FAQ

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.

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.

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. 

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

“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.

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).

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 specific questions, contact our Customer Service Centre.

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. 

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.

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.

To make your checkout experience easy and quick, OCS.ca uses Google autocomplete for address forms. When you start entering the first few characters of your address, Google autocomplete provides options that can prevent incorrectly typed addresses and expedite the checkout process.

Your personal information is kept only as long as it is necessary for the purposes it was collected and for any legal requirements, after which it is destroyed in a timely and secure manner. 

To see how we protect and use your information, please review our Privacy Statement. If you have additional questions, contact our Customer Service Centre at 1-888-910-0627.

There are currently three options for delivery:

• Same-Day Delivery by Domain Express – $8 ($7.08 + HST)
• Express Delivery (within three days) by Domain Express – No Charge
• Canada Post – Xpresspost Delivery (within five to 10 business days) by Canada Post – No Charge

Which delivery options am I eligible for?

Same-Day and Express Delivery are currently available to select customers in Southern Ontario. We are continuously working with our delivery partners to consider opportunities to expand coverage for this service to new postal codes.

Canada Post – Xpresspost Delivery is available throughout Ontario.

To find out which delivery options are available to you, check our list of delivery areas or enter your postal code at checkout. 

For Same-Day and Express Deliveries

• When submitting your order, please enter a mobile phone number (no landlines, please). We will text you order updates.
• If you select the Same-Day Delivery option, your order will arrive the same day between 5 p.m and 10:30 p.m. The cut-off time for Same-Day Delivery is 1:30 p.m.
• If you select the Express Delivery option, your order will arrive within three days between 5 p.m and 10:30 p.m.
• Get more information about delivery options.

For Canada Post – Xpresspost Deliveries

Your order will be delivered to your door within five to 10 business days.

Yes. We accept all major prepaid credit cards. We recommend keeping your prepaid credit card until you’ve received and are satisfied with your order — if there’s a problem with your order, we can issue refunds only to the card used at checkout. 

Authorized Cannabis Stores set and manage their own return and exchange policies. Please contact the store you purchased the product from.

If you purchased a product from an Authorized Cannabis Store and you’ve experienced an adverse reaction, reach out to the retailer to initiate a return or exchange. The store will then open an investigation with the OCS regarding the product.

If you purchased a product directly from OCS.ca and you’ve experienced an adverse reaction, please contact us at 1-888-910-0627, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. One of our customer service representatives will be able to assist you further. See our Return Policy.

You may also choose to report an adverse reaction directly to Health Canada.

Yes. If you choose Same-Day or Express delivery at checkout, you will need to show the delivery driver a valid government-issued photo ID that proves you are 19 years of age or older. To accept a delivery from a Canada Post delivery agent, you must show an original valid government-issued photo ID and sign for the package. An order can be delivered only to an adult 19 years of age or older.

Orders placed with a PO box for Same-Day or Express delivery will be returned to the OCS Distribution Centre. A refund will be issued once the return is processed.

Get the latest information on delivery and shipping methods, timing and fees.

Yes. International customers are able to place orders on OCS.ca provided the order is delivered to an address within Ontario. The OCS will deliver products only to addresses in Ontario. Anyone who is 19 years of age or older and lives at the residence may accept your order, as long as they show valid government-issued photo ID. 

Your privacy is important to us. To see how we protect and use your information, please review our Privacy Statement.

To deactivate your OCS account, please reach out to our Customer Service Centre by calling us at 1-888-910-0627 or through Live Chat.

No, you do not have to make an OCS account to purchase products. You can still buy products without an account through our guest checkout.

With an OCS account, you can enjoy faster checkout, view your order history, add and edit your saved addresses, and more features to come!

If you purchased a product from an Authorized Cannabis Store and you’ve experienced an adverse reaction, reach out to the retailer to initiate a return or exchange. The store will then open an investigation with the OCS regarding the product.

If you purchased a product directly from OCS.ca and you’ve experienced an adverse reaction, please contact us at 1-888-910-0627, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, from Monday to Saturday. One of our customer service representatives will be able to assist you further. 

You may also choose to report an adverse reaction directly to Health Canada.

Every legal cannabis product is packaged in child-safe, tamper-proof packaging to protect youth from the harms of cannabis. Additionally, because THC is intoxicating, the label for any product containing THC above 10 micrograms per gram will feature a red icon to indicate the presence of THC and a message highlighted in yellow carrying a health-related warning.

To help protect others, especially children or youth, Health Canada suggests that you make cannabis unfit for consumption prior to disposing of it. One method of disposing cannabis is to blend the cannabis with water and mix it with cat litter, to mask the odour, and then place it in your regular household garbage.

Cannabis use has health risks that are best avoided by not using it. However, there are steps that can be taken that will reduce the health risks associated with use:

• Delay cannabis use until later in life (after the age of 25)
• Avoid using synthetic cannabis (e.g., K2, Spice) 
• Avoid use of cannabis before operating a vehicle, and wait at least six hours after using cannabis before operating a vehicle
• Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or tobacco
• Avoid smoking cannabis
• Limit and reduce how often you use cannabis

Find out more about how to reduce the risks of consuming cannabis.

There is no evidence to suggest that any level of cannabis consumption is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may pose risks to both the pregnant person and the baby.

There is limited evidence that suggests cannabis consumption is a “gateway drug,” likely to precede the use of other legal and illegal substances and the development of addiction to other substances. The majority of people who consume cannabis do not go on to use other substances, such as stimulants or opioids.

Inhaling smoke of any kind can lead to lung damage and respiratory problems. Certain smoking practices, such as deep inhalation or holding your breath, increase these risks. Cannabis smoke contains chemicals and tar that are similar to tobacco smoke.

It is possible to consume too much cannabis, but understanding the signs and risks of overconsumption will ensure you’re making informed decisions. 

While there have been no reported adult deaths from overconsumption of cannabis, you’re not likely to hear anyone recommend the experience. Consuming too much cannabis can be quite unpleasant, although the effects are generally temporary. If you’re new to cannabis — especially if you’re new to edibles — the best approach is to start low and go slow.

Free, confidential help is available in Ontario. You can talk to a healthcare provider or contact a support group. Learn more about cannabis use disorder.

Combining cannabis with alcohol or medications can lead to unpredictable effects and increased risk of addiction or adverse reactions. Find out more about the risks of mixing substances.

Your privacy is important to us. To see how we protect and use your information, please review our full Privacy Statement.

We are currently unable to predict when products will be back in stock. Check online to see if your favourite products are available, or use the Store Locator to find the closest Authorized Cannabis Store.
 
If the product is marked as “Out of Stock,” then it will come back in stock in the near future. But if the product is no longer listed on OCS.ca, then it has been discontinued. 

Yes. The Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation Act, 2017 allows First Nations band councils to request that we not deliver recreational cannabis and related products to their reserve, and that we will make reasonable efforts to comply with the request in a timely manner.

See the list of First Nations communities we do not deliver cannabis and related products to.

The OCS is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its customers’ personal information. The OCS Privacy Statement explains how we ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the personal information you provide to us.

No. The OCS does not give medical advice or fill medical prescriptions.

The OCS requires age verification on its website and works with delivery partners to ensure cannabis is not delivered to anyone under 19. Find out more about buying legal cannabis.

The OCS offers a 14-day Return Policy on all orders of cannabis products from OCS.ca at no cost. Products must be returned in original condition within 14 days of delivery. Once we receive your package and process the return, a refund, not including the shipping fee, will be processed via the original method of payment within three to five business days.

Yes. As long as you are 19 years of age or older with a delivery address within Ontario, you can buy online as a guest. You are not required to register for an account in order to browse or buy any products.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about topicals.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Yes. By Canadian law, you are permitted to grow up to four plants in your home (not per person).

Cannabis plants are annuals, and because they are not indigenous to Ontario, outdoor growing is challenging. Plant them outside in mid- to late spring in a private, fenced-in spot with good soil and plenty of sun and space, and water them regularly. 

Ontarians aged 19 and over are legally allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants per home (not per person) for personal use. 

Currently, you can smoke or vape recreational cannabis in your private home, in your unit or on your balcony (depending on your building rules); in many outdoor public places (like sidewalks and parks); in designated guest rooms in hotels, motels or inns; residential boats or vehicles fitted with permanent sleeping accommodations and cooking facilities when parked or anchored and meet other criteria; and in controlled areas in long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, residential hospices, provincially funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric facilities or veterans’ facilities. However, other laws and policies may apply to restrict cannabis use in these places, such as municipal by-laws, condo by-laws, lease agreements and the policies of employers and property owners.

No. Never cross the Canadian border with your legally purchased cannabis. Cannabis remains an illegal substance in the U.S. and many other countries, despite some states legalizing cannabis for non-medical and medical purposes.

No. According to the Cannabis Act, parents and guardians can face significant legal consequences for distributing cannabis to a minor. Cannabis may be legally purchased and consumed by adults 19 and older.

All cannabis sold by the OCS and Authorized Cannabis Stores is sourced directly from producers licensed by Health Canada and must be tested and certified by Health Canada–approved labs.

The OCS provides safe, responsible access to legal recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We are Ontario’s sole wholesaler to the province’s Authorized Cannabis Stores and also operate OCS.ca, the Province’s online cannabis retailer, which delivers to consumers in every corner of Ontario. Cannabis products made available from private dispensaries and other illegal sellers are not regulated by Health Canada and are likely to be untested, meaning that the product may be unsafe for consumption. 

Health Canada regulates the production and promotion of legal cannabis across Canada. It ensures public health and safety through strict licensing and quality standards. Find out more about who does what in legal cannabis in Ontario.

In Ontario, you must be at least 19 years of age to buy and possess cannabis. Find out more about buying legal cannabis.

As of October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal across Canada. The public possession limit of a maximum of 30 g of dried cannabis, or the equivalent in other formats, per individual is the same in all provinces and territories. You may travel with cannabis within Canada, but crossing the Canadian border with cannabis remains illegal, even after legalization.