- The Ontario Cannabis Store is the sole online retailer for legal cannabis in Ontario, catering to individuals 19 and older.
- OCS emphasizes consumer education on cannabis use and provides varied product offerings, including value deals.
- The platform serves as a comprehensive resource for both buyers and those looking to enter the cannabis industry.
As online retail continues to evolve, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) stands as Ontario’s exclusive online retailer and wholesaler for legal recreational cannabis. Individuals residing in Ontario who are 19 years of age or older have the opportunity to explore a curated selection of cannabis-related products through the OCS platform. The website is designed not just as a point of sale, but also as a resource for consumers to learn about responsible consumption, the health effects of cannabis use, and to dispel myths surrounding its usage.
With a commitment to safety and education, the OCS offers a variety of products, including dried cannabis, oils, edibles, and accessories. The store also features value sections to assist consumers in finding cost-effective options, alongside a showcase of popular items like pre-rolled joints and full-spectrum vapes that reflect current trends in the cannabis market. For those seeking to deepen their understanding or kick-start a career in the industry, the OCS provides educational insights and tips for aspiring budtenders, underscoring its role as both a retailer and an information hub.
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) serves as the provincial epicentre for cannabis retail and wholesale operations, providing a variety of products to the adult population in Ontario.
The OCS was instituted following the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada to act as Ontario’s exclusive online retailer and wholesaler.
Toronto is the home to the OCS headquarters, where it manages operations for the entire province of Ontario.
Ontario Cannabis Store Products
The OCS offers an extensive selection of CBD products, including but not limited to:
- Full-Spectrum Vapes: These cartridges preserve the natural cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant.
- Pre-Roll Variety Packs: For those looking to explore different strains and flavours, offering a range of aromatic profiles.
- Bestselling CBD Items: A category consistently updated with the most popular CBD products selected by Ontario consumers.
Important to use dosage guide provided by retailer/manufacturer for proper usage and dosage.
Ace Valley
Ace Valley is a cannabis brand from the team behind Ace Hill, a beverage brand based in Toronto. Ace Valley is the brand for licensed producer, Tweed Inc., in Canada to create premium and approachable cannabis products including THC and CBD products. Products include pre-rolls, all-in-one vapes, real-fruit gummies and flower. Ace Valley products include CBD, Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains to provide consumers with consistent experiences.
Ace Valley Blueberry Acaí CBD & CBG Sparkling Water
Ingredients:
Carbonated Water, Erythritol, Cannabis Emulsion (water, modified coconut oil (medium chain triglycerides), cannabis extract, quillaia extract, citric acid, mixed tocopherols, acacia gum), Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Stevia Extract, Ca
Dosages Available In:
21.00 mg
Variations:
Blueberry Acaí CBD & CBG Sparkling Water
Apothecary Labs
Apothecary Botanicals is a licensed producer of medical cannabis since 2018 based in British Columbia and licensed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. They are Canadian owned and operated, and is known for researching and developing quality infused cannabis products. They also pride themselves on natural ingredients.
Apothecary Labs Bacon – Extra Strength CBD Extract
Apothecary Labs presents their CBD bacon extract oil, crafted using a straightforward recipe that incorporates basic ingredients and broad-spectrum CBD. This CBD is derived from hemp plants cultivated and processed in British Columbia, with natural bacon essence infused to achieve its delightful bacon taste and scent. Olive oil serves as the carrier oil in this bacon-flavored tincture. Packaged in a 30ml bottle, it offers approximately 10mg of CBD per milliliter. For convenience in measuring doses, the tincture includes a graduated dropper.
Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Bacon Flavor, Cannabis extract
Dosages Available In:
255.00 – 325.00 mg
Liv Relief
LivRelief Transdermal Cream is a product designed for pain relief, formulated to deliver active ingredients through the skin directly to the areas of pain and inflammation. It’s known for its use of natural ingredients and its ability to bypass the digestive system, providing targeted relief. The cream typically contains various compounds, including natural anti-inflammatory agents, pain relievers, and sometimes CBD or other plant-based extracts, aimed at alleviating symptoms such as muscle and joint pain. LivRelief creams are often recommended for individuals looking for an alternative or supplement to oral pain medication, offering relief from conditions like arthritis, back pain, or sports injuries.
Extra Strength Transdermal CBD Cream
LivRelief’s creams are formulated with the innovative Delivra™ transdermal technology, which allows for deep penetration and swift absorption by the skin, ensuring that active ingredients are delivered directly to the affected area in a controlled manner. Crafted from natural, plant-based ingredients, these creams emit a gentle, botanical fragrance and are specifically designed for use on muscles and joints. The Extra Strength Transdermal CBD Cream comes in a 50g jar packed with 750mg of CBD and is verified to contain less than 10 ug/g THC. This THC level falls below the regulatory limit, permitting the removal of the standardized cannabis symbol typically required on cannabis products.
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Flower Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Lecithin, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Rutin, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate-13, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil, Xanthan Gum, Polyisobutene, Anethole, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil, Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Seed Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Dosages Available In:
740.00 – 780.00 mg
Lab Testing
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) places a firm emphasis on the quality of its cannabis products, ensuring that what customers receive is both safe and reliable. Customers are provided with detailed information on product sourcing, independent laboratory testing results, and have access to an array of customer reviews, enabling them to make informed choices.
The OCS meticulously selects cannabis from growers who comply with strict Canadian federal regulations, ensuring that every product originates from reputable sources. The sourcing involves:
- Strain Selection: Carefully chosen varieties to cater to diverse customer preferences.
- Processing Standards: Adherence to high processing standards that preserve the integrity and purity of the cannabis.
For added consumer confidence, all products pass through independent laboratory testing, which assesses:
- Cannabinoid Profiles: Accurately determines the levels of THC and CBD.
- Safety Checks: Screens for contaminants such as pesticides and microbes.
Our Review
CBD Zone has explored the Ontario Cannabis Store’s array of CBD products (with low or zero THC), and our experience, coupled with online reviews, underscores the excellence of their offerings. The assortment and quality of their CBD selections have garnered widespread praise, catering effectively to diverse needs and preferences.
However, the online store for Ontario Cannibus Store has constantly products that are considered “out of stock” with no expected date for these products to return. Often time, you need to just order what is available at the time you need it.
Overall, online feedback highlights the Ontario Cannabis Store’s user-friendly categorization of CBD products, a feature we’ve found particularly beneficial. This clear distinction between products with minimal or no THC content is immensely valuable for our clients who require or prefer to avoid THC for personal or professional reasons.
The comprehensive product descriptions have been another point of appreciation in both our assessment and the online community. They offer detailed insights into CBD content, terpene profiles, and usage recommendations, fostering a transparent shopping experience that facilitates informed choices.
The variety of CBD forms available—ranging from oils and capsules to topicals—has been well-received according to online reviews. This diversity ensures a suitable option for every preference, be it a conventional oil or a discreet capsule form.
Additionally, the Ontario Cannabis Store’s dedication to safety and regulatory compliance has not gone unnoticed. Both our company and online reviewers appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing the products meet stringent safety standards and have undergone thorough testing.
In summary, our company’s positive assessment of the Ontario Cannabis Store’s CBD products is reinforced by online reviews. Their commitment to quality, variety, and educational support makes them a trusted source for us. We’re encouraged by both our experiences and the broader community feedback, and we’re eager to continue utilizing the Ontario Cannabis Store for our CBD needs.
Reviews Of Product Quality From Customers
Customer feedback is taken seriously, with product quality consistently reflected in reviews:
- Leafly Ratings: A popular platform for consumers to express their satisfaction with strains and product quality.
- Customer Testimonials: Direct reviews on the OCS website offering a spectrum of insights into user experiences.
Through these measures, the OCS ensures that customers have access to premium cannabis products that meet rigorous safety and quality standards.
Pricing
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) operates with a pricing framework that aims to balance market competitiveness with regulatory compliance, ensuring fair access for consumers while addressing costs such as excise tax and markup.
