Onset: Seconds to minutes

Duration: Up to 6 hours

Use: Dried flower can be smoked in the form of a joint or packed into an accessory like a pipe, bong or vapourizer. Start by inhaling small amounts of smoke or vapour as the heat can irritate your throat and the onset of effects might be overwhelming for new users. Cannabis flower can also be used to prepare edible products and concentrates.

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The cannabis plant is the root of all cannabis products. You may have heard the terms ‘Sativa’ and ‘Indica’ which refer to two subspecies of cannabis that are most commonly used in products. The Cannabis Sativa variety is known for an energetic and uplifted high while Cannabis Indica produces a calm and laid-back high. Many strains of cannabis nowadays are a hybrid of sativa and indica, resulting in a more balanced experience.

Despite all of this information, cannabis is notorious for having varying effects on different individuals and the only way to know how a strain will affect you is to try it for yourself. 

The cannabinoid content of a strain, more specifically THC and CBD, is another factor contributing to your high. THC and CBD have many of the same medicinal benefits, whereas THC is the one responsible for psychoactive effects. CBD is often preferred by users who want the medicinal effects without the impairing high for this reason. It can also balance out the effects of THC, resulting in a less intense high. 

The assumption that a higher THC content makes for a better product is a common misconception amongst cannabis users. We like to motivate our customers to explore different balances of THC and CBD while focusing on the finer details of a strain like terpenes, the compounds responsible for defining the flavour profile. The most important thing is that you find what works for you and we’re here to help with that.

Onset: Seconds to minutes

Duration: Up to 6 hours

Use: Certain vapourizer units require you to insert prefilled cartridges while others allow you to load your own flower or extract. The next step typically involves holding down a button to heat the product and inhaling the vapour that’s produced. Some more complex units involve a chamber or bag to collect the vapour along with advanced heat controls.

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Vapourizers or ‘vapes’ have gained an enormous amount of popularity in recent years due to their discrete nature and ease of use. They were originally designed to be used with dried flower, yet they have made their way into the world of cannabis extracts allowing for higher potency products and more compact devices. Avoid purchasing vapes and extracts from unlicensed sources as they can contain harmful chemicals that could potentially lead to health complications. 

Dried flower vapourizers work by heating the plant to a precise point where cannabinoids are released into a vapour and the bulk plant matter is left (for the most part) behind. Studies show that this process reduces the amount of carcinogenic compounds produced in comparison to smoking. While it may seem like the ideal option, it’s important to know that vapourizing flower can often leave behind a portion of the cannabinoids that contribute to the high you would experience from smoking it. It’s often described as a cleaner, less intense high.

Onset: Seconds to minutes

Duration: Up to 6 hours

Use: Hold a flame up to the twisted end of the joint, rotating to achieve an even burn. If it catches on fire just blow it out. Next, Inhale smoke through the opposite end. Blow out the first puff of smoke as the excess paper burns away and then inhale the rest or share with a friend until the ember reaches the filter.

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A pre-roll is dried flower rolled into a ready-to-smoke joint. Historically the most popular method of consuming cannabis, joints are preferred thanks to their ease of use and mobility. A joint is made up of dried cannabis wrapped in a rolling paper and a filter to keep pieces of flower or residue from reaching your mouth. 

Rolling papers were traditionally made from wood pulp, but modern-day papers are mostly made from rice, flax or hemp. The downside of joints in comparison to pipes and bongs is the unnecessary inhalation of paper smoke, although it is minimal. If you want to learn more about dried flower, see the ‘Flower’ section above.

Onset: Seconds

Duration: Up to 6 hours

Use: Extracts are usually consumed using a vapourizer or a method called ‘dabbing’ where the product is evaporated on a hot surface and inhaled through a water pipe called a ‘rig’. Most extracts can be smoked in combination with dried-flower, yet it isn’t always recommended as the result can be harsh and wasteful.

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Cannabis extracts (also known as concentrates) can contain very high concentrations of cannabinoids—as much as 90% THC in some forms—and are better suited for experienced users and treating severe medical conditions. Keep in mind, the terms ‘extract’ and ‘concentrate’ can refer to a number of products, both edible and combustible, that are extracted from the cannabis plant.

Combustible extracts come in a variety of forms including kief, hashish (hash), BHO, shatter, budder, wax, dabs and rosin. The process of extracting these products can range from simply sifting dried flower with a screen and collecting keif crystals to solvent based extractions involving fluids that soak up cannabinoids and are later evaporated, leaving only the concentrate. If you feel like you need a highly potent product, our staff can set you up with everything you need to get started with cannabis extracts.

Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Duration: Up to 12 hours

Use: As you may have guessed, cannabis-infused edible products are intended to be eaten. Make sure to note the product’s THC content and start with a small amount (around 2.5 mg of THC), allowing time for it to take effect before gauging how you feel.

