At first glance, you’ll probably recognize the brand and strain name, but what about all that other stuff? Well, that’s where this guide comes in. It’ll help you understand the elements that appear on the label of any legal cannabis product, whether it’s one of ours, or another Licensed Producer’s.
While we have our own system for helping you navigate the universe of different highs out there, the Coles Notes go like this: Cannabis is usually classified into two distinct types: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Taxonomists have been debating the distinctions between the two for a couple of centuries, but, for the average consumer, the difference is simple. Throughout the history of cannabis culture, people have typically thought of indica-dominant flower as drowsy, and sativa-dominant varietals as energizing. Flowers with the “hybrid” classification are somewhere in the middle.
Ultimately, every cannabis plant features a unique combination of active compounds and aromatic molecules. If the current thinking bears any weight, it’s the interaction between these compounds that is responsible for the different effects that individual cannabis varieties produce.
Strangely enough, though, research shows that the average levels of CBD and THC across indica- and sativa-dominant varietals don’t actually vary that much; this classification has less to do with the actual species of the plant and more to do with how you experience it. But as we all know, everyone experiences the effects of cannabis differently.
A “sativa-dominant” flower may feel stimulating to one person, and relaxing to another. Your own body chemistry, mood, and physical setting can all influence your experience, whether the label says indica, sativa, or hybrid.
A cannabis label will always list the number of active cannabis compounds present in the product. In most cases, it also lists the content of the two primary cannabinoids, CBD and THC. When it comes to cannabis, these are two of the most important initialisms to know.
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound that is generally considered non-intoxicating. CBD may still have an effect on the brain—but it’s not that common “high” associated with cannabis. On the other hand, THC is the primary compound responsible for cannabis intoxication. The higher the amount of THC in a product, the more potent the effects.
CBD and THC contents are listed in different formats depending on the type of product. Depending on what you pick up, you might find CBD and THC content listed in:
On cannabis flower labels, the numbers you really want to pay attention to are the ones printed after “TOTAL THC” and “TOTAL CBD.” These refer to the amount of each compound that will be available after heating—that is, when you smoke or vaporize your flower.
The date that the cannabis product was packaged, and the date upon which it expires, are both shown on the label. If you like your flower fresh (and who doesn’t?), these are good dates to know.
Dried cannabis is measured in grams, and this gram weight appears on the label (in Canada, you’re limited to purchases of 30 grams or less). But cannabis buds aren’t uniform, so producers are allowed some wiggle room when it comes to product weight. If you were to place your cannabis on a scale, you might notice a small discrepancy.
If the dried cannabis product is under two grams, you might find that the package actually contains 10 percent more or less than the gram weight listed. If the product weighs more than two grams, then you may notice up to a five percent difference. So if you purchase 3.5 grams of dried flower, you could actually get anywhere from 3.325 to 3.675 grams.
By law, cannabis products must contain warning labels similar to those required for tobacco. These warnings serve a public health purpose, and companies are required to print at least one warning on cannabis packages.
Even if you’re an experienced consumer of cannabis, it’s worthwhile reading—and heeding—those warnings. For some related reading, see our articles on the side effects of THC and how long it stays in your system.
Who grew your stash? Canadian cannabis is grown by Licenced Producers that have received governmental accreditation and approval to cultivate, process, and distribute. If you want or need to contact a Licensed Producer, their information, including company name and contact details, can be found on their products’ labels.
Dried cannabis products should be kept in dry environments. Heat and sunlight can degrade the active compounds in the plant, reducing both its quality and potency over time. If you want your stash to last, keep it in an air-tight and preferably opaque container.
And if there are children in your life, it’s also very important to store your cannabis out of reach of curious hands, and out of sight of prying eyes.
Fortunately, beautiful and thoughtfully designed storage accessories are easy to come by these days. (Here are some options we like.)
Finally, the lot number, which is required on all Canadian consumer goods. The lot number gives you specific information regarding the exact batch of cannabis that was harvested or extracted for your product. If there are recalls of a product due to contamination, this lot number allows you, the producer, and public health officials to identify and sort out the products that are problematic.
The lot number also provides information regarding potency. Cannabis is harvested every eight to 12 weeks. Each harvest is batch-tested and its CBD and THC contents are recorded; it is then associated with a unique lot number to make it trackable.
So yeah, there’s a lot of information packed onto cannabis packages. But now that you’ve read all this, you’re ready to read all that.
In the last few decades, as serious scientific inquiry has revealed just how sophisticated cannabis really is, it has become obvious that there’s no such thing as a single high. The truth is, there’s a whole universe of different highs out there: highs that are soft and sedative, highs that are energizing and creative, highs that are mindful, highs that are motivating—and just about everything in between.
