Canadian Cannabis Labels

Source: Ottawa Public Health

Click or hover over each number to read the label’s description.

The descriptions for the numbers can be found below the images.

The standardized cannabis symbol The standardized cannabis symbol - All cannabis products are packaged in child-resistant, tamper-proof packaging. Any product that has 10 micrograms (µg) or more of THC, must be labelled with the standardized cannabis symbol. The symbol warns people that the product has THC in it.
The brand name and brand element The brand name and brand element -Cannabis packages must include the company’s brand name. One other brand element, like a slogan or logo, can be on the label too.
Cannabinoid potency Cannabis needs to be heated to at least 150 degrees Celsius to activate the cannabinoids. The cannabis will be heated and activated by the producer during its processing or when you heat the product by smoking or vaping it.
Health warning Health warning - All cannabis products have a health warning in a yellow box. Health Canada provides the health warnings that are rotated on products. Topical cannabis products all have the same health warning.
The brand name and brand element The brand name and brand element -Cannabis packages must include the company’s brand name. One other brand element, like a slogan or logo, can be on the label too.
Other required information Cannabis products are labelled with specific information about the product. Some important information to look for is the type of strain, expiry date, packaged date, product weight, recommended storage, and intended use. All cannabis products include the licensed producer’s information and a lot number. If you have concerns about a product, contact the producer and tell them the lot number.
Other non-required information Licensed producers can include more information on how to use the cannabis product. This could include directions for use, product form, or other warnings or precautions.
Nutrition facts table Similar to food products, a nutrition facts table is on all edible cannabis products.
List of ingredients Cannabis extracts, topical and edibles must have a list of ingredients. Any food allergens will be listed.
Figure 5a Package-Front-EN
Figure 5b Package-Back-EN
Figure 5a Package-Front-EN
Figure 5b Package-Back-EN
  • The standardized cannabis symbol

    All cannabis products are packaged in child-resistant, tamper-proof packaging. Any product that has 10 micrograms (µg) or more of THC, must be labelled with the standardized cannabis symbol. The symbol warns people that the product has THC in it.

  • The brand name and brand element

    Cannabis packages must include the company’s brand name. One other brand element, like a slogan or logo, can be on the label too.

  • Cannabinoid potency

    Cannabis needs to be heated to at least 150 degrees Celsius to activate the cannabinoids. The cannabis will be heated and activated by the producer during its processing or when you heat the product by smoking or vaping it.

    On package labels, the first numbers, listed as “THC” and/or “CBD”, represent the cannabinoid levels in the cannabis as purchased. Dried cannabis will have a low level of active cannabinoids because it hasn’t been heated yet. 

    The second numbers are listed as “Total THC” and “Total CBD.” These figures represent the active cannabinoid levels in the cannabis when ready for consumption. Because oil and capsule products have been processed (and the cannabinoids heated already), the second and first numbers will be the same between products.

  • Health warning

    All cannabis products have a health warning in a yellow box. Health Canada provides the health warnings that are rotated on products. Topical cannabis products all have the same health warning.

  • The brand name and brand element

    Cannabis packages must include the company’s brand name. One other brand element, like a slogan or logo, can be on the label too.

  • Other required information

    Cannabis products are labelled with specific information about the product. Some important information to look for is the type of strain, expiry date, packaged date, product weight, recommended storage, and intended use. All cannabis products include the licensed producer’s information and a lot number. If you have concerns about a product, contact the producer and tell them the lot number.

  • Other non-required information

    Licensed producers can include more information on how to use the cannabis product. This could include directions for use, product form, or other warnings or precautions.

  • Nutrition facts table

    Similar to food products, a nutrition facts table is on all edible cannabis products.

  • List of ingredients

    Cannabis extracts, topical and edibles must have a list of ingredients. Any food allergens will be listed.

Dosing Tips:

The measure of THC and CBD may appear differently depending on the cannabis product. It may be listed as mg (of THC or CBD) per gram. Here’s an easy way to convert between percentage and weight measurements on cannabis products:

To get Mg/g into % = move decimal over to the left one space
Eg. 123mg/g = 12.3%

To get % into mg/g move decimal to the right one space
Eg. 15% = 150mg/g

When choosing a cannabis product, look at the “Total THC” and “Total CBD”. Products with low Total THC and an equal or higher amount of Total CBD have a lower chance of undesirable effects such as nervousness and paranoia. If you are smoking or vaping, start with 1 or 2 puffs of 10% (100mg/g) THC or less. Edible products can have up to 10 mg THC per package. Start with 2.5 mg THC or less. Have a small amount and then wait to feel the initial effects before having more. Start low, go slow.

