optimal postharvest condition (Milay et al., 2020). Others have found that temperatures up to 20°C did not produce a substantial loss of cannabinoids (Fairbairn et al., 2011). And so, keep your buds somewhere between 4-20°C at all times.
Air Oxidation
Air oxidation causes substantial loss of cannabinoids and terpenes, no matter the temperature. You must use an air-tight container and keep it closed except when needed (Fairbairn et al., 2011). You can use the glass jars you probably already have at home for storage. If you do not use an airtight container, your bud will degrade rapidly. For those who accidentally leave some open bud containers, close them and put some effort into restoring the humidity content. Humidity is the final environmental factor we explore here today.
Humidity
Based on research by those who sell humidity-control products, the ideal relative humidity (RH) range is RH 59% – RH 63%. This humidity content is considered to be the best humidity range for maintaining cannabinoids and terpenes. For those wondering, cigars and tobacco storage is generally more in the RH 69% range, higher than with cannabis. This is important if you plan on storing the two products together. Generally speaking, it is better to keep cannabis alone so that you can optimize the environment.
Ideal Storage Lifespan
If stored under ideal circumstances, you can expect dried flower to be relatively stable for 1-2 years. This means keeping your bud in an airtight container, away from light, and relatively stable temperature and relative humidity. Some studies have used freezers or refrigerators for their storage, but this is not advised for consumers. The freezers and refrigerators we use at home are not nearly as well-regulated as in the expensive varieties used in laboratories.
And so, you should always plan to consume the buds you buy within 1-2 years at most (Fairbairn et al., 2011). While the loss of THC under ideal storage conditions should be minimal after 12 months, it will still occur. Where possible, consuming your dried flower within 6-months is likely to result in far fewer lost THC compounds.
No Expiry Date Determined
There is still much to learn about the ideal cannabis storage environments. This fact is no more evident than when you read cannabis labels. Cannabis products in Canada must come with an expiry date once we figure it out. That is how uncertain much of this topic is currently. You’ll see “No expiry date determined” printed on the majority of your cannabis products. This is another reason why it is all up to you once you open a cannabis package.
10. Cannabis Seeds
While we have focused on dried flower, all of the tips discussed today also apply to cannabis seeds. Keeping these seeds cool, dark, and dry is critical for keeping them stable until you are ready to use them. The ideal humidity for seeds is at least 6% or less (Smal, 2012). Poor storage may destroy the seed or degrade the quality of the plant it will ultimately produce.
Conclusion
There you have it! You now know why proper storage is so vital for cannabis. Along the way, you discovered the ideal conditions regarding light, air, temperature, and humidity. We learned how important it is to keep bud in an airtight container and away from any light. Beyond that, efforts to optimize temperature and humidity will take your storage to the next level. On the other hand, avoid storing your bud in a fridge or freezer at home.
In summary, ideal cannabis storage can keep your bud or cannabis seeds fresh for many months. On the other hand, improper storage will lead to the loss of cannabinoids and terpenes that you paid for and want to consume. If you plan on storing buds for more than a few days, you must pay attention to storage conditions.
Citations
Fairbairn, J., Liebmann, J. & Rowan, M. (2011). The stability of cannabis and its preparations on storage. J of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 28(1). https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article-abstract/28/1/1/6196321.
Milay, L., Berman, P., Shapira, A., Guberman, O. & Meiri, D. (2020). Metabolic profiling of cannabis secondary metabolites for evaluation of optimal postharvest storage conditions. Front. Plant Sci.. Retrieved from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2020.583605/full?fbclid=IwAR2yM22ODJygs_lEjjgU2DVy5glDeBIGYmQPfKrKGqIw5fO0ne2HYqXCGyI.
Small, E. (2017). Classification of Cannabis sativa L. in Relation to Agricultural, Biotechnological, Medical and Recreational Utilization. Cannabis sativa L. – Botany and Biotechnology, pages 1-62. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15440478.2012.737179.
You likely have doubts about the Marijuana Legalization and regulation – plenty of people do. Having spoken to consumers from all over the country, we know the most common questions in the minds of pretty much everyone. From buying to consuming legally, we can tell you everything you need to know.
Marijuana Legalization in Canada FAQ
For sure, many questions come to mind concerning legal cannabis. Much of the sought-after answers – apart from cannabis legalization – concern safety, not only in purchase and use but also consumption. For easier understanding, we have compiled them into a comprehensive FAQ.
Why Was Cannabis Legalized in Canada?
On October 17, 2018, the Canadian government legalized recreational cannabis after nearly a century of prohibition. Its primary public goals include:
- Keeping cannabis out of the hands of young persons
- Protecting the public through strict product quality requirements
- Deterring criminal activity around cannabis
- Reducing the burden of cannabis on the criminal justice system
What Is Cannabis Legalization 2.0?
The Cannabis Act was the bill passed that permitted the cultivation and sale of cannabis. It allowed certain product types while providing an additional year to create regulations for others. This is why adults could buy dried flowers, oils, and seeds as of October 2018. Edibles, however, cannot be sold. Nonetheless, consumers could make them at home for personal use.
Marijuana Legalization 2.0, which came into effect in October 2019, added more categories that could be sold – including edibles and topicals. It is an exciting time for both businesses and consumers. Cannabis for medical purposes and recreational use no longer have to be limited to seeds and dried flowers. Edibles, alone, is a huge industry. More importantly, the strict regulations imposed by Health Canada ensures that commercially available weed-infused foods and drinks follow, among others:
- Regulatory controls for production practices
- Restrictions on product formulation
- Conform to quality standards for ingredients and testing
Where Can You Buy Legal Cannabis in Canada?
