It is now loud and clear that marijuana is no longer a controversial issue. Canada has a nationwide legal market for marijuana. Recreational marijuana in the country had been prohibited since 1923. Now we have 3000+ legal cannabis stores in Canada.
You can legally buy fresh cannabis, dried cannabis, cannabis plants, cannabis seeds, cannabis extracts, edibles and topicals. According to new data released on 2024-03-18, 62.1% of the cannabis products sold were dried leaf or flower and 57.1% were cannabis edibles in 2023.
Younger Canadians are twice as likely to use cannabis products as compared to the older ones. Canadians spent $4.7 billion on cannabis in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
Numbers don’t lie.
Now before you ride the bandwagon, you need to know what exactly you need as there are different cannabis strains.
But What Exactly is a Weed Strain
Whether you buy weed online or you enter one of those 3000+ legal stores, you will read words like indica and sativa in the product description. The following are the different types (species) of the plant:
- Cannabis Indica
- Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Indica
Origin
Originally, cannabis indica came from the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and some parts of the Middle East, especially the cooler, mountainous climates of these regions.
Physical Appearance
The plant is 3 to 6 feet tall and has broader, wider, darker green leaves with more leaflets. This bushier plant has a dense canopy. The tightly packed and dense bud is heavy and compact.
Cannabinoid Profile
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol content is moderate to high. THC concentration ranges from 15% to 25%.
CBD
The cannabidiol content of indica is higher than that of sativa. CBD concentration ranges from 5% to 15%.
Other cannabinoids found in indica include:
- Low amounts of CBN (Cannabinol)
- Low concentration, less than 1% of CBG (Cannabigerol)
- Less than 1% of CBC (Cannabichromene)
- Less than 1% of THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Effects
Indica strains have the following effects:
Pain
It provides relief from acute or chronic pain.
Relaxing
It slows down the brain and helps your muscles relax.
Sedating
If you are suffering from insomnia, then it will make you sleepy.
Induce appetite
Some medical conditions or treatments lead to low appetite. Indica strains can be helpful.
Nausea
Indica strains can alleviate nausea.
Cannabis Indica Strains
The following are the most common indica weed strains:
Granddaddy Purple
This strain of weed gets its name from its purple buds. It gives a sweet berry scent. Try this strain (recommended in the evening) to feel mentally relaxed. Its THC content is 17 to 27%, and its CBD content is 0 to 1%.
Ice Cream Cake
Consumers report the initial giggly euphoria and then deep relaxation after consuming this crossing of Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 strains. The THC content of this relaxing strain is 20 to 25%.
Purple Punch
This indica strain smells like grape candy. It is perfect for nighttime relaxation. Its THC content is 19 to 20%
Northern Lights
Made by crossing Thai and Afghani, this is one of the strains of weed known for having a relaxing effect on muscles and the mind. It will help you sleep. The THC content of this strain is 16 to 22%.
Bubba Kush
This strain has tranquilizer effects. Consume it when you have nothing else to do, as it has relaxing and sedative effects. The THC content of Bubba Kush is 17–27%.
Mendo Breath
This strain, with vanilla and caramel flavours, has relaxing and calming effects. Its THC content is 19 to 20%.
Do-Si-Dos
You can try this Indica-dominant hybrid strain if you are suffering from acute or chronic pain. The THC content of the strain is 21 to 30%.
GMO Cookies
Also known as Garlic Cookies, this potent indica-dominant hybrid strain provides relief from symptoms related to chronic pain, depression, and nausea. Here, GMO stands for Garlic, Mushroom and Onions. Its THC content is 20 to 30%.
L.A. Confidential
This marijuana strain is also known as “Confidential” and “Confidential OG.” You can consume this strain to treat acute pain. This strain has 17 to 25% THC content.
Zkittlez
If you are going to try cannabis for the first time, this indica-dominant strain is ideal for you. This is one of the strains of weed that boosts your appetite. Its THC content is 15 to 23%.
Slurricane
This strain is a crossing of Purple Punch and Do-Si-Dos. It has effects including relaxation, sleepiness and increased appetite. Its THC content ranges from 20 to 28%.
Blue Cheese
This is an appetite-stimulating strain that you can consume at any time as it is not overly sedating. It has a THC content of 17 to 20%.
Cannabis Sativa
Origin
Cannabis sativa originated in the Central Asian regions of China, Kazakhstan, and modern-day Mongolia.
Physical Appearance
Cannabis sativa typically grows from 6 to 12 feet. In optimal conditions, it can even grow taller. It is less bushy than indica. Its elongated, narrow leaves with a lighter green hue have 5 to 13 pointed leaflets. Long branches of the plant are spaced apart. The elongated bud is less dense. It has a clear to amber frosty coating of trichomes.
Cannabinoid Profile
THC
Cannabis sativa strains have higher THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) levels with THC content ranging from 15 to 30%.
CBD
The CBD content of cannabis sativa ranges from 0.1% to 5%. There are some less common strains that are bred to have higher CBD levels.
