Frequently Asked Questions

• All About Cannabis

  What is cannabis?

  Sourced from the flowers, buds or leaves of the cannabis plant, cannabis is a drug used by many people for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

  What is the difference between cannabis, marijuana, weed and reefer?

  There is no difference! Marijuana, weed and reefer are just a few examples of the many terms for cannabis used over the years. We stick with cannabis on AlbertaCannabis.org .

  Are there different kinds of cannabis?

  Cannabis comes from two main plants. Cannabis sativa is a tall plant with thin leaves that produces a chemical that creates an uplifting, energized mood. Cannabis indica grows shorter and denser, and is known to produce a more calming effect. Hybrids can have characteristics of both sativa and indica plants, depending on how they were combined.

  What cannabis products do you sell?

  We sell dried flower, milled flower, pre-rolls, oils and capsules.

  • Dried flower and milled flower can be smoked or eaten in food.
  • Pre-rolls are similar to joints (a type of cannabis cigarette) that have already been rolled for your convenience and arrive ready to smoke.
  • Oils can be ingested on their own or eaten in food or drink.
  • Capsules are taken by mouth.

  Commercially-made edibles are not currently legal for sale – however, you can make your own for personal use.

  What’s the difference between THC and CBD?

  THC and CBD are both chemical compounds, but they have different effects. Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is what provides the feeling of being “high”, while CBD has less psychoactive effects. In fact, when the percentage of CBD (or cannabidiol) is higher than that of THC, some research shows it may block the effects of THC.

• Safety

  How do I know if I’ve taken too much?

  If you start to feel shaky, paranoid, experience delusions or even just feel like you are “too high”, chances are you’ve taken too much. This can happen when you take a larger dose than usual, especially if you’re new to cannabis.

  Can I overdose?

  Yes, you can. While rare, symptoms of overdose can include confusion, disorientation, fainting or dizziness. If you suspect you’ve overdosed, call 911 – especially if you’re experiencing chest pain, panic attacks or seizures.

  What is the safest way to consume cannabis?

  Cannabis consumption will always have risks, but the most harmful method is smoking. Just like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke negatively affects respiratory health. Other methods like oil or edibles have their risks, but are preferable to smoking. Remember, the effects of these methods are greatly delayed so it’s important to wait until you feel your first dose before you take more.

  Do different methods of consumption produce different “highs”?

  Yes, they do. Smoking is the fastest way to feel the effects, and also the fastest to wear off. Eating or drinking takes a lot longer to take effect, but you feel it for hours longer.

  How long do the effects of cannabis last?

  Depending on how you choose to consume, the effects vary. When smoked, the high is felt immediately and can last several hours. When swallowed, it can take one to four hours to take effect and can last up to eight hours.

  Is cannabis addictive?

  It can be. Using cannabis regularly can create a psychological dependence, where you crave it and even begin to feel anxious about when you will be using it again. Long-term use of higher potency product can also lead to a greater risk of dependence, so it’s important to use moderately and responsibly.

  Will cannabis affect how my prescription drugs work?

  There is the potential that cannabis can have an impact on any prescription drugs you currently take. It’s best to contact the Medication & Herbal Advice Line at 1-800-332-1414 for confidential advice on how any other drugs you may take interact with cannabis, or speak with your health care practitioner.

  I have a medical question about cannabis use.

  Talk to your health care practitioner, or contact Health Link at 811 for medical advice.

  Who can I talk to if I’m worried about my own or my friend’s cannabis use?

  Alberta Health Services offers free counselling through their help line, available 24/7 at 1-866-332-2322.

• Enforcement

  How will you keep cannabis away from children and youths?

  All Alberta Cannabis customers must create an account and consent to age verification before they’re able to view products on AlbertaCannabis.org. And once an order is placed, all deliveries must be signed for by someone 18 years of age or older. Retailers have a part to play as well. All owners and staff are required to complete the SellSafe Cannabis Staff Training program, and undergo background checks. They must take preventative steps to ensure no minors set foot in-store or purchase cannabis, by checking ID of anyone who looks under 25 and ensuring a “No Minors” sign is clearly posted at the store entrance.

  How much cannabis am I allowed to have?

  Adults over the age of 18 may possess up to 30 grams of legally produced cannabis in public at a time. Any more than that is illegal, and may result in criminal penalties.

  Can I drive after taking cannabis?