A wide range of those effects are dependent on the chemical composition. While each person’s individual tolerance can be very different (meaning the same cannabis varietal might affect two people in different ways), we have gained enough of an understanding of the chemistry of cannabis to anticipate some nuances of the experience. The average cannabis plant contains 500+ chemical components—over 100 of which are cannabinoids—and the sophisticated makeup of a particular strain will affect your brain and body in a totally unique way.
But even the most knowledgeable consumers can get lost trying to navigate the convoluted landscape of THC, CBD, terpenes, “sativas”, “indicas”, and everything else. So we’ve developed a different way of looking at cannabis—a new language that will help consumers better understand the myriad products out there, the chemistry that differentiates them, and which ones work best with the activities you’re going to pair them with.
We call this our Intent System, and it’s composed of five unique categories: Go, Rise, Equalize, Ease, and Pause. The organizing principle is simple: what do you intend to do with your cannabis experience?
Sativa-dominant varietals, like the ones found in Go, tend to have higher doses of THC and lower doses of CBD.
Shop Go IntentOur Rise products are hybrid, with slightly lower levels of THC, which means they hit the sweet spot between mind and body.
Shop Rise IntentOffering relatively balanced levels of THC and CBD, our Equalize hybrids are all about keeping an even keel; they’re the perfect place to start for those who haven’t experienced a high in a while (or ever before).
Shop Equalize IntentOur Ease varietals are CBD-dominant, which means the overall effect can be both physical and mental. CBD has no psychoactive effect, and studies have shown that it may act as a buffer against the effects of THC.
Shop Ease IntentYou’ve probably heard the mnemonic—indica, in da couch. With high levels of THC and low on CBD, the products in this category are purpose-built to help you unwind.
Shop Pause IntentAnd although cannabis affects everyone’s system differently, we’ve designed our Intent System to do our best to put you in control of your individual experience. We want to help you navigate our cannabis products with the ideal outcome in mind. Which strains will enhance your intentions? Explore our collections to see the options available to you.
As carefully selected as the plant that nourishes you, the right pipe should feel like an extension of your home, and – in the case of an utterly perfect match – an extension of your body. Each one of the beauties in our lovingly curated selection of exquisite dried flower pipes is shown to its best advantage here via a complementary gesture that showcases each one’s unique functionality and tactile appeal. Strike a match, then strike a pose.
Here’s a pipe you’ll feel good about leaving on your bedside table. In fact, even the fanciest boudoir might start to feel a little scruffy by comparison. As the moniker suggests, the Grace pipe is a thing of rare and unadorned beauty. Designed to the highest aesthetic standards in the Canadian city of Toronto and crafted from porcelain clay, the F8 Grace Pipe’s smooth, rounded surfaces will elevate your hand to ergonomic nirvana with every touch. It even doubles as an incense burner, should the occasion require a little olfactory elevation.
Hold your F8 Grace Pipe like the charming flip phone of yesteryear, and prepare to make contact with the serenity of an almost-forgotten past.
Precision engineered for effortless storage and transportation, the Journey J3 Pipe will get you where you need to go in the utmost style. The die-cast zinc body of this shatterproof number actually cools smoke as it moves through the chamber, making for a buttery smooth smoking experience. This is a fine-looking pipe that combines functionality, design and devil-may-care dynamism. Swivelling the lid of the Journey J3 Pipe can store your dried flower safely and prevent spills.
Both wild and benign, the baby bear shadow puppet manoeuvre is the best way to slide open the Journey pipe and take a look at what’s under the hood.
No question about it, this is a pipe that doubles as an exquisite home décor talking point. Inspired by the statement hand-blown glassware of the 1970s, the Hudson’s wide, disc-shaped design pulls the smoke into a hypnotic swirl before your eyes to beguile as you inhale. Its roomy chamber helps cool the smoke before it gets to your waiting lips. To use, simply scoop your ground flower into the bowl of the pipe.
Caressing the Laundry Day Hudson Pipe in the two-handed chalice pose is the perfect way to showcase its glassy green allure to hypnotic advantage. Watch and burn.
Meticulously handmade by Canadian artisans, the VEDA Pipe by Maitri is a traditionally crafted ceramic pipe designed with today’s vogue for practical modernism in mind. A one-of-a-kind work of art that’s simply too chic for the stash drawer, the VEDA pipe is at once pleasingly tactile and effortlessly refined. A full bowl of finely ground and tightly packed flower combined with a slow draw will yield the best results.
Hold the VEDA Pipe Black like a skimming stone, and prepare to wade into the sea of tranquillity.
You’ve selected your pipe, struck your pose, but alas! Where is the flower to ignite? You’re going to look awfully foolish skimming stones or imitating baby bears without anything to light, so don’t forget to select your dried flower before you strike that pose.
