CANNABIS EDUCATION
Safe & Responsible Consumption
Cannabis education is an important approach to how we serve our customers at GoHi. We believe that cannabis is best enjoyed when the consumer understands some of the science and principles behind its consumption: what it is, what it’s made up of, how it’s used, and how it may affect the body and mind when consumed. The following is a guideline to some of the most common principles surrounding cannabis and its safe and responsible use. At GoHi, we empower customers to learn as much as they can about the cannabis plant through their own research. It’s quite incredible how much there is to learn about the plant when one goes down the cannabis rabbit hole, but for now, we’ll equip consumers with the basics to legally, safely, and most importantly, enjoyably consume cannabis.
What Is Cannabis?
In the way its classified by Canada’s government, the plant of the genus Cannabis refers generally to three varieties, which are Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis. C. sativa and C. indica are the most commonly used in cannabis varieties or strains for cultivation. The genetics of the different cannabis strains are widely mixed or cloned to create cannabis hybrids. Cannabis contains a number of active elements, including cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC , cannabidiol (CBD), and terpenes, which are aromatic compounds or chemical markers. Cannabis goes by a number of names including marijuana, pot, weed, ganja, kaya, and grass, just to name a few. In recent years, the cannabis industry has widely acknowledged that the term “marijuana” has racist roots and thus has turned to generally calling the plant by its biological name of cannabis.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the compounds contained in the cannabis plant that act on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to produce physiological changes in the body, that are also experienced within the mind. There are potentially over 200 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including the more well-known compounds such as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). There are also dozens of lesser-known cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), that act in synergy with THC and CBD.
What is THC?
THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is responsible for the intoxicating “high” most people consume cannabis for. Users of THC report feelings of euphoria, happiness, relaxation, decreased stress and anxiety, and pain reduction, and improves the overall sense of well-being, although these effects are individualized to each consumer. Geneticists, researchers, and breeders have now figured out how to cultivate cannabis strains with specific cannabinoid profiles to match consumer’s needs, and we have come a very long way in what cannabis cultivators are capable of. In the 1980s, cannabis had an average THC content of just 3%, but today the average THC content of cannabis is 15%, with some strains on the legal cannabis market getting close to, and sometimes exceeding 30%.
What is CBD?
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and is becoming known for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Much like THC, CBD research suggests that it may reduce pain and inflammation, enhance mood, decrease stress, and relax the body. The biggest difference between THC and CBD is that CBD does not make the consumer feel “high”, although it may contribute to some psychoactive effects such as mood stabilization. CBD can also be used to combat the psychoactive effects of THC.
What are Terpenes?
When you open your canister or package of cannabis and take a whiff of its contents, what’s filling your nose are terpenes. When you light up and your cannabis has a certain taste to it, those are terpenes as well. Terpenes give cannabis its taste and smell, and they’re also known to produce different effects when interacting with other terpenes and cannabinoids. Common terpenes you’ll see within cannabis products include limonene, pinene, myrcene, humulene, and terpinolene, which is just scratching the surface of the terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Terpenes are found in all plants, fruits and vegetables. For instance, slicing open a lemon, that’s limonene, which may give certain strains a lemony aroma. The smell of pine needles is pinene, which also exists in cannabis, which is why some strains may taste a bit piney. We encourage consumers to get to know their terpenes along with their cannabinoids so that they can understand all the components of the cannabis plant and how it may bring about different effects.
What’s the difference between indica and sativa?
As we have explained, cannabinoids and terpenes are responsible for producing the effects of cannabis, but for so long, cannabis has been classified as either indica or sativa. As we get to know cannabis a bit more, we get to understand that not all products labeled as “indica” make you feel relaxed, and not all sativas are guaranteed to stimulate. Indica plants tend to grow short and bushy, with smaller internodal spaces as compared to sativa plants. Indica plants also tend to yield more flowers and bigger buds. Sativa plants tend to grow tall and thin and have smaller yields compared to indica varieties. The internodal spaces are larger and plants tend to look like thin pine trees. We are hesitant to classify cannabis in just these ways because terpenes play such a large role in the cannabis effect. The more one understands ALL the components of the cannabis plant, the more they’ll understand that it’s not just THC making all the magic happen!
