Cannabis Products

• What should I do if my vape cartridge has crystallized? Open Close

  Don’t worry — this doesn’t mean your vape cartridge is defective. In fact, crystallization naturally occurs in vape cartridges that contain about 60% CBD or more. Try applying low heat, and then inhaling two or three times. This may temporarily remedy the crystallization. If that doesn’t work, hold the vape cartridge firmly between your palms for two to three minutes. The heat from your hands will heat the oil chamber, which should decrystallize it temporarily. When the vape cools, the oil will likely recrystallize. Repeat the above methods before next use as needed.
  
  

• What are edibles? Open Close

  Edible cannabis products are foods, such as gummies, brownies, cookies and chocolates, and beverages that have been infused with cannabis extracts and concentrates, all of which contain active ingredients, such as the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Edibles are absorbed through the digestive tract and provide a smoke-free option to cannabis, but it can take much longer to feel the effects when ingesting cannabis than when smoking or vaping. However, depending on the dose and potency levels, effects can feel more pronounced and may last longer than the effects you experience when smoking or vaping.

• What is an oral spray? Open Close

  An oral spray is cannabis oil — cannabis extract mixed with a neutral oil — that has been packaged in a spray bottle and is taken orally. Cannabis oral sprays are sprayed into the mouth, typically under the tongue or inside the cheek, for absorption.

• How do I use an oral spray? Open Close

  The cannabinoids in the oral spray are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, allowing for relatively fast onset of effects.

  To use the spray, shake the bottle well, spray under your tongue or inside your cheek and hold it in your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds before swallowing. Always follow the product’s instructions.

• What are cannabis concentrates? Open Close

  Concentrates have been extracted from cannabis flower and processed into a concentrated form. These products can come in liquid or solid form, such as hash, rosin, shatter, wax and kief, and are either ingested or inhaled. Effects can be experienced almost immediately after consumption and can last one to three hours or longer, depending on the person.

   

• What are cannabis topicals? Open Close

  Topicals are cannabis-infused products that are intended to be applied to skin, hair or nails. Infused through the bloodstream, most products do not cause intoxication or psychoactive effects and allow you to feel the therapeutic effects of cannabis without smoking or vaping. Examples of these products include lotions, balms and soaps. To learn more about topicals and what’s next for cannabis in Canada, click here.

• Why does legal cannabis seem to be packaged so excessively? Open Close

  To protect against accidental consumption, ensure products are not appealing to children or youth and provide consumers with the necessary information to make informed decisions, Licensed Producers must adhere to strict packaging and labelling requirements enforced by the federal Cannabis Act and Health Canada. Unfortunately, these requirements result in the mandatory inclusion of bulky and excess packaging, regardless of the quantity of the product ordered. The good news is that cannabis packaging can be recycled, depending on where you live.

• Can I recycle my cannabis packaging? Open Close

  Some cannabis packaging can be recycled in your curbside recycling program or at your local recycling depot, depending on where you live. There are also programs that specialize in non-recyclable waste that accept cannabis packaging from Licensed Producers.

  We make sure that whenever possible, we choose shipping materials that can be reused or recycled. OCS-branded cardboard boxes, packing paper and packing slips are all fully recyclable.

   

• Can I send back cannabis packaging to be reused or refilled? Open Close

  Currently, cannabis packaging cannot be reused or refilled due to health and safety regulations, but some producers are exploring future options. Find out more about recycling cannabis packaging.

• Is legal cannabis tested for quality before being sold? Open Close

  Yes. All cannabis products sold on OCS.ca and at Authorized Cannabis Stores undergo strict and rigorous testing for harmful substances by federally licensed third-party laboratories. Each product requires a certificate of analysis (COA) and a statement of attestation (SOA) outlining the product’s lot number with acceptable sample test results that have been checked and verified by a laboratory approved and designated by Health Canada. 

   

• My dried flower has lost its moisture content, what can I do? Open Close

  At the time of packaging, dried flower typically has a moisture content of 8% to 15%. However, over time, and depending on how it is stored, moisture loss will occur. To reintroduce moisture back into your dried flower, you can add a humidity pack to an airtight container and remove it once the product has reached the desired level of moisture.

• Does dried flower cannabis go bad? Open Close

  If the product is properly stored in a dark, dry place and in an airtight container, it should maintain its full potency until opened. After opening, the product may degrade over time.

• Can I purchase seeds or clones at the OCS for growing my own cannabis at home? Open Close

  By Canadian law, you are permitted to grow up to four plants in your home (not per person). You may purchase seeds from OCS.ca and Authorized Cannabis Stores, and clones from Farmgate Stores. 

• Why does my cannabis product actually weigh more or less than listed on the package? Open Close

  The OCS sells regulated, quality-controlled and tested cannabis products sourced from federally licensed producers authorized by Health Canada. The products that are shipped to the OCS from Licensed Producers are already individually packaged and sealed with an excise stamp. Health Canada sets strict standards for the net weight and net volume included on cannabis product labels. These rules allow for weight and volume to vary from labelled amounts within certain limits. If the product weighs up to 2 g, Health Canada allows for a 10% variance. If the product is more than 2 g, Health Canada allows for a 5% variance.

• What’s the best way to research the products available at OCS? Open Close

  Through OCS.ca, adults 19 years of age or older have access to fact-based information on cannabis products that can help guide purchasing decisions and safe and responsible consumption practices. All cannabis products available through OCS.ca contain information on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, terpene profiles, the Licensed Producer and where the products were grown.

• Can products carried at the OCS be traced back to their source? Open Close

  Yes. In compliance with federal regulations, manufacturer lot information is indicated on every package. 

• How does OCS source products? Open Close

  The OCS only sells cannabis products that are tested and traceable, sourced from federally licensed producers regulated by Health Canada. Find out more about legal cannabis in Ontario.

   

• What do I do with a recalled product? Open Close

  If the recalled product is in your possession and you purchased it directly from the OCS, you may initiate a return. Contact our Customer Service Centre at 1-888-910-0627 or by Chat. We will collect your information and email you a Canada Post label so you can return the product to our Distribution Centre. Once we receive the product, a refund can be processed through the original payment method.