What To Know When Buying Cannabis In Victoria For The First Time

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Cannabis

Purchasing weed for the first time? This may require more considerations than just the product. While shopping for products, you might find variations in:

  • Product formats
  • THC and CBD concentration
  • Packaging size
  • Product descriptions.

The goal is to understand what you are looking at.

Here is a guide you can use.

Understand the legal obligations

19 is the legal age to purchase cannabis in British Columbia. It is sold in authorized stores, including licensed internet merchants. In public, you are allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis.

You are subject to age verification when you buy weed in Victoria. This can happen during the purchasing or delivery process. The requirements are instituted to ensure that cannabis is sold only to adults who are of legal age.

Choose a product format

What kind of cannabis product are you looking for? There are a number of different formats such as:

  • Dried flower 
  • Pre-rolls
  • Edibles
  • Extracts
  • Vapes
  • Topicals.

Each format has its characteristics. If you are unfamiliar with them, take time to understand the basic differences.

Pay attention to THC and CBD

These are both active compounds in the cannabis plant. But THC causes a “high” while CBD does not.

Cannabinoid information is available on product labels. This makes it easier to compare products. 

Legal cannabis products are also tested by third parties to ensure the accuracy of the THC and CBD content. This provides more reliable product information.

Buy from an authorized vendor

Where to buy your cannabis is one of the most critical factors for a first-time buyer. Legal products are distributed through the retailers designated and approved by the concerned provincial or territorial government.

Legal cannabis products are subject to requirements covering:

  • Quality
  • Packaging
  • Labelling. 

They also include identifying characteristics, including:

  • The standard cannabis logo
  • Health warnings 
  • The corresponding excise stamp.

Watch out for websites that:

  • Don’t verify age
  • Make wild product claims
  • Have dubious payment options. 

They can be indicators of a retailer not being part of the regulated system.

Review product information

Please read the product description thoroughly before ordering. Consider the:

  • Product type
  • THC and CBD levels 
  • The size of the product 
  • Ingredients (if applicable). 

This is especially key when it involves edibles and other products where the dosage per unit might differ substantially.

You should also check storage instructions and any other information provided with the product.

A key takeaway

Take your time with your first purchase. If you are not familiar with the products, there is no need to go with the most potent or expensive product. Compare products based on their:

  • Format
  • Cannabinoid content
  • Package information 
  • Your own preferences.

Get to know the product and the retailer. This can make your first cannabis purchase in Victoria more informed.

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