The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
By SQDC.ca | Published on March 4th, 2022
Following an amendment in Quebec’s regulations under the Cannabis Act in January 2020, Quebec is following the example of its neighbouring provinces and adding a new product category to its offer: ready-to-eat.
The SQDC already offers consumable products, such as cannabis beverages and infusions, but with the arrival of the edible category, we are seizing the opportunity to provide more information on this consumption method, which is not to be taken lightly.
Let’s begin by taking a step back and looking at the basics. Edibles are defined as food or drinks infused with cannabis extracts or concentrates. They contain active cannabinoids. Although they may look like products we consume every day, they have no nutritional value and should be handled with as much caution as any other cannabis product.
The main difference between inhaling and ingesting is the cannabis absorption time or, in other words, how long it takes for the effects to be felt.
In its inhaled form, the heat activates the cannabinoids, which travel in the smoke as a result. They are then quickly absorbed in the blood by the lungs. The effects emerge within seconds to minutes, and they last two to three hours.
When ingested, the process is completely different. The active cannabinoids present in the food ingested pass through the digestive system and make their way to the liver. They subsequently go into the bloodstream and finally, to the brain, where the effects will be felt. The effects appear 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, and they can last up to eight hours.
If you are ingesting cannabis for the first time or are trying a new product, moderation is key to ensure your experience is a safe one. We recommend starting with a 2.5-mg dose of THC. Even if it takes time for the effects to appear, wait at least three hours before taking another dose.
Keep in mind that the endocannabinoid system is different for everyone; you should never base your decisions on someone else’s method of consumption or response.
Contrary to products sold on the illegal market, the ready-to-eat products available at the SQDC are much safer for a number of reasons: transparency with regard to the list of ingredients and nutritional values, declaration of allergens, reliability of processes, and consistency in the concentration of each dose.
You can be sure you will know the exact amount of THC or CBD consumed. For products containing several portions, like the bite-sized format, the intensity is consistent in every portion, and will never exceed 5 mg of THC per bite and 10 mg per unit of sale. There’ll be no unpleasant surprises to worry about!
Like all other food we consume each day, ready-to-eat cannabis can also contain allergens, such as soya, coconut oil, nuts, sesame, barley, and more. Beware of any food intolerances and allergies!
For the full list of ingredients and potential allergens, consult the detailed product sheet on our website.
People generally imagine that edible cannabis is synonymous with brownies, jujubes, candies, and other sweets. However, given the significant impacts cannabis can have on people, the SQDC is committed to ensuring it is sold in a responsible manner, with health and safety in mind.
In this sense, we do not offer products that may be enticing to younger people, be it by their colour, shape, or resemblance to popular snacks or other juvenile characteristics.
Despite the regulation and precautions in place, edible cannabis, regardless of its shape or design, should always be kept out of the reach of children and be stored in a safe manner.
Many people opt for edible cannabis because it offers a smoke-free option. Despite its inoffensive appearance, edible cannabis has the same impairment potential as any other cannabis consumption method. It is therefore recommended to always start with low doses and not to consume edible cannabis in combination with alcohol or other cannabis products.
Have questions? Feel free to speak with one of our in-store advisors.
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