For more about choosing a dose and potency, check out our Cannabinoid Dose Calculator!

calculator-with-leaf

For more about choosing a dose and potency, check out our Cannabinoid Dose Calculator!

Try our Cannabinoid Calculator

Understanding Methods of Consumption

Method Onset of Effect Peak Effect Duration
SMOKE INHALATION

Combustion

smoking can mean using cannabis flower in joints, bongs, and pipes

  • May have negative effects on the lungs.
  • Cannabinoids and terpenes are heated to high levels which may
    decrease their effects.
5-15 minutes 30 minutes – 1.5 hours 2 – 4 hours
VAPING INHALATION

Vaporization

vaping can mean dry-herb vaporizing, or vaping extracts such as dabbing, distillate or FSE cartridges, and specialized vaporizers for extracts, hot knives (hash)

  • Allows release of active components without burning the plant matter.
  • Generally considered safer than smoking, but may also have risks to respiratory health.
5 – 15 minutes 30 minutes – 1.5 hours 2 – 4 hours
INGESTION

Ingestion can mean store-bought or homemade oils, or edibles/infused foods/drinks

  • Typically creates a more physical rather than cerebral effect.
  • Dosing can be challenging due to delayed onset.
30 minutes – 3 hours 2 – 6 hours ~ 8 hours
SUBLINGUAL

Through tinctures or sprays

sublingual includes special “nanoemulsion” or “fast-acting” products that are absorbed under the tongue.

  • Typically creates a more physical rather than cerebral effect.
  • Dosing can be challenging due to delayed onset.
15 minutes – 2 hours 1 – 1.5 hours 2 – 6 hours

Onset, peak, and duration of effects will vary by individual. Use this guide as a general reference only.

SMOKE INHALATION

Combustion

smoking can mean using cannabis flower in joints, bongs, and pipes

  • May have negative effects on the lungs.
  • Cannabinoids and terpenes are heated to high levels which may
    decrease their effects.

Onset of Effect: 5 – 15 minutes

Peak Effect: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

Duration: 2 – 4 hours

VAPING INHALATION

Vaporization

vaping can mean dry-herb vaporizing, or vaping extracts such as dabbing, distillate or FSE cartridges, and specialized vaporizers for extracts, hot knives (hash)

  • Allows release of active components without burning the plant matter.
  • Generally considered safer than smoking, but may also have risks to respiratory health.

Onset of Effect: 5 – 15 minutes

Peak Effect: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

Duration: 2 – 4 hours

INGESTION

Ingestion can mean store-bought or homemade oils, or edibles/infused foods/drinks

  • Typically creates a more physical rather than cerebral effect.
  • Dosing can be challenging due to delayed onset.

Onset of Effect: 30 minutes – 3 hours

Peak Effect: 2 – 6 hours

Duration: ~8 hours

SUBLINGUAL

Through tinctures or sprays

sublingual includes special “nanoemulsion” or “fast-acting” products that are absorbed under the tongue.

  • Typically creates a more physical rather than cerebral effect.
  • Dosing can be challenging due to delayed onset.

Onset of Effect: 15 minutes – 2 hours

Peak Effect: 1 – 1.5 hours

Duration: 2 – 6 hours

Potency Limits on Cannabis Products in Canada
Always Read the Label.

Edible cannabis products vary in THC levels.
THC is the component of cannabis responsible for the psychoactive effects (the “high”).
New to edible cannabis? Start with no more than 2.5 mg of THC

Edibles

Regulated edible cannabis products vary in concentration and have a legal limit of 10mg THC per package. There is no limit for CBD.

One Edible 2.5 mg THC 2.5 mg THC 2.5 mg THC 2.5 mg THC 2.5 mg THC 10 mg THC 5 mg THC 5 mg THC Half of One Edible 10 mg THC 2.5 mg THC Quarter of One Edible 10 mg THC 10 mg THC 2.5 mg THC
Quarter of One Edible10 mg2.5 mg THC10 mg THCOne Edible2.5 mg THC2.5 mg 2.5 mg 2.5 mg 2.5 mg 10 mg THCHalf of One Edible2.5 mg THC5 mg5 mg10 mg THC

Cannabis Capsules

Regulated cannabis extract products for ingestion vary in concentration and have a legal limit of 1000mg THC per package and 10mg THC per unit (such as capsule). There is no limit for CBD.