The OCS, as Ontario’s sole wholesaler and online retailer of legal recreational cannabis, sets its pricing strategy to remain competitive with both legal market competitors and the illicit market. Studies, including a recent review by EY Parthenon, indicate that significant portions of cannabis product costs go towards government taxes and provincial mark-ups. For example, Excise Tax and Markup contribute to 46.6% of a basket of legal cannabis products’ price. This basket typically includes items like 1g flower, pre-rolls, vape products, and edibles.
The OCS seeks to provide value to customers while ensuring they can generate a sustainable Profit from the business. These efforts are evident in the decision to shift towards a fixed markup pricing model, which aims to simplify and rationalize costs throughout the supply chain.
Pros And Cons Of The Ontario Cannabis Store
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) serves as both the online retailer and wholesaler of legal recreational cannabis in Ontario, setting out to capture consumers from the illegal market through its operations. As a regulator and market competitor, OCS faces the dynamic challenge of balancing public service with commercial success. Below is an appraisal of the positives and negatives witnessed by consumers and employees alike, indicative of OCS’s impact on the market and its operations.
Positives:
- Legal Market Advantages: OCS offers a legal and regulated platform for the purchase and wholesaling of cannabis, ensuring product safety and consumer protection.
- Product Variety and Quality: Customers enjoy a wide range of cannabis products from various strains to full-spectrum vapes, catering to different preferences and needs.
- Customer Education: OCS places significant emphasis on educating consumers about cannabis through resources like Cannabis Made Clear, focusing on consumption, health effects, and harm reduction.
- Price Competitiveness: With value alerts and budget-friendly options, OCS strives to offer competitive pricing, which is a key factor in deterring the illegal market.
- Innovation and Trends: OCS keeps pace with the latest trends, offering fresh innovations and tips, which helps in maintaining consumer interest and loyalty.
Negatives:
- Competition with Private Retailers: As a regulator, OCS also competes with private dispensaries, which can lead to conflicts of interest and challenges in fostering a competitive market.
- Limited Physical Accessibility: With a primary focus on online sales, those who prefer in-store shopping experiences might find limited accessibility, as OCS operates a single storefront.
- Market Capture Challenges: Convincing consumers to transition from the illegal to the legal market remains a challenge, as the illegal market can offer more competitive pricing and variety in certain aspects.
- Regulatory Restrictions: Operating as a government entity, OCS faces strict regulatory frameworks that can impede rapid response to market changes and consumer demands.
Summary
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is the sole legal online retailer and wholesaler of recreational cannabis in Ontario, Canada. Established to provide a safe, responsible, and accessible platform for cannabis products, the OCS plays a pivotal role in eliminating the illegal cannabis market by offering a wide range of legal cannabis products, including dried flowers, pre-rolls, oils, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and topicals.
The OCS prides itself on its commitment to safety, compliance with regulations, and providing educational resources to help consumers make informed decisions. It operates with transparency and focuses on promoting responsible use among adults.
One of the standout features of the OCS is its diverse selection of brands and products. It collaborates with a variety of licensed producers, both large and small, ensuring a comprehensive range of options for consumers. The brands offered by the OCS include well-known names in the cannabis industry such as:
- Canopy Growth Corporation: Known for its popular brands like Tweed and Tokyo Smoke, offering a wide range of cannabis products.
- Aurora Cannabis: Renowned for high-quality cannabis strains and products.
- Aphria (now part of Tilray): Offers a variety of cannabis products under various brand names.
- Redecan: Recognized for their focus on quality and affordability.
- Hexo: Known for innovative products and commitment to quality.
These brands, among others, provide a vast selection of products catering to different preferences and needs, from high-CBD, low-THC options to premium THC-dominant strains, edibles, and concentrates. The OCS’s partnership with these brands ensures that consumers have access to a wide array of products, all tested and regulated to meet the safety standards set by Health Canada.
In summary, the Ontario Cannabis Store serves as a critical component in Ontario’s legal cannabis landscape, offering a wide and varied selection of cannabis products through its partnerships with leading and emerging brands in the industry. Its focus on safety, education, and compliance with regulations underscores its commitment to providing a responsible cannabis retail experience.