Cannabis Info

• Do you have vegan or gluten-free edibles? Open Close

  Regulations prohibit claims which reference special dietary requirements such as vegan or vegetarian. However, indicating possible allergens, gluten, or sulphites is a mandatory labelling requirement for all edible products. See nutritional label for a full list of ingredients.

• Do edible packages indicate if the product is nut-free? Open Close

  Indicating possible allergens, gluten, or sulphites is a mandatory labelling requirement for edible products. All edible packaging will list potential allergens that are, or could be, present in the product which includes peanuts and tree nuts.

• Are edibles produced in a nut-free environment? Open Close

  It depends on the Licensed Producer's facility; however, all edible packaging will list potential allergens that are, or could be, present in the product which includes peanuts and tree nuts. Allergens are defined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. To read more about allergen claims on food products, click here.

• Do hemp and cannabis produce different types of CBD? Open Close

  In short, no. The molecule remains the same, regardless of which type of plant it comes from.

• What's the difference between hemp and cannabis? Open Close

  “Hemp” and “cannabis” are terms for the same species of plant, cannabis sativa. While the two have a similar appearance, the term “hemp” is used to classify cannabis plants that contain no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As with cannabis, Health Canada regulates hemp production and controls the type of hemp strains that producers are allowed to grow. Health Canada reports that because these strains contain so little THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, they cannot produce the “intoxicating effect” typically associated with cannabis use.

• How do I understand the THC and CBD content displayed on my cannabis product label? Open Close

  In its natural state, cannabis has a low level of active cannabinoids. When cannabis is decarboxylated, either through heating or processing, its cannabinoid levels increase. So, the CBD and THC content are displayed on every product label in two ways.

  On package labels, the first numbers, listed as “THC” and/or “CBD”, represent the active cannabinoid levels in the cannabis as purchased. Dried cannabis will have a low level of active cannabinoids because it hasn’t been heated yet.

  The second numbers are listed as “Total THC” and “Total CBD.” These figures represent the active cannabinoid levels in the cannabis when ready for consumption. Because oil and capsule products have been processed (and the cannabinoids heated already), the second and first numbers will be the same between products.

  To find out more about how to understand the information listed on a cannabis product label, click here.

• What’s the difference between THC and Total THC on a cannabis product label? Open Close

  “THC” refers to the quantity of active cannabinoids contained in the product at the time of purchase before it is heated by vaping, smoking or cooking.

  “Total THC” refers to the levels of active cannabinoids in the cannabis after it has been prepared for consumption by heating through vaping, smoking or cooking. The “Total” cannabinoid content numbers are most helpful in identifying the potential potency that the product may have when consumed.  

  To better understanding how cannabinoid content is listed on cannabis product labels, click here.

• Do cannabis products have an expiry date? How do I know if my product is fresh? Open Close

  Cannabis labels list the date that the cannabis was packaged, which indicates when the finished product was placed and sealed in its final packaging. Expiry dates, which are directionally used to communicate the stability of the product in regards to potency, are not mandatory in Health Canada regulations, so some licensed producers will provide them, but many do not.

  If the product is properly stored in a dark, dry place and in an airtight container, it should maintain its full potency until opened. If you have any specific questions, please contact our customer service team by phone at 1-888-910-0627 or by LiveChat.

• How do I contact the Licensed Producer of my product? Open Close

  Should you ever need to reach them, the licensed producer of every product must provide their name and contact details on the product label, including an email address and phone number.

  Each product also includes a lot number which refers to a specific harvest, or “lot” of products, which helps trace it back to quality control processes. Take note of the lot number if making a product inquiry.

   

• Why is the cannabinoid content listed differently for dried flower than it is for oils or capsules? Open Close

  To be precise about the cannabinoid content within each product, it is measured differently by format. Dried flower products list cannabinoid content in percentage relative to the total cannabis purchased. Pre-rolls and capsule content is measured in totals per unit, and oil content is listed in milligrams per milliliter.

  To understand and compare the information on the different product formats, click here.

• Why does legal cannabis sometimes cost more than what’s available on the illegal market? Open Close

  While some of our prices (which include HST) might be slightly higher than those encountered on the illegal market, when you buy from OCS.ca or AGCO-authorized retail stores, you’re getting tested, traceable, high-quality cannabis products.

• How do I grow my own cannabis plants indoors? Open Close

  Cannabis plants require a lot of attention and very specific conditions to thrive. You’ll need an enclosed space where you can control light and humidity. On average, indoor plants require 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to promote flowering. Watering your indoor cannabis plants regularly with filtered water will help encourage growth. 

• When will my cannabis plants be ready for harvesting? Open Close

  Cannabis is typically ready to be harvested eight to 12 weeks after the plant flowers, although the timing varies depending on the cultivar and whether you’re growing indoors or out. Learn more about growing and harvesting your own cannabis plants.

• Do you offer refunds for seeds that do not germinate? Open Close

  No. Unfortunately, we do not provide refunds for seeds that do not germinate.

• Is germination guaranteed? Open Close

  No. Germination is not guaranteed because there are simply too many variables involved in the process. With proper cultivation, seeds will likely germinate within three days, but can take upwards of a full week to sprout.

• Why is it unsafe for youth to consume cannabis? Open Close

  The brain continues developing until around age 25, and the use of cannabis may interfere with this development.  This is because when consumed, cannabis directly interacts with your brain and central nervous system.  Risks are increased with heavy, prolonged consumption and the early onset of use.

  Learn more about cannabis effects here.

• How long will cannabis stay in my system? Open Close

  This always depends on how much you consume, how you consume it and your genetics, age, personality, sex and other personal biological factors. Effects can take up to 24 hours to fully dissipate, but THC can be detectable in the bloodstream for up to seven days or more, depending on several factors, including frequency of use.

  There are few reports of secondary intoxication (i.e. from second hand smoke or vape), but it also depends on a number of factors, including dose and ventilation of the space.

• Do all cannabis products make you “high”? Open Close

  No. Cannabis products containing THC will have an intoxicating effect or produce a “high”. However, some cannabis products are exclusively CBD and generally have no intoxicating effects.

• Can I cook with cannabis? Open Close

  Yes, but it takes practice to create cannabis-infused products that are consistently dosed. You can learn more about the considerations of cooking with cannabis here. For information on safe food handling and preparation (i.e. cannabis-infused foods) please click here.

• How do I know how much cannabis to consume? Open Close

  Always start with a very small amount: one inhalation or a very small amount ingested. Wait at least 10 minutes before inhaling again and 60 minutes before ingesting any more. If ingesting capsules or oil, please follow the directions on the packaging. If you’re new to ingesting cannabis, consider ingesting very small amounts and waiting at least an hour to determine a product’s full effect.

  The effects of cannabis vary from person to person and will also depend on the type of product and method used for consumption, along with other personal factors that can include genetics, existing mental health conditions, current mood, age, personality, sex and whether cannabis has been consumed often enough to develop a tolerance.

  If you’re new to consuming cannabis or looking for a milder psychoactive effect, choose products with lower THC potency or cannabis products that contain CBD. If you prefer to avoid any potential for intoxication, opt for 100% CBD products.

• What is CBD? Open Close

  CBD is short for cannabidiol and is another common cannabinoid in cannabis. When consumed, CBD affects various processes in your body but does not produce an intoxicating effect.

• What is THC? Open Close

  Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the most common cannabinoid in cannabis. It is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating “high” that may be experienced when it’s consumed.