"There are risks associated with cannabis use. For information, search online "Health Canada - cannabis health effects".
Roasting and grinding cocoa beans has been part of the art of making chocolate for thousands of years. Throughout that time, the recipe, at its core, hasn’t changed all that much.
With the launch of our cannabis-infused chocolate bars, we embrace that element of simplicity.
Our dark milk chocolate is made with simple ingredients: cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, whole milk powder, organic cocoa butter, and, of course, an infusion of Tokyo Smoke cannabis. Our chocolate is made with 60% cocoa and a touch of milk, for a hint of creaminess, ensuring there’s something for lovers of dark and milk chocolate alike. Simple ingredients mean that you’re getting a pure chocolate taste, and with five easily-segmented portions you have full control over your cannabis experience.
Each segment of our Go and Pause chocolate bars contains 2 mg of THC, for a total of 10 mg.
This sativa cannabis-infused dark milk chocolate has higher doses of THC and minimal doses of CBD.
When it comes to chocolate, simple is always better. With dosing that is easy to control and the highest-quality ingredients, our cannabis-infused chocolate bars are purpose-built to take the guesswork out of the consumption of edibles, and ensure that your experience is driven by intent.
What are you waiting for? Browse our new selection of cannabis-infused chocolate.
If you still have questions about dosing, effects, and health risks associated with edible cannabis products, we can help you learn everything you need to know about edibles.
Cannabis-infused beverages are just what they sound like: drinks that have cannabis-infused into them. Sounds simple, right? Ok, perhaps it’s not as simple as just adding it in. Traditionally, cannabis beverages have needed fatty ingredients in order to dissolve properly, meaning that combos were limited to a few recipes using milky liquids.
First things first, cannabis distillate is made. “Distillate” is a substance made from distillation, a process that purifies liquid by separating (or removing) selected components. The term “distillate” comes from the extraction method used to make it, known as “short-path distillation”.
Our Distilled Cannabis™ distillate is an almost clear, amber-coloured, thick, sticky liquid that can contain up to 96% cannabinoids. As with most extracts, THC and/or CBD levels in distillate depend on the quality of the starting materials used to make it.
Oh, the possibilities. Drinks can be made with CBD isolate, or from cannabis distillate (which can have CBD and THC) that is mixed with other liquids. Some drinks can get you high, but beverages are limited to no more than 10 mg of THC per package. The carry limit is still the same (30g of dried cannabis), so an equivalency will be listed on your beverage package.
Like edibles, beverages are ingested and go through your digestive system. It may take a bit longer for you to feel the effects (vs. smoking or vaping), and those effects typically last longer. Beverages kick in after about 30-120 minutes and can last up to 12 hours* Because cannabis affects everyone differently, our advice is always to start low, and go slow
Infusing beverages with cannabinoids is a challenge as they lack fatty ingredients. Consumers will find infused drink recipes online, however, most are gimmicks or involve some form of hot milk product. Making high quality infused drinks requires proper emulsifying equipment and technology to ensure the beverage provides the right taste, consistency and efficacy.
You will be able to buy cannabis beverages anywhere in Canada you can legally buy cannabis today.
While the regulations change in October 2019, these new formats likely won’t be available in stores until mid-December 2019 and into Spring 2020.
There is a possibility that these beverages will be available in liquor stores at some point, but not any time soon.
No. At this time you can’t get cannabis drinks in liquor stores, and it’s not legal to sell cannabis beverages with alcohol in them. In order to consume responsibly and reduce your risk, you should not mix your cannabis beverages with alcohol or other substances. Also, never drive high.
Cannabis-infused beverages should be available wherever cannabis is legally sold, starting in the winter of 2019. Remember to start low and go slow while you test out how your body will interact with a particular cannabis drink.
*Health Canada advises some effects may last up to 24 hours.
We’re ready for a revolution in cannabis, are you joining us?
“Indica” and “sativa” come from the Latin names given to cannabis plants way back in the 1700s. The name Cannabis indica was meant to identify plants that came from India, which were known largely for their psychoactive properties, and the name Cannabis sativa was meant to denote the hemp-type plants native to Europe and Western Asia, which were used primarily to make clothing and oils.
But over the past three hundred years or so, those definitions have become looser—and a lot more complicated. Producers tend to use the terms “indica” and “sativa” to categorize and differentiate their strains in the marketplace, even though most of the cannabis varieties out there today technically originate from the Cannabis indica family.
Would you accept “it depends”? While the plants are different, categorizing cannabis as either “indica-dominant” or “sativa-dominant” have become common ways for people to describe the effects associated with a particular strain. But strangely enough, research shows that the average levels of CBD and THC across indica and sativa strains don’t actually vary that much. As we said, this popular taxonomy has less to do with the actual species of the plant and more to do with how you experience it. But as we all know, everyone experiences the effects of cannabis differently.
