FAQ
OCS provides adults in Ontario with access to reliable cannabis products for responsible use and aims to help consumers separate cannabis myths from facts. If you’re unfamiliar with consuming cannabis or simply trying something new, please visit our Learn section for factual information about cannabis and cannabis consumption.
Cannabis Info
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Do you have vegan or gluten-free edibles?
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?
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?
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?
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?
“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?
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.
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What’s the difference between THC and Total THC on a cannabis product label?
“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.
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Do cannabis products have an expiry date? How do I know if my product is fresh?
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.
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How do I contact the Licensed Producer of my product?
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.
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Why is the cannabinoid content listed differently for dried flower than it is for oils or capsules?
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.
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Why does legal cannabis sometimes cost more than what’s available on the illegal market?
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?
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.
About My Order
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Why does my address fill in automatically when I’m checking out?
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.
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How long do you keep my personal information?
Your personal information is kept only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected and for any legal requirements, after which it is destroyed in a timely and secure manner. All returns are subject to the Return Policy. If you contact us for a refund or to register a complaint about a product you purchased from the OCS, the personal information from your original order will be used. Please ensure all returns are initiated within 14 days of delivery, in accordance with the Return Policy.
Some additional personal information may be collected in the course of delivering your order. This information is only retained for 30 days for the purposes of quality assurance, investigations and processing returns. If you have additional questions, please call our Customer Service Centre at 1-888-910-0627 to speak to someone on our Customer Care team.
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Shipping Update
Due to the Canada Post strike, the "Xpresspost - Canada Post" shipping method is temporarily unavailable. Our other express shipping methods remain available and undisrupted where applicable. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.
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
Xpresspost Delivery (within five to 10 business days) by Canada Post – No Charge
We have waived standard delivery fees (excluding Same-Day) during the pandemic to make delivery service as accessible as possible.
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.
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 Xpresspost Deliveries
Your order will be delivered to your door within five to 10 business days.
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Can I pay with a prepaid credit card?
Yes. We accept all major prepaid credit cards. But don’t get rid of the card just yet. If there’s a problem with your order, we can only issue refunds to the card used at checkout. We recommend keeping your prepaid credit card until you’ve received and are satisfied with your order. -
What should I do if I have a complaint about the quality of product I purchased at an authorized retail store?
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Do I have to be home to receive my order?
If you choose Same-Day or Express Delivery at checkout, you will need to be home to receive your order and provide valid government-issued photo ID which proves you are 19 years of age or older. For Canada Post delivery, if no one is home, the Canada Post delivery agent will leave a delivery notice card with instructions for pickup.
Anyone who is 19 years of age or older may accept your order, as long as they show valid government-issued photo ID.
If your package is being picked up from a Canada Post outlet by someone other than you, they must show valid government-issued photo ID (or a document such as a utility bill) that shows they have the same address as you. If they do not live at the same address, they must show valid government-issued photo ID and either the notice card (signed by you and with their name printed on it) or a letter of authorization or a legal document (such as power of attorney) demonstrating their authority to act on your behalf.
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What will happen to my Same-Day or Express Delivery order if I use a PO box as my shipping address?
Same-Day and Express Delivery orders placed with a PO Box shipping address will be sent back to the OCS warehouse. Once we receive your package and process the return, a refund will be credited via the original method of payment.
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How will my order be delivered?
Our delivery options have changed as we react to COVID-19. For the latest information on delivery and shipping methods, timing and fees, please click here.
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Can I place an order if I’m currently outside of Ontario? (US/International orders)
Yes. International customers are able to place orders on OCS.ca, provided the order is delivered to an address within Ontario.
The OCS will only deliver products to addresses in Ontario.
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How do I contact the Licensed Producer of my product?
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. -
Can the OCS shipping and packaging boxes be recycled?
We make sure that whenever possible, we choose shipping materials that can be re-used or recycled. OCS-branded cardboard boxes, packing paper and packing slips are all fully recyclable. For more information on recycling cannabis packaging, click here. -
Can I recycle my cannabis packaging?
Depending on where you live, most cannabis packaging can be recycled in your curbside recycling program or at your local recycling depot. There are also programs that specialize in non-recyclable waste (such as Terracycle) that accept cannabis packaging from Licensed Producers. To find out more on how you can recycle your cannabis packaging, click here.
Cannabis Health & Safety
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What are some of the safety features of cannabis packaging?
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 package 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. -
How can I safely dispose of cannabis?
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.
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How can I reduce the risks of consuming cannabis?