Full PackageIndividual Capsules1000 mg THC10 mg THC
Full Package1000 mg THCIndividualCapsules10 mg THC

Cannabis Oil

Regulated cannabis extract products vary in concentraton and have a legal limit of 1000mg THC per package. The maximum allowable concentration in an oil is 30mg THC/mL. There is no limit for CBD.

Full PackageIndividual Doses1000 mg THC2.5 mg THC5 mg THC10 mg THC15 mg THC
IndividualDoses5 mg THC15 mg THC1000 mg THC

Cannabis Vapes

Regulated cannabis extracts for inhalation purposes will vary in concentration and the maximum allowable amount of THC per package is 1000mg. There is no limit for CBD.

Full PackageSingle Puffs (Roughly)1000 mg THC4 mg THC
Single Puffs(Roughly)Full Package4 mg THC1000 mg THC

Cannabis Creams

Regulated cannabis topical products will vary in concentration and the maximum allowable amount of THC per package is 1000mg. There is no limit for CBD.

Full Package1000 mg THC
Full Package1000 mg THC

Recycling Cannabis Packaging

Enjoy your greens while being GREEN!

Health Canada’s strict requirements for the information displayed on cannabis labels unfortunately results in the mandatory inclusion of bulky and excess packaging, regardless of the quantity of the product ordered. These requirements are important as they ensure that cannabis products are not appealing to children, are tamper-evident, provide necessary information to consumers, and prevent the product from being exposure to light and air. These specific requirements make it difficult to use biodegradable materials that can fulfill all the necessary criteria.

Cannabis products may be packaged in plastic jars, tubes, bags, or in glass. It may also come in cardboard boxes and have plastic wrappers. If your community has a curbside recycling program, they may accept most types of cannabis packaging; however, programs vary so please familiarize yourself with the restrictions and requirements.

What can not be collected by your local community recycling program may be eligible for recycling with the TerraCycle program. TerraCycle has partnered with Tweed and Tokyo Smoke to recycle cannabis packaging. See if there is a participating Tweed or Tokyo Smoke store near you.

Many other dispensaries have cannabis packaging and/or vape cartridge return programs so be sure to ask your local budtenders about it!

If you do not have access to a local participating dispensary and/or community recycling programs, here are some ways to reduce your cannabis waste:

  • Buy in bulk if you can! One package of 28g of dried cannabis flower will come in less packaging than buying multiple smaller containers.
  • Try making your own homemade edibles, oils and topical salves. Check out our Cannabinoid Dose Calculator to plan the potency of your products!
  • If you prefer vaping cannabis, try using a dry herb vaporizer instead of disposable cartridges. There is some upfront cost with purchasing a vaporizer, but you can save money in the long run since dried flower is usually cheaper than buying cartridges and you can reuse the already-been-vaped bud for making edibles!
  • Did you know you can add your joint butts, burnt flower from pipes and bongs, and your spent cannabis from infusing edibles into your compost pile or green bin?

Canada. (2019). Packaging and labelling guide for cannabis products: Requirements under the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations. Government of Canada = Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.deslibris.ca/ID/10102214

Cannabis Laws in Your Province or Territory:

Sales-Model-Map-01

Provincial and Territorial governments are able to modify their sales models, age limits, and rules on possession amounts and growing for personal use. In private sales models, the government issues licenses to allow for licensed private businesses to sell cannabis.

In public sales models, only the government stores allow sales of cannabis.
Hybrid models have both government and licensed private businesses selling cannabis. In all provinces, except for Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the government store websites are the only way to buy legal cannabis products online.

Depending on which province or territory you are in, there may be different laws around growing for personal use or using in public.

The limit for personal growing is 4 plants. If you need to grow more due to medical use, you must apply for a license through a cannabis clinic. In Quebec, Nunavut, and Manitoba, you are not allowed to grow cannabis yourself.

The provinces shown in green have restrictions on use to be allowed only on private property and the ones in orange mean that you are limited to similar rules as tobacco for public use.

The minimum age for sale and possession of cannabis is 19 years old, except in Quebec it is 21 and in Alberta it is 18 years old.

Use-in-Public-Map-01

Cannabis Laws in Each Province or Territory

Legal Age Grow at Home Shop Online Shop in Person Use in Public
NL 19 4 plants allowed Only from ShopCannabisNL.com Only from licensed retailers, go to ShopCannabisNL.com for a list No, private property only
NB 19 4 plants allowed Only from Cannabis-NB.com Only from Cannabis NB stores, go to Cannabis-NB.com for a list No, private property only
NS 19 4 plants allowed Only from Cannabis.myNSLC.com Only from NSLC stores, go to Cannabis.myNSLC.com for a list No, private property only
PE 19 4 plants allowed Only from PEIcannabiscorp.com Only from PEI Cannabis Corp stores, go to PEIcannabiscorp.com for a list No, private property only
QC 21 No Only from SQDC.ca Only from SQDC stores, go to SQDC.ca for a list No, private property only
ON 19 4 plants allowed Only from OCS.ca Only from licensed retailers, go to AGCO.ca or OCS.ca for a list Same as tobacco
MB 19 No Only from licensed retailers websites, go to LGCAMB.ca for a list Only from licensed retailers, go to LGCAMB.ca for a list No, private property only
SK 19 4 plants allowed Only from licensed retailers websites, go to SLGA.com for a list. Only from licensed retailers, go to SLGA.com for a list No, private property only
AB 18 4 plants allowed Only from AlbertaCannabis.org Only from licensed retailers, go to AGLC.ca for a list Same as tobacco
BC 19 4 plants allowed Only from BCCannabisStores.com Only from licensed retailers, go to Justice.Gov.BC.ca for a list Same as tobacco
YT 19 4 plants allowed Only from CannabisYukon.org Only from licensed retailers, go to CannabisYukon.org for a list No, private property only
NT 19 4 plants allowed Only from NTLCC-Cannabis.ca Only from licensed retailers, go to NTLCC-Cannabis.ca for a list Same as tobacco
NU 19 No Only from licensed agents of NULC: Tweed.com/en/shop/nu or VerticalCannabis.ca No Same as tobacco

Cannabis Laws in Each Province or Territory

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from ShopCannabisNL.com

Shop in Person: Only from licensed retailers, go to ShopCannabisNL.com for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from Cannabis-NB.com

Shop in Person: Only from Cannabis NB stores, go to Cannabis-NB.com for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from Cannabis.myNSLC.com

Shop in Person: Only from NSLC stores, go to Cannabis.myNSLC.com for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from PEIcannabiscorp.com

Shop in Person:Only from PEI Cannabis Corp stores, go to PEIcannabiscorp.com for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 21

Grow at home: No

Shop Online: Only from SQDC.ca

Shop in Person: Only from SQDC stores, go to SQDC.ca for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from OCS.ca

Shop in Person:Only from licensed retailers, go to AGCO.ca or OCS.ca for a list

Use in Public: Same as tobacco

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: No

Shop Online: Only from licensed retailers websites, go to LGCAMB.ca for a list

Shop in Person: Only from licensed retailers, go to LGCAMB.ca for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from licensed retailers websites, go to SLGA.com for a list.

Shop in Person: Only from licensed retailers, go to SLGA.com for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 18

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from AlbertaCannabis.org

Shop in Person:Only from licensed retailers, go to AGLC.ca for a list

Use in Public: Same as tobacco

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from BCCannabisStores.com

Shop in Person: Only from licensed retailers, go to Justice.Gov.BC.ca for a list

Use in Public: Same as tobacco

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from CannabisYukon.org

Shop in Person: Only from licensed retailers, go to CannabisYukon.org for a list

Use in Public: No, private property only

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: 4 plants allowed

Shop Online: Only from NTLCC-Cannabis.ca

Shop in Person: Only from licensed retailers, go to NTLCC-Cannabis.ca for a list

Use in Public: Same as tobacco

Legal Age: 19

Grow at home: No

Shop Online: Only from licensed agents of NULC: Tweed.com/en/shop/nu or VerticalCannabis.ca

Shop in Person: No

Use in Public: Same as tobacco

Cannabis and Driving Laws

When you drive a vehicle, you need to be alert and focused. Consuming even small amounts of cannabis affects your ability to react and increases your chance of being in a crash.1 Cannabis can impair your ability to drive by:

  • affecting motor skills;
  • slowing reaction time;
  • impairing short term memory and concentration;
  • causing drivers to vary speed and to wander; and
  • reducing the ability to make decisions quickly or handle unexpected events1

These effects are multiplied when using a combination of cannabis, alcohol, and/or other drugs.2

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada’s research has shown a growing incidence of driving after drug use. The number of deaths involving drugs alone is double those involving alcohol alone.3 Cannabis, the most commonly found drug, is present in almost half of the drug-positive fatal crashes.3 It must be emphasized that the figures document the presence of alcohol and/or drugs and not whether the individual was legally impaired. While research indicates that most of the alcohol-positive individuals were likely impaired or very impaired, there is no comparable information on the drug-positive drivers.3 However, it should be noted that the drug tests are designed to detect the recent use of psychoactive drugs that adversely affect driving skills, rather than metabolites that merely indicate use of the drug sometime in the past.3

Police need a reason to stop you and you have the right to know why. If you are legally stopped by the police, they may check for bloodshot eyes, breath or body odour, balance, temperature, and pulse. If they suspect that you are impaired with drugs or alcohol, they can test your saliva, breath, urine or blood.