A hybrid strain is the result of crossbreeding between indica and sativa plants. The truth is, all of the cannabis you will encounter will come from a hybrid plant—there are no examples of “true” indicas or sativas, as the terms have been used differently for the last… 300 years. Hybrids offer a nuanced balance of the effects associated with indica and sativa, which makes them particularly well-suited to intent-based cannabis curation.
That depends—and not just on what your intentions are. The way any strain of cannabis affects your body is totally unique to your body’s particular biology, your tolerance levels, and how you choose to consume it (pre-roll, capsule, spray, etc). One person’s “in da couch” experience might be very different for another person. So, just because a varietal is categorized as indica or sativa, don’t think you have a clear sense of how it will affect you. That’s why it’s important to start low, go slow, and to remember to get as much clarity about the varietals you’re choosing, as well as what activities they pair well with.
Strains that are categorized as “indica” are generally thought to have sedative physical effects (thus the slang term “in da couch”).
Strains that are categorized as “sativa” are generally thought to be more energizing and mentally stimulating.
While the indica/sativa classification system can help guide you in a general direction, the vast number of varieties available can make for an overwhelming shopping experience.
At Tokyo Smoke we’ve developed a different way of looking at cannabis. Our Intent System is a tool that categorizes the different indica and sativa products out there, identifies their similarities and differences, and suggests which varietals will work best with your intended cannabis experience. Remember, however, that this system is to be used as a general guide only, and the resulting experience will be unique to each user.
Our Intent System is composed of five unique categories: Go, Rise, Equalize, Ease, and Pause. The organizing principle is simple: what do you intend to do with your cannabis experience?
Learn more about our Intent System and recommended product pairings for any activity ahead, or shop products by Intent to get a sense of which products and formats are available.
Where to next?
What sweet mystery gives cannabis its character? Put simply, the answer is terpenes.
Secreted in the cannabis flower’s resin glands, terpenes are the fragrant oils that give individual strains their distinctive aroma and flavour. In the wild, terpenes developed as a natural way for certain plants – not just cannabis, but also hops, citrus and conifer trees, ylang-ylang, lemongrass and thyme – to repel pests and predators or attract pollinators. They’re nature’s biochemical communicators, and they’re an eloquent cohort. Shop Our Strains Here
Because of the myriad ways in which terpenes can act on our neurotransmitters via the endocannabinoid system, they are now widely studied for their potential mental and physical benefits in humans – meaning the discerning dried flower enthusiast can look beyond just the potency of THC and CBD when selecting a strain.
A cheering phenomenon is the entourage effect, whereby terpenes work together with cannabinoids to formulate a strain’s flavour and the resulting high. Terpenes are highly evocative and, when absorbed via inhalation use, each has the ability to transport the user to a singular place of sanctuary and discovery – the characteristics of which are profiled verbally and visually here for your reference and delectation.
This spicy terpene supplies a warmth to the nose that’s reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.
When life gives you limonene, count yourself lucky indeed. Strains that are high in this terpene are suffused with a vibrant citrusy brightness.
Commonly found in lavender, linalool’s aroma is light and floral with a touch of spiciness. Chilled and calm, studies have even shown that it can reduce anxiety in mice.
Identifiable by its lemongrass notes, myrcene is luxuriant yet grounding. Find it in mangoes, thyme and even hops.
With notes of pine, rosemary and sage, pinene is a bronchodilating terpene, which certain studies have shown to promote ease of breathing. Its mood is clean, fresh and invigorating, radiating freshness and vitality. As the author John Muir put it, “between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”
Ready to explore the world of terpenes? Take the plunge with our selection of dried flower, available in our full range of intents.
In essence, cannabis “edibles” are food products infused with cannabis. Edibles can have a mild cannabis flavour, or no hint of cannabis at all. The combinations are close to endless, but some common types of edibles are baked goods—like brownies—gummies, or chocolate.
Edibles can’t contain more than 10 mg of THC, and the carry limit is still 30 g of dried cannabis, however that doesn’t mean 30 g of edibles. Every package contains an equivalency-to-dried-cannabis conversion so be sure to check that to be sure you are within your limit.
The way you consume cannabis matters, and it can change the experience a lot. The effects of smoking can be felt pretty quickly (within seconds or minutes), while edibles take a bit more time to kick in (30-120 min). That’s because edibles are metabolized by your liver instead of going right to your bloodstream. It can be easy to take more than you mean to if you’re expecting to feel high right away. It’s also worthwhile to remember that the effects of edibles can last a long time (up to 12 hours with some effects lasting up to 24 hours), so consuming edibles requires some planning. Clear your schedule and get comfy.