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Edibles are a popular smoke-free method of consuming cannabis. This means they come without the risk of carcinogenic compounds found in smoke, but it doesn’t mean they come without any risk. Edibles need to be digested before the cannabinoids are absorbed into your system. The resulting delay of effects can lead users to believe they need to eat more, putting themselves at risk of overconsumption.

Edibles are made by combining an isolated form of cannabinoids called ‘distillate’ with high quality food ingredients. Current regulations limit the THC content of edibles to 10 mg per package.  Generally speaking, the high that comes from consuming edible products is experienced more throughout the body as opposed to the mind. It can also feel more intense for some and last for a longer period of time. 

Please keep all cannabis-infused edible products out of reach from children as they can be easily confused with regular food products.

Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Duration: Up to 12 hours

Use: Enjoy these beverages as instructed on the packaging. They come in ready-to-drink, tea sachet, drink crystals and concentrated forms. 

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Cannabis-infused drinks are a fairly new addition to the world of cannabis products, with the exception of the tea variety, which has been in use for centuries. There are a number of different state-of-the-art methods currently being used to make these drinks, most of which involve solvent based extraction and an emulsification process in order to make the cannabis extract water-soluble. 

We don’t recommend mixing cannabis-infused drinks with alcohol and as with all forms of edibles, remember to pace yourself and allow them time to take effect before consuming more.

Duration: Up to 12 hours

Onset: 40 minutes-2 hours

Duration: Up to 6 hours

Use: Place a few drops under your tongue and wait for the oil to take effect. You can also mix it into a drink or meal of your choice. If you plan to cook with cannabis oil, avoid direct contact with high heat so that you don’t risk evaporating it.

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Edible Cannabis oils or cannabis-infused oils are diluted extractions of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. They often contain both THC and CBD in very precise amounts, along with subtle flavours that accompany the terpenes produced by the plant. These oils come in a number of different forms, including capsules and sprays.

It’s also important to note that the term ‘cannabis oil’ is sometimes used to describe potent extracts that are intended for smoking or vaping. If you are unsure of what product you’re looking for please feel free to ask one of our staff and they will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction.

Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Duration: Up to 12 hours

Use: Read the dosage directions and take the recommended amount of capsules based on cannabinoid content. New users should start with one 2.5 mg capsule and wait for it to take effect before consuming more.

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Oil gel capsules (also known as softgels) are a discreet and measured method for consuming edible cannabis oil. To learn more about edible cannabis oil, read the ‘Oil’ section above. 

Capsules are perfect for maintaining consistent doses, making them popular amongst medicinal users treating chronic conditions. It is recommended to take a controlled amount daily for the most effective medicinal benefits. The onset of a capsule is slightly delayed in comparison to pure oil as the capsule itself needs to dissolve before the contents can take effect.

Use: Topicals are applied externally to either your skin, hair or nails. Read the instructions on the packaging before using cannabis-infused topical products.

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Cannabis-infused topicals will not make you high as they aren’t absorbed into your bloodstream. Instead they are intended to relieve stress, treat joint and muscle pains and promote overall health. That being said, they can still contain fairly high doses of THC. 

Topicals come in the form of creams or salves and contain cannabis-infused oils as their active ingredient. Similar products containing only hemp extracts have been used in skincare for ages and are proven to have beneficial effects. Be sure to ask us what forms of topical cannabinoid delivery we have available. You might be surprised by the abundance of options on the market.

Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Duration: Up to 12 hours

Use: Spray under your tongue or into your cheek after reading the dosage directions. Wait for the oil to take effect before consuming more. You can also mix the spray into a drink or meal of your choice.

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Cannabis oil spray is perhaps the easiest method of consuming edible cannabis oil. To learn more about edible cannabis oil, read the ‘Oil’ section above.

Each spray is accurately dosed, making it a convenient form of cannabinoid delivery for medicinal users. Go ahead and get creative with this product. Spray a couple doses on a salad or into your favourite drink. The possibilities are endless with this product.

Like most other plants, cannabis plants can be male or female. Often referred to as a bud, the flowering tip produced by female (or hermaphroditic meaning both male and female) is harvested for consumption. This part of the plant contains the highest amount of cannabinoids that are responsible for medicinal and psychoactive effects.

The Iconic Leaf

The most universally recognized part of a cannabis plant is the fan leaf. You’ve probably seen it on all sorts of merchandise as it has been a symbol of cannabis culture for years. Ironically, the leaf contains only trace amounts of cannabinoids and isn’t included in the final product.

Indica & Sativa

Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa are the two subspecies most commonly used for consumption while the lesser known Cannabis Ruderalis is used for it’s CBD content. Sativa is known to induce an energizing, uplifting high while Indica usually feels more sedative or relaxing. Hybrid strains have the genetics of both Sativa and Indica, resulting in a balanced high. 

Cannabis subspecies can be differentiated by looking at their leaves. Generally speaking, sativa leaves have 9 narrow fingers, indica leaves have 7 wide fingers and ruderalis leaves have 5 fingers ranging from narrow to wide.

Trichomes

The most crucial parts of the cannabis plant are the trichomes that reside on the flower. Trichomes are tiny mushroom-shaped translucent hairs that protrude from the bud. They are responsible for secreting hundreds of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that make cannabis strains unique and effective.

Two notable active ingredients within cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These are the most abundant cannabinoids amongst hundreds of others secreted by trichomes. They work by attaching themselves to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, altering your state of mind and perception of senses.

THC

The psychoactive effects you experience from consuming cannabis are produced by THC. In other words, it gets you high. This means cannabis products with a higher THC content are going to lead to a more intense experience. This effect can be balanced out by a high CBD concentration because the CBD will bond to cannabinoid receptors leaving less room for THC to attach.

CBD

Having virtually no psychoactive effects, CBD is used by many for its medicinal benefits. In recent years it has gained popularity, allowing users to reap some of the benefits of cannabis throughout their days without being impaired.

There have been many studies conducted where users reported the positive effects of cannabis use for treating things like pain management and mental health. Some of the more specific areas it can help include chronic joint and muscle pain, migraines, inflammatory conditions, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, stress, PTSD, anxiety and side effects of cancer treatment.

The Body

The physical benefits of cannabis come from cannabinoids and their ability to alter the way our brains perceive pain. CBD in specific is thought to help reduce inflammation, making it a safer alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs that can be hard on your body. In some instances cannabis can be used to replace synthetic opioids, reducing the chances of addiction and severe side effects. That being said, cannabis hasn’t been found very effective for managing high levels of pain like those experienced following a surgery or a broken bone.

The Mind

Cannabis use for treating mental disorders can have life-changing benefits, however the experiences from user to user vary greatly and in some cases, can have contradictory effects. For this reason, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis to treat conditions like anxiety. One thing we know from experience is that using cannabis can help with loss of appetite­—cue the ‘munchies’—and getting a good night’s sleep.

Terpenes are a fairly new topic of discussion in the cannabis world. Found in most plants and sometimes referred to as ‘terpenoids’, they are organic aromatic compounds secreted by the glandular trichomes found on the cannabis plant. There’s a lot of complex science behind what they do and how they work but in the simplest terms, they give cannabis strains their unique smells and flavours. They’re also believed to affect cannabinoid function and influence how you feel.

The Starting Lineup

Here is a list of some the most common terpenes found in cannabis, along with their flavours and effects:

Myrcene
Aroma: Cloves, earthy, herbal, tropical
Possible effects: Calming, relaxing
Possible treatments: Oxidation, insomnia, pain, inflammation
Also found in: Basil, Lemongrass, mangoes

Limonene
Aroma: Sweet, Citrus
Possible Effects: Uplifting, energizing, focusing
Possible treatments: Stress, anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, cancer
Also found in: Lemons, limes, juniper, rosemary

Caryophyllene
Aroma: Pepper, wood, spicy, cloves
Possible Effects: Soothing, uplifting
Possible treatments: Pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, depression, ulcers
Also found in: Black peppercorns, oregano, cinnamon, cloves

Terpinolene
Aroma: Pine, sweet, floral, herbal
Possible Effects: Uplifting
Possible treatments: Oxidation, fungus, bacteria, cancer
Also found in: Tea trees, lilacs, apples, pine, nutmeg

Pinene
Aroma: Pine, earthy
Possible Effects: Alertness, energizing
Possible treatments: Memory loss, anxiety, asthma, pain, inflammation, ulcers, cancer
Also found in: Pine needles, parsley, dill, sage

Humulene
Aroma: Bitter, wood, floral, hops
Possible Effects: Restful
Possible treatments: Inflammation, bacteria
Also found in: Hops, ginseng, coriander, ginger

Ocimene
Aroma: Sweet, citrus, herbal 
Possible Effects: Refreshing
Possible treatments: Virus, infection, fungus, bacteria, congestion
Also found in: Mint, parsley, Orchids

Linalool
Aroma: Floral
Possible Effects: Calming, soothing
Possible treatments: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, neurodegenerative disease
Also found in: Lavender, coriander, birch bark

A pipe is an easy-to-use alternative to rolling joints. They can be made of glass, metal, stone and occasionally wood. We recommend glass pipes due to their easy to clean, non-porous surface, not to mention the compelling artistry that goes into making them. 

How do I use it?

To use a pipe, simply pack the bowl-shaped opening with ground flower and inhale through the mouthpiece while burning the contents. Make sure you are sucking in enough air to pull the flame into the bowl otherwise the cannabis won’t burn. If you don’t have a grinder feel free to pick the flower apart by hand.

What’s a Carb?

Many pipes come with a hole on the side called a carburetor (often referred to as a ‘carb’ or ‘shotgun’) that is used to regulate airflow and clear the chamber of smoke. Cover the carb with your finger while lighting the bowl and then release to clear the chamber. Partially covering the carb while inhaling smoke will introduce more airflow for a smoother hit.

The Benefits

Pipes allow the user to choose exactly how much cannabis they want to consume, whereas a joint requires a minimum amount to function properly. A pipe also eliminates the unwanted smoke produced by rolling papers, making it a slightly healthier option. The main downsides to using a pipe instead of a joint are having to maintain it and carrying around an accessory that can potentially give off a strong odour.

A bong (also known as a water pipe) can be daunting for new users because of it’s size and seemingly complex appearance, but If used properly it can be a very efficient and effective method of smoking cannabis. Most bongs range in size from about eight inches to three feet tall. They’re most commonly made out of glass, yet there are less costly options out there like acrylic and silicone.

How do I use it?

To use a bong you will first need to fill it with cold water. Basic bongs only require water in the base up to about an inch or two below the bowl opening. Some bongs will have an ash catcher or sectioned off percolators that also require water.

Once your water levels look good, pack the bowl with ground (or hand picked) flower and exhale most of the air out of your lungs. Place the mouthpiece against the surrounding area of your mouth, making sure to create an airtight seal. You can test the seal by sucking in and confirming that the water bubbles. Don’t make the mistake of blowing air into the bong as all of your weed will end up on the floor in a puddle of shame.

Next, hold a lighter up to the bowl and start inhaling, sucking the flame into the bowl to burn the flower. The bong should then begin to fill up with smoke. When you’ve burned the desired amount of product, remove the bowl from the bong (be careful not to pull out the down-stem) and inhale quickly to clear out the smoke. It might take a few breaths to clear it entirely. 

Be cautious when using a bong and start with a small amount—the smaller the better—to avoid consuming too much at one time. The smoke fills the bong before entering your lungs, making it easy to underestimate the amount you’re consuming. This leads to an uncomfortable experience for many first-time users.

What’s a percolator?

A percolator (commonly referred to as a perc) is a section of the bong that creates bubbles, breaking the smoke up within the water for a better cooling effect. Percs come in many different intricate shapes and forms , yet they all have the same purpose. You might also see slits or holes on the end of the down-stem. This is referred to as a diffuser and is also intended to further cool the smoke.

What’s an ash catcher?

An ash catcher is an attachment that houses a diffuser or a perc and sits in-between the bowl and down-stem. It cools the smoke and as you may have guessed, it catches any ash or bits of flower before they reach the bong. This acts as an initial filter and helps to keep the rest of the bong clean.

The Benefits

The heat from cannabis smoke can be harsh on your throat and lungs. When traveling through a bong, smoke goes through different stages of percolation and loses it’s heat to the water. Some people even believe that the water filters out a portion of the carcinogens in cannabis smoke, yet there hasn’t been definitive research proving this. Thanks to the cooling effect, a bong can allow users to take in a greater dose of cannabinoids in one go, making it a quick and efficient method for medicinal uses.

A vapourizer is an electric device that uses controlled heat to turn cannabinoids and terpenes into vapour without burning unnecessary plant matter. They’re considered to be a healthier, more discreet alternative to smoking, especially when it comes to odour. Vapourizers are typically used for either extracts or dried-flower, although there are certain types that can accommodate both.

Cartridge/Extract Vapes

A cartridge vapourizer (commonly known as a ‘vape’) consists of a battery and a separately sold cartridge of cannabis extract. Certain disposable options come preloaded with built-in cartridges. These vapes have gained a lot of popularity since legalization, but be careful as to not buy one from an unlicensed seller as they can contain potentially harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for a little more freedom, you might be interested in an extract vapourizer that allows you to load your own product.

Flower Vapourizers

Dried flower vapourizers work by heating the plant to a precise point where cannabinoids are released into a vapour and the bulk plant matter is left (for the most part) behind. This greatly reduces the amount of unwanted smoke and carcinogens being inhaled. It is important to know that vapourizing flower can often leave behind a portion of the cannabinoids that contribute to the high you would experience from smoking it. Users often describe it as a cleaner, less intense high.

The Benefits

If you want a healthier alternative to consuming cannabis and edibles aren’t your thing, vapourizers might be the option for you. There’s currently only a small amount of research on the long-term effects of cartridge vapes, but what we do know tells us that vapourizers in general produce a minimal amount of carcinogens and unwanted compounds in comparison to smoking.

A dab rig is a small water pipe used exclusively for vapourizing certain extracts. These extracts include shatter, rosin, live resin, wax, distillate and hash (as long as it’s full melt or six star). Dab rigs are generally smaller than bongs—most being under 12 inches tall—because they’re intended for a small amount of vapour. Due to the high cannabinoid concentration in extracts, dabbing results in an immediate and intense high that might be preferred by regular cannabis users and for treating severe medical conditions.

How do I use it?

You will need the following items to get started with dabbing:

- Cannabis extract/concentrate
- Dab rig or a small bong
- Dabber
- Nail or a banger
- Torch
- Dome (depending on the type of nail in use)
Carb cap (optional)

After fitting the rig with a nail of choice, fill it to the recommended level with water. When gently inhaling, the perfect amount of water should bubble without splashing your mouth. Collect a small amount of extract using the end of your dabber and keep it on standby. 

Ignite your torch and begin heating the nail with the end of the flame. Make sure you’re in a safe space without anything flammable nearby and be very cautious as to not touch the hot surface. After roughly 45 seconds, turn off your torch and let the nail cool for about a minute.

While inhaling, take your dabber and dab the extract on the nail, moving it around until the product falls off the dabber. Finish by using your carb cap over the nail to enclose the heat and evaporate the remaining low-temperature extract. Be sure to let everything cool down before accidentally touching the dangerously hot nail.

Nail vs Banger

There are a variety of nails and bangers on the market so it’s important for you to do some research before using yours. Nails can be made from either ceramic or titanium whereas bangers are usually made from quartz. A regular nail requires a glass dome around it to funnel vapour into the rig yet domeless nails with holes for the vapour are the more popular choice these days. Another more costly option is an e-nail which heats the nail electronically, eliminating the need for a torch.

Bangers are perhaps easier to use and offer inexpensive options. They look like small buckets and offer plenty of space to dab your extract. Quartz is however much more fragile than titanium. Aside from durability, the main difference between nails and bangers is their heat retention. Titanium takes more time to heat than quartz and it holds heat for a longer period.

The Benefits

Dabbing is hands down the most effective method for consuming the highest concentration of cannabinoids. This can be very useful for treating severe chronic pain and onset of other medical conditions. It can also lead to a very uncomfortable experience for inexperienced cannabis users. If you’re giving it a try for the first time, remember to start with a small amount and go slow.

A grinder is used to break down flower into small pieces for use in joints, smoking accessories and vapourizers. This is a critical process as large chunks of bud won’t properly burn all the way through and they restrict airflow. Grinders can be made from acrylic, wood or metal ranging in price from low to high respectively. We believe—and most people would agree—that metal grinders are the best option because they stay sharp, they’re durable, and they simply work.

How do I use it?

A grinder is very straightforward and easy to use. Pop open the lid and insert a few buds into the teeth. The smaller the buds, the easier it will work. Place the lid back on top and twist it back and forth while holding the base. Continue until there is almost no resistance. The next step depends on the type of grinder you have.

2-piece Grinders

These are the most basic options on the market and they consist of a base and lid, both equipped with teeth. Once you have ground your flower you will need to pour it out onto a surface and store it in a separate container. 2-piece grinders are typically the smallest and most affordable option.

3-piece Grinders

3-piece grinders are similar to their 2-piece counterpart, with the addition of a compartment for your cannabis. As flower is ground it will fall through holes and land in the compartment for storage. This can be handy for temporarily storing your cannabis but since it isn’t airtight your product will dry out relatively fast.

4-piece Grinders

These are probably the best options available. 4-piece grinders have an additional low-profile section at the bottom for collecting kief or pollen. The floor of the cannabis compartment is made up of a screen, allowing any kief that falls off of the ground flower to pass through. These grinders usually come with a small tool for sweeping the screen to keep it from clogging up.

Once you have collected enough kief you can smoke it alone or with cannabis for a more potent hit. You can also add a bit of moisture and press it into a small brick of hash.

Screens are essential in keeping bits of flower and ash from entering an accessory. We recommend using them with any pipe or bong when possible. They do eventually clog up with residue and require replacing, but it’s well worth it to keep your piece cleaner and avoid the oh so dreaded ‘mouth weed’ from ruining your experience. 

What type of screen should I use?

Screens are either made of brass, steel or glass, all of which require a bit of residue to hold themselves in a bowl. Steel screens are known to last a little longer than their brass counterparts, yet brass tends to be more malleable and easy to place in a bowl. Be careful with glass screens as they are often very small and easily lost.

A cannabis product label is loaded with information and it can be quite daunting to make sense of it all. To help you out we’ve broken it down into smaller, easier to manage sections.

THC & CBD Content

The first thing you need to know (if you don’t already) is the two main types of cannabinoids in cannabis. They are referred to as THC and CBD. If you want to learn more about these compounds read the ‘What is Cannabis?’ section above. A cannabis label will always list the number of active cannabis compounds present in the product. Their contents are listed in different formats depending on the type of product. Based on what form of cannabis you have, you might find THC and CBD content listed in:

- Milligrams per gram or mg/unit (for flower, softgels)
- Milligrams per gram or mg/g (for cannabis oils)
- Milligrams or mg/unit (for edibles)

When looking at a cannabis flower label, the numbers you’ll want to keep in mind are listed after ‘TOTAL THC’ and ‘TOTAL CBD’. These refer to the amount of each compound that will be available after heating your flower (by way of smoking or vapourizing).

‘Packaged On’ & ‘Best Before’

Both the expiry date (if any) and the date the cannabis product was packaged will be listed on the label. Pay attention to these dates so you can enjoy your flower and edibles at their freshest. 

What’s the Weight?

Consumers in Canada are limited to 30 grams of flower (or equivalent in extracts/edibles) per purchase. Quantity of dried cannabis flower is measured in grams and displayed clearly on the label. That being said, you may notice a slight difference in weight if you were to place your cannabis on a scale. Cannabis buds are not all the same, so government regulations allow producers slight variance in product weight. 

If a dried cannabis product is under two grams, you might find that the package actually contains ten percent more or less than the listed weight. If the product weighs more than two grams, then you may notice up to a five percent difference. In practical terms, that means that if you purchase 3.5 grams of dried flower, you may actually get anywhere from 3.325 to 3.675 grams.

Warning Label

Much like with tobacco products, it is required by law that cannabis producers must include a warning label on their packaging. These warnings are to help educate consumers on any possible side effects and can outline the negative effects to higher risk users, like children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even if you’re not high risk, we still recommend you read these labels and keep yourself educated. The More You Know, the better!

Where Was It Made?

Canadian cannabis is grown by licensed producers that have received governmental accreditation and approval to cultivate, process, and distribute cannabis. If you’re ever looking to get in touch with a licensed producer, their information, including company name and contact details, will be clearly displayed on the label.

Lot Number

All Canadian consumer goods require a lot number to be recorded and displayed on the package. The lot number provides specific information regarding the exact batch of cannabis that was harvested or extracted for your product. If a product is recalled due to contamination, this lot number allows you, the producer, and public health officials to identify and sort out the affected items. 

The lot number also provides information regarding potency. Cannabis is harvested every 8 to 12 weeks. Each harvest is batch-tested and its THC and CBD contents are recorded; it is then associated with a unique lot number so it can be tracked.

Hopefully this helped clear some things up for you! If you have any further questions or concerns regarding anything cannabis related, please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Purchasing cannabis can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. The good news is that things have changed a lot in terms of how and where to buy cannabis. You no longer need to meet someone in a gas station parking lot or a back alley, and you don’t have to worry about getting the low grade ‘snicklefritz’ or ‘schwag’ weed. 

These days you can buy cannabis in a well-lit, beautifully designed space like our store. With its warm and inviting atmosphere it makes for a much more enjoyable experience. That being said, it can still be overwhelming to a newcomer if you don’t know what you’re looking for. We want to create the most stress-free shopping process possible, so we’ve highlighted some key points to keep in mind when buying cannabis.

Focus on the Feeling

Cannabis is about more than just getting high. It offers a wide range of benefits and you may be surprised to find that one strain is much better suited to your needs than the next. When you enter our store, come prepared with an idea as to what you want to feel when using cannabis, whether it be feeling uplifted, relaxed or anything in-between.

Help Us Help You (The More Questions the Merrier)

Our brand ambassadors are well educated and ready to answer any questions you have regarding the method or strain of cannabis that is right for you. It is our goal to ensure that you leave with the right product, so no question is off the table. Ask away!

Do You Want to Achieve Anything Specific?

Do you want to feel uplifted or more sedated? Are you looking to treat anxiety, depression, pain, or something else? Knowing what you’d like to achieve when using cannabis will be crucial to pairing you up with the right product.

Don’t Pay Too Much Attention to The Names

Cannabis has changed a lot over the past few decades. Some of the names of the strains might be the same, but the cannabis and what’s in it has most likely changed drastically. Nowadays, the names don’t carry much meaning because growers have played around with cross-pollination and the genetics of the plants. Knowing the name of something you enjoyed before can be a good start, but it helps more to know what effect you are seeking.

Drop The High THC Mindset

If your only focus is to find something with a high THC content, you may be missing out on a product that is much better suited to you. There is more than just THC to take into account, like CBD and all of the wonderful terpenes that are out there. Full spectrum products, those with a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, are becoming more popular as they can offer a wider variety of experiences to achieve that specific feeling.

Don’t Be a Know-It-All

Even if you’re an experienced cannabis user, try your best not to force a specific cannabis product on a friend or relative. Encourage them to go at their own pace and explore what works best for them. As with most things, using cannabis is a subjective experience and your perfect strain may be different from someone else’s.

The label on your cannabis product should briefly tell you how and where to store your product. Cannabis products should be kept in cool and dry environments. Heat and sunlight can degrade the active compounds in cannabis, reducing both its quality and potency over time. We recommend you keep your product in an air-tight, and preferably opaque, container. A glass jar is a common go-to storage option amongst cannabis users; just be careful to keep it away from sunlight if it’s clear. Avoid storing flower in the fridge or freezer as too much moisture could cause it to spoil. If it freezes, valuable trichomes become brittle and are at risk of breaking off of the bud.

As with anything adults enjoy that children should not, keep your product out of sight and out of reach from anyone under the legal age in your province.

We all wish we could roll the perfect joint, and most of us probably know the steps needed to accomplish the task at hand, but it is definitely a skill that is learned through practice and repetition.

To help you out, here’s a step by step guide on how to roll a joint. Take notes and remember to be patient. We’ve included a link from our friends over at Leafly, who have laid it out for you in a short video:

How to Roll a Joint >

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need the following items before getting started:

- Your dried cannabis flower of choice
- Rolling papers
- Filters or paper to make a filter
- A grinder (or equivalent)
- Patience

Step 2: Grind Your Cannabis

Break down your dried flower into fine pieces using a grinder. If you don’t have a grinder available, small scissors will be your next best option. If you can, try to avoid using your fingers to break down your cannabis as they will get sticky, making it harder to handle the paper.

Step 3: Fashion A Filter

Create a filter using filter paper. Thin cardboard or a strip of a business card should work just fine too. You can roll the whole paper into a neat spiral or start with a couple accordion folds, spiraling around the folds afterwards. A filter isn’t absolutely necessary, but it will elevate your joint to the next level. It also makes rolling a touch simpler and keeps the cannabis more secure in your joint.

Step 4: Fill The Joint

Hold your paper with the strip of glue away from you, and the glue facing up. Place your filter to one end of the paper and fill the rest of the space with your ground flower (half a gram should do if you’re using 1 1/4 sized paper). Now you will begin to shape your joint, holding it with your thumbs in front and your first two fingers on each hand supporting the back.

Step 5: Shape The Joint

Pinch the paper between your fingers and roll it back and forth slowly, packing and shaping it into a slight cone.

Step 6: Roll The Joint

Once you have the cannabis formed into its desired shape, tuck and roll the unglued side of the paper (the one closer to you) over the filter and then over the cannabis. You can secure the first part of the tuck near the filter with a bit of moisture. Moisten the rest of the glue and continue tucking and rolling the unglued side over the cannabis, working your way to the end. Try to avoid creating a barrel shape by tucking it all at once, instead aim to create a cone. As you may have guessed, this is the hardest part of the process and therefore requires the most patience. We recommend you refer to the linked video if you can.

Step 7: Finalize Your Masterpiece

Using the backside of a pen or a similar shaped object, gently pack the cannabis through the open end of your joint. Finish up by giving the remaining paper on the end a twist, sealing your cone of delight.

Step 8: Light It Up

Reap the rewards by lighting the twisted end and inhaling through the filter. You can rotate the joint as you light it to ensure it burns evenly. Enjoy!

We all have a preferred method when it comes to consuming cannabis, be it a pipe, bong, bubbler, one-hitter, dab rig, or any other device that may be out there. Keeping these accessories clean and free of build-up and resin makes for a purer and all around enhanced cannabis experience.

Like most things in life, regular upkeep will ensure your accessories are working at their best and for as long as possible. We should all do our part to take full advantage of what cannabis has to offer us.

The cleaning process is generally the same from one accessory to another. Your main goal is to remove the build-up of resin that accumulates in the nooks and crannies of your piece.

What Will I Need?

If you want to get your piece looking and working like new again, you’ll need to grab a few things first. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
- Coarse salt (epsom or sea salt)
- Cotton swabs, pipe cleaners or brushes
- Cleaning caps or plugs (for bongs and dab rigs)
- A sealable plastic bag (heavy duty is better)
- Dish soap & hot water
- Rubber gloves

You can always substitute the alcohol and coarse salt with a brand name cleaner such as Randy’s Black Label, which will work on any glass, metal and ceramic material.

We recommend wearing your gloves throughout the following processes.

Pipes and One-Hitters

If you are cleaning your pipe or one-hitter, place it in the plastic bag and add enough alcohol to submerge it entirely. Add a generous amount of salt (a small handful should do). Shake the bag for a minute or so to mix everything up and allow the salt to get inside the pipe. Let it sit for up to 12 hours, then give it another good shake. 

Rinse everything out and remove any remaining build-up with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner. Next, wash the pipe with soap and warm water and then rinse it thoroughly. Repeat the process if it wasn’t cleaned to your satisfaction the first time around, making sure to add fresh salt. Let your pipe dry before using it again. Once it’s ready to go, feel free to pack a fresh bowl and feel good knowing you’re experiencing the true flavour of your flower.

Bongs and Dab Rigs

The process for cleaning your bong or dab rig is the same as a pipe, except the size probably won’t allow you to place the whole thing in a bag. You do however want to remove any bowls, downstems and other accessories and clean them the same way you would a pipe. 

When it comes to the main part of your piece, fill it with enough salt and alcohol so it will reach all areas, but not so much that it doesn’t allow space for proper agitation. Let it soak for up to 12 hours. Cover the open ends with plugs or caps and give it a good shake. If you don’t have plugs or caps you can try covering the openings with your hands as long as you’re wearing gloves. Repeat until you are satisfied with the level of cleanliness. Wash it with soap and warm water and then give it a good rinse. Allow everything to dry before using it again.

Grinders and Other Accessories

With grinders and other accessories, regular maintenance is just as important in order to use them to their full advantage. Use rubbing alcohol to clean sticky surfaces, brushes to clear up screens, and something pointy like a toothpick or paperclip to clear away any built-up flower.

A cannabis edible is any food that has been infused with active cannabis compounds (THC and/or CBD). Any dish, sauce or baked good can be infused with these compounds using the following process.

There are several ways to go about making an edible. To start, you will need a base ingredient like butter or any type of cooking oil. THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they need fats to dissolve and allow your body to make use of them.

Decarboxylating

Before infusing your base ingredient you will need to ‘decarboxylate’ your cannabis. Decarboxylation (commonly referred to as decarbing) is the process of converting THCA and CBDA compounds that are present in the raw flower into THC and CBD so that your body can absorb them. Decarbing is best done before infusing as it is easier to control the heat and avoid burning away precious cannabinoids.

To begin decarbing, lightly break apart the cannabis into pieces about the size of a grain of rice and place them on a crumpled piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil over a baking sheet. Crumpling the paper or foil assures that it’s not laying flat on the baking sheet and avoids burning from direct contact with heat.

Set your oven to 225ºF and place the baking sheet in the middle rack for about 30-45 minutes. Every ten minutes or so, move the cannabis around to allow for even exposure.

Remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes. You can now store it for future cooking or proceed with infusing.

Cannabis Infused Butter (aka Cannabutter)

Coarsely grind the decarboxylated cannabis using a grinder.

Add 1 Cup of water and 1 Cup of butter into a saucepan. Simmer on low heat until the butter has melted. The water is to prevent everything from burning.

Add in your ground cannabis. Simmer the mixture on low heat (above 160ºF but not exceeding 200ºF) for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Never boil the mixture.

Put a funnel on top of a jar or container and line it with cheesecloth. Once you’ve allowed the butter to cool a bit, pour it over the cheesecloth into the funnel and allow it to strain. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth. Squeezing it out will add unwanted plant materials into your butter, causing it to taste a bit strange.

Refrigerate the butter. After an hour you may notice excess water building up at the bottom. Simply remove some of the butter and drain the water out.

Cannabis Infused Oil

Grind your decarboxylated cannabis and measure out an equal part of oil.

Combine the ground cannabis and oil in a saucepan or a double boiler and heat on low. Continue for 2-3 hours with a saucepan or 6-8 hours with a double boiler, stirring occasionally. When using a saucepan, there is a higher risk of burning the cannabis. Be sure to monitor the heat level, not allowing it to exceed 245ºF. You can always add a small amount of water to avoid scorching.

Strain the mixture the same way as mentioned in the butter recipe above.

Store your oil in a tightly sealed container in the pantry (or in the fridge if you want to extend its shelf life).

Once you’ve successfully created your butter or oil, feel free to create whatever your heart, and stomach desires. When cooking, avoid letting the butter or oil come into direct contact with high heat or the cannabinoids could burn off.

Be careful not to use too much. Dose in low amounts and always test a bit first to see how it affects you, adjusting from there. As always, keep cannabis edibles out of reach from children, and consider labeling your infused goodies to avoid confusing unsuspecting housemates.