Cannabis sativa also has the following cannabinoids:
- CBN (Cannabinol)
- Less than 1% CBG (Cannabigerol)
- THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Effects
Euphoria
Cannabis sativa strains provide a sense of happiness and euphoria.
Energy and Motivation
Cannabis sativa strains boost energy levels and make you feel more focused and alert. This makes you feel motivated.
Improved Focus
Sativa strains help you concentrate and provide mental clarity. Consuming these strains is beneficial for activities requiring problem-solving and sustained attention.
Enhanced Creativity
Consuming cannabis sativa strains can be helpful in brainstorming sessions and artistic endeavours as they boost imaginative thinking and creativity.
Uplifting Mood
If you feel sad or depressed, then you can achieve an optimistic state of mind with sativa strains.
Appetite Stimulation
If you want to improve your appetite and gain weight, some sativa strains are known to stimulate appetite.
Anxiety and Stress Relief
Some sativa strains alleviate anxiety and stress. If you are overwhelmed by day-to-day pressure, you must try these strains.
Pain Relief
You can get relief from mild to moderate pain with some sativa strains.
Cannabis Sativa Strains
Sour Diesel
Also known as “Sour Deez” and “Sour D”, this crossing of Super Skunk and Chemdawg provides relief from symptoms associated with stress, pain and depression. Its THC content is 17 to 26%.
Jack Herer
This sativa-dominant strain is also known as “Platinum Jack”, “Premium Jack”, “The Jacl” and “JH”. It is an energizing strain that helps you alleviate the symptoms of depression. It has a THC content of 15 to 24%.
Green Crack
This sativa-dominant strain is also known as Mango Crack, Green Crush or Green Cush. It can help in managing stress, anxiety, depression and ADHD. The THC content of Green Crack ranges from 15 to 24%
Chocolope
This cannabis sativa strain is also known as “D-Line”. It is a crossing of Chocolate Thai with Cannalope Haze that helps in coping with stress or depression. It has a THC content of 16 to 23%.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is made by crossing Haze, Northern Lights and Skunk. This strain provides a sense of calm. It is known for creativity-inducing effects. Its THC content is 18 to 23%.
Durban Poison
Durban poison is a pure strain that originated from Durban. This strain with a sweet smell has energetic, uplifting effects. You can try this strain if you want to stay creative and productive. It has a THC content ranging from 17 to 26%.
Strawberry Cough
This potent strain is believed to be a crossing of Strawberry Fields and Haze. Its effects include euphoria and happiness. The THC content of this strain is 17 to 23%.
Harlequin GDP
This CBD-dominant strain is a crossing of Granddaddy Purple and Harlequin. It will leave you feeling happy. Its THC content is 10 to 11%, and CBD content is 3 to 7%.
Super Lemon Haze
Also known as “SLH,” this sativa-dominant strain offers the benefits of Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk. It has energetic and lively effects, and its THC content ranges from 18 to 25%.
Lucid Blue
A cross of Blue Dream and Grateful Breath, Lucid Blue strain is perfect for those who need to focus and concentrate. It provides you with euphoria and a lot of energy. A beginner may experience anxiety. Its THC content ranges from 16 to 28% and CBD content ranges from 0 to 4%.
Sour Breath
This sativa-dominant strain is a cross between Sour Diesel and Lamb’s Bread. It has uplifting mental effects. This strain can boost your concentration. It has THC content ranging from 15 to 17%.
Red Congolese
Consuming this sativa dominant strain results in weightless euphoria. It promotes mental clarity and focus. You can use Red Congolese to treat cachexia, tension, nausea or Alzheimer’s. Its THC content ranges from 18 to 23%.
Buy Cannabis in Kingston
There are not too many dispensaries selling quality weed in Kingston. The Green Ace fills this quality gap with non-GMO and 3rd party lab-tested Canadian cannabis. Residents of Kingston can shop a wide range of cannabis products including: flowers, weed gummies, candy, chocolate, baked edibles, THC capsules, THC syrup, THC teas and more.
In addition to the Federal laws, there are provincial regulations governing the production and use of cannabis products.
Federal Regulations
Cannabis Act 2018
Only adults (19 and older) can produce, possess and consume cannabis. Maximum possession of 30 grams of dried cannabis is allowed. You can grow cannabis for personal use but only 4 plants are allowed per household. Cultivation and distribution require licensing.
Ontario Regulations
Cannabis Control Act, 2017
Minimum legal age is 19. Retail sales require licensing by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The law prohibits consumption in public areas.
Cannabis License Act, 2018
According to this law, retail cannabis stores require licensing by AGCO. Once the application is submitted, the authority does background checks, security requirements and adherence to local bylaws.
Kingston Municipal Regulations
According to municipal zoning bylaws, cannabis stores must be located in zones for commercial use. No cannabis store is allowed near areas where children are present such as daycares and schools. Kingston restricts consumption in public places. You can consume cannabis in designated private spaces or private residences. One household can grow four plants for personal use.