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam (also known as “The Godfather of Cannabis”) discovered the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is responsible for bringing balance and homeostasis to different systems in the body. The ECS is something all mammals have, but most humans don’t know much about it – even many physicians! The ECS has receptors in many of the body’s systems including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous, immune, integumentary, skeletal, muscle, reproductive, and endocrine systems and is responsible for the regulation of overall health. The body naturally produces cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, which act in harmony with ECS. Cannabinoids produced external to the body in plants are known as phytocannabinoids and must be consumed to affect the ECS. There are two main receptors in the ECS, which include CB1 and CB2 receptors, which act as “master conductors” to regulate signals sent throughout the body. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in peripheral organs and play a large role in immune function. When cannabinoids enter the body, they act on CB1 and CB2 receptors, “unlocking” cellular potential and altering signals sent by different systems. This is why you may hear the ECS described as a “lock and key” system. Ingesting cannabinoids provides the body with more of what it needs to function efficiently.
What is the Entourage Effect?
Dr. Mechoulam and his colleague also found in their research that alone or in isolation, certain cannabinoids would not bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, thus producing little to no effects. However, when cannabinoids were introduced to the body along with fatty acids and terpenes, there was an increase of binding of the cannabinoids to the body’s receptors. The Entourage Effect is the synergistic action of different cannabinoids, flavonoids, fatty acids and terpenes when acting on receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Simply put, in The Entourage Effect, the individual parts of the cannabis plant produce more therapeutic effects when used in harmony with other parts. This is why you’ll often see cannabis products that contain both CBD and THC, and you’ll also notice that we talk about terpenes a lot because they’re an important part of The Entourage Effect, and the overall effect someone experiences when consuming cannabis.
How do I read the label on cannabis products?
Health Canada places heavy regulations and restrictions on cannabis products and packaging and how they are labeled. An informed consumer allows for choice in cannabinoid content, and keeps Licenced Producers (LPs, who cultivate legal cannabis in Canada), accountable to quality.
Here are a few tips on what you’ll see on your cannabis label from GoHi, and how you can interpret what’s on the label to become the most informed consumer:
Strain Information
Health Canada asks LPs to classify their products as indica, sativa, or hybrid (although as we already highlighted, there is much more that makes up a cannabis strains’ classification!)
Packaging and Expiry Dates
This allows the consumer to ensure they’re getting the most fresh product from GoHi. The packaging date doesn’t indicate when the plant was harvested, but rather when it was placed in its packaging to go out to stores. Expiry dates are not mandatory but many LPs will opt to provide that information
Product Weight
This shows the weight value of your product in grams. It’s important to note that Health Canada does allow a slight variance in weight, which is why your product may weigh a bit more or less than what’s displayed on the package. The allowable variance is up to 10 per cent for products containing less than 2 grams, and 5 per cent for 2 grams or more.
Warning Labels
Every package produced in Canada must have two warning labels. The first one indicates that there is THC in the product, while the other displays information about the possible risks associated with cannabis use.
Cannabinoid Content
One of the most basic principles of using cannabis is understanding that cannabinoids are only activated by heat over 150 degrees Celsius through a process called decarboxylation. So, in its natural “raw” state, cannabis has a low level of active cannabinoids. When cannabis is decarboxylated, either through heating or processing, its cannabinoid levels increase. This is why you’ll see two sets of numbers on your label. The first numbers, listed as “THC” and/or “CBD”, represent the active cannabinoid levels in the cannabis in its raw, non-decarboxylated form. 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 activated. NOTE: Because oil and capsule products have been processed (and the cannabinoids heated already), the second and first numbers will be the same between products.
Licensed Producer Information
This is the “who” of your cannabis. What brand and licensed producer has cultivated the products you’re enjoying. LPs must provide their information as well as their email address and phone number. They’re also required to put a lot number on their products to that batches can be traced in the event someone reports a bad product to the Ontario Cannabis Store.
How do I consume cannabis?
The best thing about cannabis is that there is a way to consume for every preference. It doesn’t have to just be smoked to be enjoyed! Here is an overview of just some of the ways cannabis can be consumed:
Joints
A joint involves rolling finely ground flower into papers, either by machine or by hand. At GoHi, you’ll find a selection of rolling papers and tools as well as our vast selection of pre-roll joints, where the LP has taken the work out of enjoying a joint.
Pipes
Pipes offer a convenient, relatively mess-free way of consuming cannabis. Pipes come in all shapes and sizes, can be small and discreet or sizeable and bold, or made from silicone, glass, metal, or plastic.
Bongs
Bongs are a larger, less discrete form of water pipe meant specifically for consuming cannabis, and can be made of glass, plastic, or silicone. Bongs filter the cannabis smoke through water, which helps to cool the smoke as well as filter impurities. Some bongs also have sets of chambers and percolators to help filter the cannabis smoke.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers or “vapes” come in many different forms, including disposable, pre-filled pen-like vaporizers and portable, pocket-sized units. There are three main types of vaporizers: flower vaporizers, concentrate vaporizers, and hybrid units. Vaporizers contain a coil element that gently heats the cannabis product, whether it be oil, concentrate, or flower, to release the cannabinoids and terpenes. This process is extremely efficient and releases more cannabinoids and terpenes than when you simply just combust or light up flower.
Oils
Oils offer a smoke-free method of consumption. Cannabinoid oils are made by infusing a carrier oil (typically MCT or coconut oil) with cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. Oils can isolate specific compounds, such as THC or CBD, to produce a product with very specific applications, or they can be made as full-spectrum products that contain an array of cannabinoids and terpenes and have a broader application. Oils are usually taken sublingually, but also have a lot broader application – just ask what we have in store and how oils can be utilized.
Tinctures
Tinctures are alcohol-based substances that incorporate different cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Unlike oils, tinctures should not be taken sublingually is it will cause a burning sensation within the mouth. Tinctures are a popular way to infuse beverages or foods at home.
Capsules
Capsules are individual gel capsules (or vegetable-based for vegan consumers) that contain a tincture, oil, or decarboxylated flower mixture. The effects are similar to taking a tincture, oil, or edible and are generally not felt for 60 to 90 minutes.
Edibles
Edibles are infused foods, such as gummies, cookies, brownies, honey, and other confections, which contain cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. All packages of legal products must contain less than 10mg of THC. With edibles it’s important to start low and go slow with dosing. Edibles take up to 90 minutes to fully kick in, so it is important to be patient and determine how you feel after quite a bit of time before considering consuming more.
Topicals
Topicals describe any cannabinoid-based product that is applied externally. Topicals come in creams, lotions, face creams, body balm, gels, oils, and even intimate lubricating products. It’s important to note that a consumer will not feel “high” with a topical as they do not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Concentrates
Concentrates are high-potency products that come in a variety of products, including wax, shatter, and rosin, and are generally consumed either through a concentrate vaporizer, or using a dab rig through the process of dabbing. Since it is concentrated cannabinoids, with products ranging around 75% on average, it’s important to note that these are extremely potent and usually less is more with concentrates.
What do I do if I feel “too high”?
If a consumer feels as thought they’ve consumed too much cannabis, there is one fact they should absolutely know: no one in the history of the planet has ever died from consuming cannabis. No one. Ever.
That being said, it can happen when someone has consumed too much THC, and are feeling a bit uncomfortable. In the cannabis world, this is called “greening out” or “pulling a whitey”, all because of the colour one’s face is said to go when they’ve had too much.
If you are feeling uncomfortable, and want to be brought back down to earth, use CBD! CBD is being shown to be a great antidote to too much THC, helping combat the psychoactive feeling.
Remember you aren’t in any danger with cannabis as long as it’s used responsibly. Go for a brisk walk, drink lots of water, or simply just settle into your couch with your remote and some Netflix.
What if I am interested in consuming cannabis for medical purposes?
As we have said, GoHi is a cannabis retail stores licensed to sell cannabis for recreational purposes only. Therefore, we are not permitted to dispense any medical advice or information on how cannabis may affect certain medical conditions.
It should be noted that although cannabis was legalized for recreational purposes in Canada in 2018, medical cannabis has been legal in this country since 2001! Since then, hundreds of thousands of people in Canada have received doctors’ recommendations for medical cannabis, and can purchase cannabis directly though a Licenced Producers’ medical program.
If you’re interested in pursuing your medical cannabis recommendation, please talk to your doctor, or call or visit a medical cannabis clinic near you.
GoHi does not provide cannabis for medical purposes.
What are my rights, privileges, and responsibilities under The Cannabis Act?
Under The Cannabis Act, and subject to provincial or territorial restrictions, adults who are 18 years of age or older (19 in Ontario) are legally able to:
- Possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public
- Share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis with other adults
- Buy dried or fresh cannabis, and cannabis oil from a provincially-licensed retailer. Edibles and concentrates were made legal in 2019
- Grow, from licensed seed or seedlings, up to 4 cannabis plants per residence for personal use
- Make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products
Per The Cannabis Act, 1 gram of dried cannabis is equivalent to:
- 5 grams of fresh cannabis
- 15 grams of edible product
- 70 grams of liquid product
- 0.25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
- 1 cannabis plant seed
This is also the purchase limit that one consumer can purchase within a day at our store.
To date, nearly every province in Canada has banned smoking both cigarettes and cannabis in indoor public spaces, public-transit facilities, and at workplaces where smoking could take place.
In Ontario, the law states that people can smoke cannabis where they can smoke cigarettes, with the exception of in vehicles. At GoHi, we always encourage cannabis users to be conscious consumers and consume respectfully within their environment.
