Cannabis Info

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

  The product catalogue on OCS.ca includes a selection of edible products that do not contain animal products. Indicating ingredients, possible allergens, gluten or sulphites is a mandatory labelling requirement for all edible products. See nutritional labels 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, including peanuts and tree nuts.

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

  Whether the product is produced in a nut-free environment depends on the Licensed Producer’s facility. However, packaging of all edibles will list potential allergens that are or could be present in the product, including peanuts and tree nuts. 

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

  No, the cannabidiol (CBD) molecule is the same regardless of whether it comes from hemp or cannabis.

• 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 Licensed 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 consumption.

• 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. The “Total THC” and “Total CBD” listed on a product label represent the levels of active cannabinoids the cannabis product may have when consumed (either consumed as purchased, as in an edible or capsule, or when consumed through heating, as in a vape, pre-roll or dried flower).

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

  Cannabis labels must list the date the cannabis was packaged, which indicates when the finished product was placed and sealed in its final packaging. Expiry dates, which are used to communicate the stability of the product in regard 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 Centre at 1-888-910-0627 or by Chat.
  

• 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, extracts, vape cartridges and ingestible oils list cannabinoid content in milligrams per gram of product. Pre-rolls, beverages, topicals and capsules list total cannabinoid content per unit or per package. Learn more about how to understand cannabinoid content on product labels. 
  

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

  Cannabis plants require a lot of attention and very specific conditions to thrive. To grow cannabis, 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. 

  Signs that plants are ready to harvest include yellowing leaves, pistils turning orange or amber, calyxes swelling and trichomes changing from clear to milky or amber.

• 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 of seeds guaranteed? Open Close

  No. Germination is not guaranteed because there are 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 increase with heavy, prolonged consumption and regular consumption at an early age.

   

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

  How long cannabis stays in your system depends on individual factors, such as 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 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be detectable in the bloodstream for up to seven days or more, depending on several factors, including frequency of consumption.

  There are few reports of secondary intoxication (for example, from second-hand smoke), 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 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will have an intoxicating effect or produce a “high.” However, some cannabis products contain exclusively cannabidiol (CBD) and generally have no intoxicating effects.

• Can I cook with cannabis? Open Close

  Yes, you can cook with cannabis, but it takes practice to create cannabis-infused products that are consistently dosed.

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

  How much cannabis you can safely consume entirely depends on you and your body. Knowing your limit is impossible if you’ve never tried cannabis before. Even if you have, each session can introduce new variables that may affect the experience, from differences in the product format, consumption method or potency to changes in your environment or mood. Consider recording the amount you consume and monitoring your experience to fully understand how much cannabis is right for you.

• What is CBD? Open Close

  CBD, or cannabidiol, is 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. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, affecting mood, memory, appetite and pain perception.