Cannabis is sold in Canada through provincially-regulated wholesalers. Each province and territory has determined how they want to distribute and sell cannabis in their province or territory. In each province and territory, there are online and in-person options for buying cannabis.
Most provinces control sales through government-run websites, such as the Ontario Cannabis Store and BC Cannabis Stores. Retail stores can be either government-run or privately operated. Fire and Flower, for example, has locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Find all the details you need on each province and territory here.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Legal Cannabis in Canada?
Each province and territory has been allowed to set the legal age of access for cannabis – and it varies. You must be at least 21 years old in Quebec and 18 years old in Alberta. The age of access is 19 years old in Yukon, Saskatchewan, PEI, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
How Do You Know the Cannabis You buy Is Legal?
All legal cannabis in Canada comes with an excise stamp. While each province and territory has a slightly different appearance, they all share standard features that make them easily discernible. You can review the excise stamp appearance here.
How Much Cannabis Can You Buy Legally?
Each adult in Canada can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis on their person. This means that all cannabis retail options will limit your cannabis purchase to no more than 30 grams. That said, the limit for at-home storage of cannabis is much larger and varies by jurisdiction. And so, you can buy 30 grams of cannabis, take it home, and then go back to buy more (if you ever had a reason to do so).
Can You Travel with Cannabis in Canada?
If you are travelling within Canada, you can carry up to your 30 gram limit of cannabis. This applies even if you are driving across provincial or territory borders inside Canada. So, as long as you stay within the country, feel free to hold up to your limit while travelling.
Can You Fly with Cannabis in Canada?
If you are travelling within Canada’s borders for your entire flight, you can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. This does not apply to any flight that leaves Canada. The legalization of cannabis is limited to within the country. Quite simply, there are no proper ways to bring any recreational cannabis with you to another country.
Can You Drive High?
No, you cannot drive high in Canada. There are strict rules in Canada, which vary by jurisdiction, around driving high. For your safety and the safety of those around you (including other motorists), do not drive while high.
How Should You Store Cannabis While Driving?
While you can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis with you inside your car, you should take one additional precaution. Since driving while high is such a concern in Canada, you should avoid the appearance of being able to consume while driving. This means that you should store the cannabis far away from the driver, preferably even in the car trunk.
What Is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary compound in cannabis that produces the ‘high.’ It is an impairing compound that alters sensations, perceptions, and even mood. When it comes to THC, the dosage is critical. Start low and go slow when consuming THC to avoid the potential adverse events that do occur. As you find out how THC impacts you, you can safely enjoy consuming cannabis.
What Is CBD?
As opposed to THC, CBD is non-impairing and does not produce any stereotypical high. CBD is even able to counter some of the effects of THC when found inside your dried flower. Consider finding strains that possess a bit more CBD inside for those who are new to cannabis or experience adverse events from THC.
Can You Smoke Cannabis Outdoors?
Each local jurisdiction has set rules and regulations around the public consumption of cannabis. Many cities have used the same rules for tobacco as they have for cannabis. Refer to your local jurisdiction website for more details based on where you are located.
Can You Smoke Cannabis Indoors?
Smoking rules for indoors consumption of cannabis are determined at a local level and by building-specific rules. Refer to your city website and your specific location rules to decide whether you can smoke cannabis inside.
Where Can You Vape Cannabis?
Rules for vaping cannabis in Canada generally follow the rules around smoking cannabis. This means that there are certain limitations about where you can enjoy vaping some dried flowers. You should refer to your local jurisdiction to determine the rules for vaping cannabis inside and outside where you are located.
Should You Buy Sativa or Indica?
The age-old question continues into the post-legalization world. Whether you want to go with a Sativa or an Indica cannabis strain depends on what effects you seek. If you’re looking for a daytime high that stimulates creativity, go with a Sativa like Lemon Z. On the other hand, Indica strains will help you get comfy and cozy while promoting relaxation. Try these incredible Indica strains – Garlic Jelly and Ice Cream Cake.
How Do You Read Cannabis Labels?
Each cannabis label is standardized to help you understand what you need to know. You’ll likely immediately notice the large THC warning symbol and health warning along with the brand name and logo. Along with the excise stamps, these are features that legal cannabis in Canada must possess.
You’ll see the percentage of THC and CBD listed for each strain when it comes to dried flowers. You need to understand the term ‘total,’ as in total THC and total CBD. This phrase describes how much THC and CBD will be found in the dried flower when smoked or vaped as intended.
Note: Dried flowers do not contain large amounts of these two specific compounds just yet. First, you must apply heat for all the relevant compounds – which are inactive – to their active forms, such as THC and CBD.
Cannabis Legalization Opens Up the Possibilities
Marijuana legalization in Canada has put the country in uncharted territory. No country in the world has a system like the one currently found here. So far, the results have been incredible, and the future is full of possibilities.
Now that your questions have been answered, you can confidently explore this new world. These Cannabis Act and the subsequent Marijuana Legalization 2.0 help keep all Canadians safe by imposing strict regulations. It also ensures that criminal activities are deterred while also restricting access to youths. As long as you follow the rules, you should have no trouble with the law. Do be mindful of being a responsible consumer.