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
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Can I use cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no known safe amount of cannabis to use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, and can harm a child’s brain development. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume cannabis, as it could harm the fetus or baby. -
Does cannabis consumption lead to other drug use?
There is limited evidence that suggests cannabis use is likely to precede the use of other legal and illicit substances and the development of addiction to other substances. The majority of people who consume cannabis do not go on to use other harder substances, such as stimulants or opioids. -
Is it unhealthy to inhale cannabis smoke?
Inhaling smoke of any kind can lead to lung damage and respiratory problems. Certain smoking practices such as deep-inhalation or holding one’s breath increases these risks. It is known that cannabis smoke contains chemicals and tar that are similar to tobacco smoke. -
Is it possible to overdose on cannabis?
Consuming too much cannabis can result in significantly unpleasant effects, but they should be experienced temporarily. There is no documented case of death resulting from a toxic overdose of cannabis. -
Are there programs to help me if I think I’ve become addicted?
If you feel you have developed a cannabis-use disorder or addiction, help is available. Click here. -
Why shouldn’t alcohol be consumed with cannabis?
Combining cannabis and alcohol can elevate the felt effects and lead to extreme intoxication, dizziness and nausea. Combining cannabis with alcohol can also increase the risk of vulnerable people experiencing psychotic symptoms. Combining the two further lowers concentration and reaction times. -
Why shouldn’t tobacco be consumed with cannabis?
Tobacco is harmful on its own, and the co-use of tobacco and cannabis has been associated with developing a dependence on either substance, negative mental health outcomes, engagement in other risk-taking behaviours, and increased difficulty stopping cannabis use. There is some evidence that suggests combining tobacco with cannabis can lead to smoking initiation as well. In addition, using both substances may also lead to increased health risks compared to using just one or the other, such as the impact on the respiratory system. -
Can I drive while or after using cannabis?
No. Consuming cannabis can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Cannabis consumption affects critical driving skills, for example, causing drowsiness, slowing reaction time and impairing your ability to respond to multiple things at once.
Impaired driving is also illegal — in Canada, it’s a criminal offence with serious consequences, including possible jail time.
The effects of cannabis can last up to 24 hours, depending on individual factors such as your age and genetic makeup, the method of consumption and the potency of the cannabis product. But unlike alcohol, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest a limit that’s safe for driving or a how long a driver should wait to drive after consuming cannabis.
Learn more about how cannabis consumption affects drivers.
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What are the mental health effects of cannabis use?
In some people, cannabis use increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, such as psychosis or schizophrenia. Any cannabis use is associated with a 40% increased risk of psychosis. Consuming cannabis can produce effects that induce mild or temporary symptoms of anxiety, paranoia and delusional beliefs or cause more permanent mental impairment.
Those who start using cannabis at a young age, use it daily, and have a family history of mental illness are at a greater risk. The effects and onset of these illnesses may also be worsened by using higher-strength cannabis products.
Frequent cannabis use has also been associated with an increased risk of suicide, depression and anxiety disorders. Cannabis use may also exacerbate symptoms of existing mental health problems, though further research is required.
Cannabis Products
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What should I do if my vape cartridge has crystallized?
Don’t worry: this doesn’t mean your vape cartridge is defective. In fact, crystallization naturally occurs in vape cartridges that contain around 60% CBD or more. You can try applying a low amount of heat, and then inhaling two to three times. This may help temporarily remedy the crystallization. If that doesn’t work, you can firmly hold the vape cartridge between your palms for two to three minutes. The heat from your hands will heat the oil chamber, which should help decrystallize it temporarily. When the vape cools, the oil will likely recrystallize eventually; you can repeat the above methods before next use as needed.
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What are edibles?
Intended to be consumed via eating or drinking, edibles are made with either cannabis flower or concentrates. Examples include confectioneries, baked goods and beverages.
Edibles are absorbed through the digestive tract and provide a smoke-free option to cannabis, though it can take much longer than smoking or vaping to feel effects. 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.
To learn more about edibles, click here.
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What is an Oral Spray?
Oral spray is cannabis oil — cannabis extract mixed with a neutral oil — that has been packaged in a spray bottle and is taken orally. It can be used as an alternative to smoking or vaporizing dried cannabis. -
How Do I Use an Oral Spray?
Shake the bottle well before using to ensure the extract is evenly mixed with the oil. Typical use is to push down on the pump and spray under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek. -
What are cannabis concentrates?