  No. Impaired driving, which includes driving under the influence of cannabis, is illegal. Cannabis is the second most commonly detected substance found among drivers who die in car crashes in Canada, second only to alcohol. Don’t drive high.

  Can I grow my own cannabis?

  Yes, you can! Under the Cannabis Act, you’re legally allowed to grow four plants per household. If you do choose to grow your own, do so in a secure, indoor area and keep cannabis plants away from children and pets.

• Ordering

  Where does the cannabis you sell come from?

  All of our cannabis products are purchased from Canadian Licensed Producers regulated by the federal government. This ensures the cannabis you purchase is safe, regulated, quality product.

  How much can I order?

  You may order up to 30 grams of cannabis per transaction. Remember, the personal possession limit is also 30 grams.

  How will my order be packaged?

  All cannabis products come in childproof packaging with standardized messaging and logos.

  How will my order be shipped?

  We deliver directly to your door with common carriers like Canada Post and Purolator. And, because cannabis is restricted to adults, every shipment requires a signature from someone 18 or older upon delivery.

  What happens if I miss my delivery?

  If you miss a delivery, you’ll need to pick it up. The procedures differ slightly, depending on the carrier.

  Canada Post

  If you receive a delivery notice card, simply follow the instructions to pick up your order at the post office listed. Canada Post will hold your package for 15 days.

  Purolator

  Purolator will hold your order for 5 business days. Follow the instructions on your missed delivery slip, and proceed to the pickup location listed. Regardless of the carrier, it’s your responsibility to collect your order on time. If you don’t, your package will be returned to the AGLC. As all orders are final sale – including those that are undeliverable – you will not be refunded, so don’t delay.

  Where do you ship to?

  We ship all over Alberta. Sorry, Saskatchewan – you’re out of luck.

  Do I need a prescription?

  You don’t need a prescription to purchase recreational cannabis. If you’d like to purchase medical cannabis, talk to your health care practitioner for information about how to purchase from a Licensed Producer.

  What’s the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?

  Because the compound CBD, or cannabidiol, is currently being studied for its medical benefits, medical cannabis tends to have a higher concentration of CBD. Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, generally leans toward higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, due to the psychoactive properties present that create the feeling of being “high”.

  Can I purchase medical cannabis from Alberta Cannabis?

  Medical cannabis continues to be regulated under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. Talk to your health care practitioner about obtaining a medical document to purchase medical cannabis from a Licensed Producer.

• Privacy

  Why are you asking for my personal information?

  We need your personal information to verify you are 18 years of age or older, because an important part of our mission is to keep cannabis out of the hands of children and youth.

  Your information is collected as required by section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. Everything you supply is protected under the FOIP Act, including any information collected on our forms or in the emails you send us. Your personal information will only be used for the reason it was collected (or as may be required by section 35 of the FOIP Act). We will only share your information with another department if they need it to provide you a service or if it is required by law.

  Will you store my information?

  We only store information that helps us serve you – your name, physical and email addresses, date of birth and age verification status, as well as your account password, password recovery answers and your purchase history.

  Where is my information stored?

  Your information is stored in secure Canadian data centres, where access is limited to administrators with the password.

  How does the age verification process work?

  When you provide us with some basic personal information – your name, date of birth and address, for example – we match it to existing databases using Equifax.

  If this process is unsuccessful, the next step is to upload a photo of one of several forms of accepted ID.

  Finally, if neither online verification process is successful, we’ll provide you with a barcode. Whether you save it to your mobile phone or print it off, you need to take your barcode to a Canada Post location along with a piece of photo ID that contains your birth date and address, plus one more document with your proof of residence. After the barcode is scanned and your ID is verified, we’ll receive your identity verification electronically and you’ll gain full access to shop on AlbertaCannabis.org.

  Your primary ID needs to contain your name, signature and date of birth. Accepted forms include:

  • Alberta driver’s licence
  • Canadian passport
  • Certificate of Indian Status card
  • Canada Permanent Resident card

  Your secondary ID is ideally government issued, and displays your full name . Accepted forms include:

  • Birth certificate
  • Student ID card

  Lastly, your proof of residence needs to display your .current address . Accepted forms include:

  • Bank statement
  • Recent utility bill
  • Rental agreement or lease
  • Recent income tax assessment

  You can view a full list of acceptable IDs here.