You cannot contact a lawyer before a roadside test. Refusing a roadside test is a criminal offence.

If you question the result of the first test, you can ask for a second test on a different screening device. However, be aware that the next reading may be higher as your body absorbs alcohol or drugs. Police will use the higher reading.

There are three prohibited blood levels of THC (the active component of cannabis that causes a “high” and the associated physical effects) while driving:

  • 2 nanograms (ng) but less than 5 ng of THC per millilitre (ml) of blood
  • 5ng or more THC per ml of blood.
  • When there is a combination of cannabis and alcohol, the prohibited levels are 50mg (milligram) or more of alcohol per 100ml blood and 2.5ng or more of THC per ml of blood.

Penalties for THC-Impaired Driving

1st offence 2nd offence 3rd offence Over 2ng but less than 5ng of THC per mL of blood within 2 hours of driving
mandatory minimum: $1000 fine mandatory minimum: 30 days imprisonment mandatory minimum: 120 days imprisonment maximum $1000 fine
maximum: 10 years imprisonment maximum: 10 years imprisonment maximum: 10 years imprisonment It is a more serious offence to have 5 ng of THC or more per ml of blood.

Penalties for THC-Impaired Driving

1st Offence

mandatory minimum: $1000 fine

maximum: 10 years imprisonment

2nd Offence

mandatory minimum: 30 days imprisonment

maximum: 10 years imprisonment

3rd Offence

mandatory minimum: 120 days imprisonment

maximum: 10 years imprisonment

Over 2ng but less than 5ng of THC per mL of blood within 2 hours of driving

maximum: $1000 fine

It is a more serious offence to have 5 mg of THC or more per ml of blood.

Cannabis can affect each person differently. The impairment on individuals can depend on:

  • The method of consumption, for example how cannabis was ads consumed (smoked, inhaled, ingested);
  • The quantity of cannabis consumed;
  • The person’s current cannabis tolerance;
  • The person’s individual metabolic and biological factors;
  • The variety of cannabis and its THC levels, including cannabis prescribed for medical use. The two main cannabinoids in cannabis products, THC and CBD, have different effects. THC is considered the “impairing” cannabinoid and CBD does not generally produce a “high”, although again it will depend on the above factors. Visit our section on cannabinoids!

As a result, there is no guidance to drivers about exactly how much cannabis can be consumed before it is unsafe to drive or exactly how long a driver should wait to drive after consuming cannabis. However, based on the available evidence, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) recommends waiting at least 6 hours after consuming cannabis for recreational purposes before you drive. There are a number of situations and scenarios that would require a longer wait time.

The following recommendations are based on preliminary evidence and advice from the Ontario Medical Association. They suggest that people who are consuming cannabis for medical purposes refrain from driving for:

  • 4 hours after inhalation (smoking or vaping in any form)
  • 6 hours after oral ingestion (oils, capsules, edibles)
  • 8 hours or more after inhalation or oral ingestion if they experiences a psychoactive high

The wait times above are largely based on a review that differentiates the medical cannabis user from people who use recreationally. Someone who is prescribed cannabis for medical purposes is typically instructed to consume individualized doses of cannabis to achieve symptom relief rather than to achieve a subjective high.

1.) Canada, P. S. (2017, February 7). Drug-impaired driving [Policies]. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/police/community-safety-policing/impaired-driving/drug-impaired-driving.html

2.) Fischer, B., Russell, C., Sabioni, P., van den Brink, W., Le Foll, B., Hall, W., Rehm, J., & Room, R. (2017). Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: A Comprehensive Update of Evidence and Recommendations. American Journal of Public Health, 107(8), e1–e12. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.303818

3.) Cannabis and Driving. (n.d.). MADD Canada. Retrieved 23 June 2021, from https://madd.ca/pages/impaired-driving/overview/cannabis-and-driving/

Government of Canada, D. of J. (2018, June 22). Impaired Driving Laws. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa/

Neavyn, M. J., Blohm, E., Babu, K. M., & Bird, S. B. (2014). Medical Marijuana and Driving: A Review. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 10(3), 269–279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-014-0393-4

Cannabis and Driving. (2019). Ontario Medical Association. https://content.oma.org/wp-content/wp-private.php?filename=V4-10-2019-Cannabis-and-Driving.pdf