Concentrates have been extracted from the cannabis flower and processed into a concentrated form, and can be either ingested or inhaled. Examples include cannabis oil, vape cartridge liquid, shatter, wax, kief and tinctures. Effects can be experienced almost immediately after consumption and can last 1-3 hours, depending on the person.
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What are cannabis topicals?
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?
To protect against accidental consumption, ensure products are not appealing to children or youth, and to provide the consumer with the necessary information to make informed decisions, Licensed Producers must adhere to stringent packaging and labelling requirements enforced by the Federal Cannabis Act and Health Canada.
Unfortunately, these stringent requirements result in the mandatory inclusion of bulky and excess packaging, regardless of the quantity of the product ordered. The good news is that most cannabis packaging can be recycled, depending on where you live.
To learn more about cannabis packaging and how to recycle it, click here.
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Can I recycle my cannabis packaging?
Depending on where you live, most cannabis packaging can be recycled in your curbside recycling program or at your local recycling depot. There are also programs that specialize in non-recyclable waste (such as Terracycle) that accept cannabis packaging from Licensed Producers. To find out more on how you can recycle your cannabis packaging, click here.
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Can I send back cannabis packaging to be reused or refilled?
Unfortunately, no. Federal regulations require cannabis products to be securely packaged by licensed producers and sealed with an excise stamp before being delivered to the OCS. Therefore, we are currently unable to refill or reuse cannabis packaging. -
Can the OCS shipping and packaging boxes be recycled?
We make sure that whenever possible, we choose shipping materials that can be re-used or recycled. OCS-branded cardboard boxes, packing paper and packing slips are all fully recyclable. For more information on recycling cannabis packaging, click here. -
Is legal cannabis tested for quality before being sold?
Yes. All cannabis products sold on OCS.ca undergo strict and rigorous testing for harmful substances by federally licensed third-party laboratories, and each product requires a COA (Certificate of Analysis) and a SOA (Statement of Attestation) outlining the product’s lot number with acceptable sample test results that have been checked and verified by a Health Canada approved and designated laboratory.
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My dried flower has lost its moisture content, what can I do?
At the time of packaging, dried flower typically has moisture content between 8 and 15%. However over time, and depending on how it is stored, moisture loss will occur. To re-introduce moisture back into your dried flower, you can add a humidity pack to an airtight container and remove it once the product has reached its desired level of moisture. To browse humidity packs, click here.
Legalization
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Can I grow cannabis plants outdoors?
Cannabis plants are annuals, and because they are not indigenous to our region, 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. Click here for more information on growing your own cannabis plants. -
What are the growing standards and regulations for legal cannabis?
The growing conditions for legal cannabis are strictly monitored and regulated by Health Canada as set out in the federal Cannabis Act. These regulations mean regular inspections of production facilities, growing conditions and product storage. -
Where can I consume cannabis?
Currently, you can smoke or vape your recreational and medical 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.
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Can I go into the United States or any other countries with my legally purchased cannabis?
No. Never cross the border with your legally purchased cannabis. Cannabis remains an illegal drug in the U.S. and many other countries, even despite some states legalizing cannabis for non-medical and medical purposes. -
Can I give cannabis to a minor in my home?
No. According to the Cannabis Act, even parents or guardians can face significant legal consequences for distributing cannabis to a minor, including up to a 14-year prison penalty. The rules and penalties for distributing cannabis to minors are different than those set for alcohol distribution to minors. -
What is the difference between cannabis from the OCS and cannabis from an Authorized Cannabis Store?
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Can I bring cannabis products into Canada from the United States?
No. If you are entering Canada from another country and you have cannabis with you in any form, you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency. Not declaring cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border could lead to arrest and prosecution. -
How can I grow my own plants?
You may purchase seeds from OCS.ca and are legally permitted to grow up to four plants in your home (not per person).
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Who regulates the production and sale of recreational cannabis?
Through Health Canada, the Government of Canada regulates the production of cannabis, while the Government of Ontario authorizes its distribution and sale.
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What is the legal age to purchase cannabis?
In Ontario, you must be at least 19 years of age to buy and possess cannabis. -
Can I grow cannabis at home?
Yes. You can grow up to four plants per private residential dwelling (not per person).
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Can I travel with cannabis outside the province?
As of October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal across Canada. The public possession limit of a maximum of 30 grams per individual is the same in all provinces and territories. Crossing the Canadian border with cannabis remains illegal, even after legalization. More information related to cannabis and travelling across the Canadian border can be found on the Government of Canada’s webpage here.
