
CBD Oil Shopping in Canada: Your Go-To Dispensaries and…
CBD oil has exploded in popularity in Canada over the past few years. With cannabis legalization in 2018, CBD derived from hemp is now widely accessible. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that is said to have various health and medicinal benefits, from reducing anxiety and pain to helping with sleep and skin conditions.
With so many new CBD oil products entering the Canadian market, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate all your options. Dispensaries and online stores now carry a huge variety of CBD oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals and more. However, not all CBD products are created equal when it comes to quality, safety and efficacy.
This guide will help you find reputable CBD oil in Canada, whether you choose to shop online or in retail dispensaries. We’ll provide tips on:
- The top dispensaries and online stores to buy from
- How to choose high quality, lab-tested CBD products
- Legal considerations around buying CBD oil in Canada
- Recommendations for the best CBD oils, vapes and more
With the right information, you can shop for CBD oil in Canada confidently and find products that suit your needs. Read on for everything you need to know to buy smart when it comes to CBD.
Shopping For CBD Oil in Canada
Dispensaries
Dispensaries are brick-and-mortar retail stores that specialize in cannabis products, including CBD oil. Since cannabis legalization, dispensaries have popped up across major cities in Canada and offer a wide selection of CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals and more.
Some of the most popular dispensary chains in Canada include:
- Nova Cannabis – One of the largest dispensary networks in Canada, with locations across Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They carry CBD oils from Canadian LP’s like Liiv, FIGR and Aurora.
- Fire & Flower – A leading cannabis retailer with locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Yukon. They have a wide range of CBD oil products.
- Tokyo Smoke – This trendy cannabis boutique is now owned by Canopy Growth. They have stores in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
- – Canna Cabana – A major dispensary player in Alberta, they stock various CBD oil options from brands like Genesis and CBD2Go.
The benefit of shopping CBD oil at dispensaries is you can see and test out products in person. Store staff can also provide recommendations and answer questions about CBD. However, prices may be marked up higher than buying online.
Online Stores
In addition to dispensaries, there are now a huge number of online stores selling CBD oil and other cannabis products in Canada. Here are some of the top online options:
- Pure CBD oil companies – These online retailers focus specifically on CBD, with a wide selection of oils, topicals and edibles sourced from various producers. Examples are Zenbliss, CBD2HEAL and Apollo Cannabis.
- Online extensions of dispensaries – Many dispensary chains now have accompanying websites where you can order online for delivery or in-store pickup. These include Nova Cannabis, Fire & Flower, Tokyo Smoke and Canna Cabana.
Buying CBD oil online has perks like convenience, competitive pricing, and fast shipping. However, you won’t get personalized guidance. Reputable online retailers will provide third-party lab test results.
Choosing Quality CBD Oil Products
When searching for CBD oil, it’s important to find high quality products from reputable brands. Here are some key factors to look for when assessing CBD oil quality:
Source of Hemp
High quality CBD oils are extracted from organically grown hemp. Hemp absorbs toxins from the soil, so it matters where and how the plants are farmed. Reputable brands source from organic, non-GMO hemp. Domestic Canadian-grown hemp is ideal.
Extraction Method
Quality extraction processes like CO2 extraction yield pure, potent CBD oils. Lower grade methods can leave behind solvent residues. The best CBD oils are extracted with food-grade CO2 or ethanol.
Third Party Lab Testing
Any CBD product should come with third-party lab test results confirming its cannabinoid content and purity. Labs check for solvents, pesticides and heavy metals. Only purchase CBD oils with up-to-date Certificates of Analysis (COA).
Warning signs of inferior CBD oils include:
- Hemp sourced from questionable overseas farms
- Use of cheap extraction methods like butane or propane
- No recent third-party lab tests available
- Exaggerated health claims not backed by science
Stick to reputable brands that can validate the quality and content of their CBD oils through independent lab testing. This ensures you get a pure, potent CBD product that is safe for use.
Legal Considerations
While CBD oil is legal in Canada, there are still important regulations to consider from the Cannabis Act. Here are some key legal requirements around CBD oil:
- The Cannabis Act sets the maximum allowable THC content in CBD oil at no more than 0.3% THC. This distinguishes it from cannabis oils that produce a high.
- CBD oil products must adhere to strict labeling requirements. Labels must clearly state the CBD and THC content, ingredient list, recommended use, and health warnings.
- CBD oil must be sold in child-resistant, tamper-proof and opaque packaging. Products cannot appeal to youth.
- Licensed producers and sellers must register with Health Canada and can only sell directly to the public if they have approval. Unauthorized sales remain illegal.
- CBD oil cannot be promoted for health claims not supported by scientific evidence. Advertising rules still apply.
When searching for CBD oil, ensure brands meet all legal requirements. Shop with licensed, reputable retailers that follow Health Canada regulations. This ensures the products you buy are safe, tested, and meet the 0.3% THC limit. Consider requesting lab tests for any CBD oil before purchasing.
Following Canada’s CBD and cannabis regulations protects consumers. Make sure any CBD oil you buy complies with the law. This guards the quality and keeps unsafe products off the market.
Conclusion
CBD oil offers many purported wellness benefits that are making it increasingly popular with Canadian consumers. However, navigating all the CBD products now available both online and in dispensaries can seem overwhelming.
By understanding how to identify quality CBD oils and shopping with reputable retailers, you can find products that are safe, effective, and legal in Canada. Look for organically grown hemp sources, proper extraction methods, up-to-date lab tests showing potency and purity, and full compliance with Health Canada regulations.
Top recommended dispensaries include Nova Cannabis, Fire & Flower, Tokyo Smoke and Canna Cabana. Leading online stores include Zenbliss, Buymellow, Herb Approach, and Canvas Organics. Read reviews, compare prices, and request lab reports.
While the CBD market is not yet fully regulated, following these shopping guidelines will help you buy with confidence. Seek out quality, lab-tested products from licensed producers and retailers to experience the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD oil. With the right diligence, you can find CBD oil in Canada that meets your wellness needs.