While it might make sense to compare edibles to other orally consumed formats like softgels or oils, it isn’t quite that straightforward. Your individual body chemistry may react differently to oils vs. dried flower products, and just converting mg/ml to percentages will not give accurate information about how the products will affect you. Best to start low and go slow with specific edibles and give yourself time to feel the effects before consuming more.
You’re probably asking yourself—haven’t edibles been around forever? Truthfully, they have, but edibles are just now entering the legal market, with the update to Health Canada regulations in October of 2019.
Legality comes with some benefits, other than not having to worry about breaking the law of course. Legal edibles are tested to ensure the highest quality. They’re also labelled with detailed information like THC/CBD content, so you can be informed about what you’re consuming.
You should be able to get edibles wherever cannabis is legally sold, starting in late 2019.
Like other types of ingestible cannabis, edibles can take between 30 to 120 minutes to take effect. Once those effects begin, they can last up to 12 hours, with some effects lasting as long as 24 hours.
As for how long edibles stay in your system, it’s true that THC can stay in your system a long time after the high is over (for a month or more). Just because an edible high may last longer, it doesn’t mean your system is free of cannabis when the feeling is gone. For more information on how cannabis interacts with your system, click here
It can be difficult to say, as edibles take many different forms. To preserve freshness for as long as possible, keep your edibles in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Edibles offer a whole new way to experience cannabis that’s as easy and enjoyable as snacking. They have a different effect than regular comfort foods though, so take care and start with just a bite.
Unlike dried flower, or even dried flower vapes, extract vapourizers are sleeker in design and use an atomizer to instantly heat the cannabis extract in a cartridge, rather than a chamber. In addition, some cannabis extracts are more potent than dried flower, since they are concentrated.
Extract vapes or vape pens, as they are more commonly known, can be sold as a standalone cartridge and paired with a battery, or an all-in-one vape pen. A vape pen consists of a cartridge filled with cannabis extract and a battery.
Some vape pens combine both components into a single unit, while others offer a more customizable experience.
Simply put: cannabis. Extracts let you experience all the charms of dried flower without any of the combustion—all of the same wonder, but less smoke than before.
Extracts are made of resin-based cannabis products like oils or distillates. Legally, they can’t contain nicotine or other added vitamins or minerals, but they can contain THC or CBD, or a combination of both. The limit for THC in vape extracts is 1,000 mg per package
You will be able to buy extract vapourizers/vape pens anywhere you can legally buy cannabis today.
While the regulations change in October 2019, these new formats likely won’t be available in stores until mid-December 2019 and into Spring 2020. Good things come to those who wait.
The vapes and vape cartridges are limited to 1000 mg THC per package.
The carry limit will still be 30 grams. However, all packaging must contain an equivalency to grams of dried cannabis to determine the proper limit.
The Tokyo Smoke vape has received the UL Certification. So? Well, Underwriter Laboratories has been testing and evaluating products for over 100 years and represents the absolute pinnacle of vape technology safety. Still don’t see why you should care? Our vape is the only vape hitting the market to have received the certification. We’re a little proud.
As these vapes involve extracts, they have the potential to be much more potent than dried flower—new consumers should approach with caution.
Health Canada has not yet released specific recommendations for the new vapourizers.
Without getting too scientific, illicit dried cannabis can absorb and hold onto nasty things like banned pesticides and heavy metals.
Regulated cannabis is cultivated by licensed producers and tested rigorously for contaminants to ensure that only the highest quality products are sold to the public.
Illicit cannabis producers cannot guarantee dosage, product safety or facility cleanliness.
You should see familiar symbols on labels for vape products, like the standardized cannabis symbol for products containing a concentration of over 10 μg/g THC.
You’ll see these symbols printed directly on accessories that contain cannabis (like vape cartridges). THC/CBD content will be listed too, along with a Health Canada warning message.
New forms are landing soon.
Meet your new possibilities.
Extract vaping uses cannabis resin-based extracts rather than dried flower, in smaller, specialized vape pens. These sleek, portable and discrete pens use an atomizer to heat the cannabis extract inside a portable cartridge rather than a dry herb chamber, upping the cool factor.
These vapes provide a very potent delivery of cannabinoids and the effects may be felt in just seconds and could last for up to 6 hours*. Vapour from an extract is purer than smoke from combusted flower, and most vape pens are made with cannabis distillate (which can reach 96% cannabinoid purity). That means a lot of power in a small package, so proceed with caution.
*some effects may last up to 24 hours.
Purer and more potent than dried flower
Fast onset: Just seconds
Duration: Up to 6 hours
THC limit: 1000 mg per package
Packaging lists equivalency to dried cannabis to help you stay within the carry limit (30 g)
Consists of an atomizer cartridge filled with cannabis oil or distillate plus a battery
Heats the oil/extract in the cartridge, not a chamber
Sold as stand-alone cartridge with a battery OR an easy, all-in-one pen
Accessible wherever cannabis is legally sold
Likely available beginning late 2019
Extract vaping combines convenience and power with swanky design for a premium experience. The power of extracts should not be underestimated, though. Don’t forget to start low and go slow.
“Edibles” are food items infused with cannabis oil or distillate. As you can imagine, the possible combinations are endless. Legal edibles must clearly display the amount of THC and CBD in each product, and they must be manufactured with market consistency and quality in mind.
Generally, edibles take a while to kick in, but they have a strong effect that really lasts. Expect more of a body high, but less than a full-spectrum experience, as cooking and baking can destroy the terpene profile.
It’s hard to compare edibles to dried flower or vaping, and the experience can be vastly different. Start low and go slow until you get a sense of how your body reacts.
Stronger effect and more potent than dried flower
Slower onset: 30-90 min
Long duration: 12-24 hours
THC limit: 10 mg per package
Metabolized by your liver
Accessible wherever cannabis is legally sold
Likely available beginning late 2019
Packaging lists equivalency to dried cannabis to help you stay within the carry limit (30 g)
Consuming edibles requires some planning. Settle in for a longer high and be prepared, so that you never drive impaired.
Cannabis-infused beverages are an easy, refreshing way to consume your herb. We all know how to drink liquids, so the complexity factor is nil. Making these cannabis bevvies involves infusing drinks with cannabis distillate, an amber-hued and extremely viscous extract made up of up to 96% cannabinoids. THC and CBD concentrations depend on the original source used.
Beverages infused with cannabis distillate often have 2 mg of cannabinoids per serving and can contain no more than 10 mg of THC per package. The effects come on after about 30 min and can last up to 12 hours.
Making a tasty cannabis beverage can be a tough process, though. Most drinks are low in fat, and cannabinoids have, up until recently, needed fatty ingredients to dissolve well. Legal beverage makers use sophisticated emulsification technology to give these drinks the right flavour and feel, while preserving the cannabis effect.
Stronger effect and more potent than dried flower
Medium onset: 30-90 min
Long duration: up to 12 hours
THC limit: 10 mg per package
Accessible wherever cannabis is legally sold
Likely available beginning late 2019
Packaging lists equivalency to dried cannabis to help you stay within the carry limit (30 g)
Non-alcoholic and not currently for sale at liquor stores
Just like edible products, cannabis beverages are ingested, and every person reacts a bit differently. Start low, and sip slow.
Now that extract vapes, edibles or beverages are legally available, these new forms can help you tailor your experience to your specific taste and preference. Explore and enjoy!
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Why do I care about that?
Here’s the thing: Some companies make potential employees take a drug test during the application process. So if you’re currently looking for a new gig and having been soothing those job search woes with a little session, this could be an issue. Maybe you’ve even had an “oh, crap” moment when a could-be employer asked you to take a drug test before they offered you your dream job.
It’s true that many employers are taking a more lax approach to cannabis consumption. But, every workplace has different rules, and we all know what they say about assuming. Because laws are changing so rapidly in Canada and the United States, it can be tricky for companies to come up with clear policies.
Look for the following language in an employer’s contract to determine whether your cannabis use may raise problems for you at work:
Zero tolerance policy:
With medical and recreational cannabis becoming legalized in an increasing number of states (as well as all over Canada), this is becoming less and less popular—but some companies still have this policy in place. Basically, it means they’re seriously strict on drug use and can fire you immediately if you’ve violated the policy. You may see language stating that you must be “fit for duty” while on the job.
Pre-employment drug tests:
These are given to candidates as part of the job screening process. If you fail a drug test, this gives a company grounds to not offer you that job, even if you’re the best candidate.
Random drug tests:
These are given without any notice. Depending on whether or not the company has a zero-tolerance policy, you may or may not be fired on the spot if you fail. Unfortunately, this kind of drug testing is just not that accurate. A study conducted by the Government of Canada determined that because there’s a real lack of understanding of how our bodies process THC, it’s pretty much impossible to accurately determine whether someone is suffering the effects of intoxication. An employee of the Toronto Transit Commission was even fired after failing a random oral fluid drug test, which a study from Dalhousie University’s Department of Community Health and Epidemiology deemed ineffective.
For cause drug tests:
An employer may ask you to take one of these if they think you’ve been using drugs and that it’s been impairing your ability to get your job done. (You might see this referred to as “reasonable suspicion.”) Again, you may be fired right away if you fail—or you may be asked to attend substance abuse counselling.
Post-accident drug tests:
Had an accident on the job? That’s when an employer may give you one of these drug tests and decide on disciplinary action.
Why weed takes so long to get out of your body
THC can stay in your body for a month or more, but this all depends on a variety of factors including your age, gender, body size, how often you use cannabis, and the dosage. There’s really not much you can do to speed up the process of getting THC out of your body, although staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and exercising, may help a teeny bit.
A quick science lesson: THC is absorbed into your bloodstream. Some of it gets stored in your organs and fatty tissues, and then your liver breaks it down. Eventually, it gets metabolized by a compound called THC-COOH and is released by your body. It is THC-COOH that actually gives away your consumption, not THC itself.
A 2017 study found that cannabis could be detected for up to three days in first-time smokers, 5-7 days in people who smoke three or four times a week, and 30 days or longer in people who smoke once a day.
And how the detectability of THC-COOH compare to other drugs? Booze can stay in your system for up to 24 hours. Magic mushrooms, containing the psychedelic compound psilocybin, will usually stay in your system for up to 15 hours, while methamphetamines may be present in your body for three or four days post-use.
A note about tolerance breaks
Let’s say all this talk about how long THC stays in your body has convinced you to try a tolerance break. Nixing THC from your life temporarily can have some positive effects. It can help you determine whether or not you’re depending on cannabis, it can be a good way to experiment with sobriety, and it can even amplify cannabis’ effects on you once you start back up again. So prep yourself mentally, get rid of all your cannabis, let your friends know you won’t be able to join them in smoking for a while, and pick up a new hobby (one that won’t show up on a drug test, natch)—might we recommend knitting—to pass the time.
We clear the haze around THC
How does THC work?
So… how do you know which experience will be yours? Sit tight as we clear the haze around THC, giving some insight on how it works in your body, and how to guide comfortable, pleasant encounters with this multifaceted molecule.
According to the general understanding, THC appears to work mainly by taking the place of chemical compounds that the body naturally creates, called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are messengers that cause changes to the chemical signals that cells receive from each other.
While many bodily systems are influenced by endocannabinoids, these chemical messengers are heavily concentrated in the central nervous systems. This is important because without nervous system involvement, we wouldn’t be able to experience a cannabis “high.”
THC piggybacks on your endocannabinoid system, commandeering the landing sites on cells that are usually reserved for your body’s naturally produced compounds. The result? A cascade of chemical changes in the brain and the body. Changes in mood, emotion, memory, movement, and the perception of time are all potential outcomes after consuming THC.
What happens when you're high
Each person’s experience with THC is unique. Some people may feel relaxed, upbeat, and silly, while others might feel quiet and more withdrawn. And while some may appear to have a naturally high tolerance for THC, other people are more sensitive to its effects.
Mindset and setting can have an impact on the way you experience THC, but the response is also partly genetic. Some people, for example, may be genetically more likely to experience anxiety with THC than others.
Most of the effects of THC are acute, meaning that they are only present while you’re high*. You’re not guaranteed to feel these things, but some of the most commonly reported short-term effects of THC include:
How long does being high last anyway?
Great question, and the answer is—depends. The way you consume is going to directly affect how long you feel the impact of THC. If you’re inhaling cannabis, the effects typically kick in almost immediately and some effects can linger for as long as 24 hours. Don’t forget, once the high has worn off, you might feel a little drowsier than before.
Oral and edible cannabis is a different story. When you ingest THC, the active effects not only take longer to present themselves but last a lot longer as well. In fact, you might feel the active effects of an edible or capsule up to 12 hours after consuming, with some effects lasting for up to 24 hours. Plan accordingly.
Why dosage is key
A little THC goes a long way. In science-y circles, the word biphasic gets thrown around when describing the effects of THC. Broken down, the word means nothing more than “two phases.” Certain studies suggest that the effects of THC can often come in two phases, and the dose you consume influences the phase you experience. In low to moderate doses, THC may be more likely to produce positive benefits like stress and anxiety relief than when a high dosage is consumed, according to some studies.
Go too far, however, and THC are more likely to cause anxiety, paranoia, and may produce effects that are opposite of what you intended. Some cannabis partakers find that the ratio of THC to CBD impacts how they experience the high, and that more balanced ratios produce milder highs. At the risk of sounding repetitive, we cannot stress enough—start low and go slow.
Should I consume THC every day?
Your body is a clever thing. Consider the coffee drinker. The novice consumer will feel the effects of caffeine quite potently, yet as they become accustomed to the ritual of the morning cup, the less likely they are to experience that same buzz.
When you consume THC often enough, the same thing can happen. Developing a tolerance to THC is similar to losing sensitivity to the cannabinoid, as well as for the endocannabinoids that your body produces naturally.
While you’ll still be able to experience the effects of THC, your body will become accustomed to the regular input.
If you consume THC every day, your tolerance might make some withdrawal symptoms more likely. These can include difficulty sleeping, headache, and irritability.
Just like anything, balance is important. Focus on moderation, and If you like to consume regularly, consider taking a tolerance break every now and again. Your body will thank you.
* Health Canada Guidelines indicate that individuals may feel the effects of cannabis for up to 24 hours after consumption.
Thankfully, technology has come a long way. Devices like the LEVO II, and reliable, legal and pre-measured cannabis oil, edibles can be a far more controlled and predictable way to consume cannabis. Blueberry Power Balls are a simple way to explore cooking with cannabis. These dense, whole-food energy bites are snack-ready when you’re looking for a quick boost of energy. Their small size and portability are also useful when you’re looking to make a simple cannabis infusion.
As always, and especially with edibles, start low and go slow. Carefully measure the exact quantity of cannabis you include in your homemade oil infusion, and only consume within your demonstrated comfort level. We recommend opting for a low THC, high CBD varietal as one way to start low and go slow. Make sure to carefully mark any foods and products which contain any amount of cannabis, and always keep them out of the reach of minors.
Now, without further ado, check out the recipe below and get cooking.
YIELD: 36 SMALL BALLS (30g EACH)
2 cups
Raw nuts (we’re partial to cashews & almonds)
1 cup
dates
¼ cup
Coconut oil (infused or otherwise, depending on your intent)
½ cup
Dried blueberry flour (can be substituted with any nut or seed flour that you fancy)
½ cup
Dried blueberries
1 ½ tsp
Vanilla extract (or seeds of 1 vanilla bean)
1 ½ tsp
Zest of a lemon
1 ½ tsp
Juice of half a lemon
¼ tsp
Sea salt
A small bowl of toppings of choice: cacao nibs, coconut shavings, your call. Do you.
Add nuts to food processor. Process on high until texture is consistent.
Throw in the dates, flour, dried blueberries and the coconut oil. Process until all ingredients you’ve got a uniformish, thick, sticky mixture.
Add your lemon zest, juice and vanilla extract.
Process until all ingredients come together to form 1 large sticky ball of delicious, healthy goodness.
Time to get your hands dirty! Divide this bigger ball into smaller bite size balls (about two tablespoons each), and then roll in your desired toppings.
You’re done. Store in fridge for up to 1 week or throw them in the freezer for a longer shelf life, and think of us fondly as you munch.
*Disclaimer: If you're new to cooking-with-cannabis and aren’t comfortable making your own butter or oils, we recommend using pre-measured cannabis oil for this recipe—simply add just 2.5 mg/ball. And, as always, remember to start low and go slow with the cannabis content in your DIY recipes and always wait at least 24 hours before increasing the dosage.
Oh, and even though these treats are tasty for adults, they MUST be kept out of reach of children. As with all other cannabis products, store any cannabis-infused food in a location not accessible by children. Lockable cases are available for purchase, too. When it comes to keeping cannabis away from kids, you can never be too careful.
Sleek and artful, the Lantern Rolling Tray is an invaluable addition to both your stash and your fine assortment of home decor. A rolling tray is a stash essential, promising a clean workspace, an organized session and the guarantee that no bud left behind. This take on a stash classic marries purpose and beauty unlike any other.
Forgoing the overused wooden surface tray, this high-density, matte black polyethylene organizer was a collaborative project between Tokyo Smoke and Castor Design. Castor owner and founder Brian Richer and Tokyo Smoke Brands VP and Creative Director Berkeley Poole spearheaded the project.
“We wanted to create something unique, with durability,” Richer told us. An ode to the Tokyo Smoke lantern, the oval-shaped surface features a large circular bowl, a second, smaller oval bowl, three round divots in an array of sizes, as well as a thin vertical cardholder. These thoughtfully omitted negative spaces neatly hold your ground flower, papers, pre-rolls and other stash tools. “The various indents and bowls were never meant to be prescriptive, the end user can use the tray however they see fit.” Celebrating that no two smoke sessions are ever the same, the Lantern Rolling Tray offers endless possibilities in its collection of peaks and valleys.
In Poole’s own words, the Lantern Rolling tray is “kind of a ‘choose your own adventure’ type thing, which is reflective of how people roll and prepare. The way we consume and enjoy isn’t linear—it’s individualistic.”
Whatever your particular style, the Lantern is ready for everything from grind to smoke. When you’re ready to roll, grab your favourite dried flower, papers, a grinder, and a filter. Your guests will flip upon realizing that this stunning dish is a multifunctional joint-rolling tool, and not merely a boutique design item. “You can have it out on your coffee table and it’s not obvious,” Poole says. “If you have your parents over and you don’t necessarily want to be super frank about your cannabis use.”
The Lantern Rolling tray is designed to be as easy to use as it is on the eyes. