Legal Purchase of Cannabis

Not too long ago, I made a post about the legalization of cannabis in Canada. While I stated that I was in favour of legalization, I also spoke to what I perceive as a toxic weed culture that has been an aspect of our community for some time.

Well, to prove that I am actually in favour of legalization and responsible use, as opposed to being in favour simply because it allows easier public criticism, I have now legally purchased three different strains of cannabis.

I am now recorded as Gryphon Sibbald, Registered Social Service Worker, as someone who has purchased cannabis for recreational purposes from the Canadian government. I have a bank statement that says I have made a purchase from the Ontario Cannabis Store. I have received confirmation emails from the Canadian government regarding my purchase.

In my previous post, I said that I wasn't "super informed on the technicalities" of legalization. I am now super informed on the technicalities.

The only place in Ontario that you can purchase from is the Ontario Cannabis Store. Currently, you  can only order online: https://ocs.ca/

You have to be 19 years of age or older to consume.

You cannot consume in public areas.

You can legally own up to 30 grams at a time.

You cannot drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence.

It is legal for four cannabis plants to be grown per residential unit.

Cannabis is a little different from alcohol in that, while alcoholic beverages come with different flavours and levels of strength, the overall effect is the same. With cannabis, there are two different kinds of high; one, a "head high" which many people feel improves productivity and socialization, and the other, a "body high", which increases relaxation. Generally, the "head high" comes through a strain called "Sativa" and includes high levels of THC, while the "body high" is more prevalent with a strain called "Indica" and contains stronger CBD.

The OCS sells three types: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. I decided to purchase one of each strain, with one THC dominant, one CBD dominant, and one balanced.

Strangely, despite Indica being stated as a CBD dominant strain, there was not a single product in their Indica line that had stronger CBD than THC. However, in their Sativa and Hybrid sections, they did have CBD dominant products.

And despite CBD being advertised as the relaxation factor, all of the heavy THC dominant Indica strains were described as being a more relaxing body high, as if they were CBD dominant.

In the end I settled on Dreamweaver, a THC dominant Indica, Harmonic, an evenly balanced Sativa, and Ace Valley CBD, a CBD dominant Hybrid.

Seeing the names for these brands is hilarious. You've got "Cold Creek Kush", "Ghost Train Haze", "Shishkaberry", "God Bud", "Tangerine Dream" etc. Their entire advertising campaign is based on black market branding.

Canada Post made a choice time to go on strike, right when legalization occurred. This set me back, but I have received my cannabis!

Once I have consumed each strain, I will make a review post on them.