Can you spot the difference?
One is legal and pure.
The other is illegal and laced.
Can you tell if your
cannabis is legal?
In the world of cannabis, looks can be deceiving. Legal and illegal products might look identical, but only legal cannabis is regulated for safety. We're here to help you tell the difference so you can make informed choices for your health and well-being.
First, what are the
benefits and risks?
Benefits of Legal Cannabis
Quality Controlled: Legal cannabis is rigorously tested for harmful contaminants like pesticides, bacteria and chemicals.
Accurate THC and CBD Levels: Legal cannabis is tested for THC and CBD levels, ensuring accurate labeling and dosage to reduce overconsumption risks.
Recallable: Unsafe or low-quality products can be recalled by manufacturers, licence holders, or Health Canada.
Traceable: Legal cannabis products can be tracked through the entire production and supply chain.
Risks of Illegal Cannabis
No Quality Control: Illegal cannabis isn’t tested for harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, mould, cutting agents, and bacteria.
Inaccurate THC and CBD Levels: Illegal cannabis can have incorrect THC and CBD levels, which can lead to accidental poisonings. Studies also show THC levels are often lower than advertised.
Potentially Harmful Practices: Illegal cannabis may involve harmful methods, like using cutting agents, flavouring, or other additives.
Financial Fraud and Identity Theft: Buying illegal cannabis puts you at risk for fraud and identity theft. Products may not be shipped or could be intercepted.
How to know if your cannabis is legal?
To ensure you’re buying legal cannabis, look for the following signs:
The retailer asks for proof of ID.
If purchasing online:
The retailer has a physical storefront in Manitoba.
The products show proper packaging.
The retailer only accepts credit or debit payments, not cryptocurrencies or e-Transfers.
Customers must confirm their age before accessing the site.
Their LGCA licence number is displayed on their site.
What are the signs of a potentially illegal retailer?
Be cautious of a retailer that:
Doesn’t verify age.
Offers products in improperly labelled packaging or packaging that mimics popular candies/snacks.
Requests payment via e-Transfer or cryptocurrency.
Offers shipping anywhere in Canada.
Uses generic email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail).
Sells cannabis grown in their home.
Packaging of legal cannabis products will have:
The standard cannabis symbol.
Accurate labels listing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) contents and amounts.
Mandatory health warnings in both English and French.
Plain packaging that does not appeal to children and is child-resistant.
Accurate THC levels.
An excise stamp, which is a coloured maple leaf stamp that indicates the product meets Health Canada’s standards.
Spot the difference to reduce risk.
By learning to spot the differences between legal and illegal cannabis, you can make informed choices, enjoy peace of mind, and reduce your risks.
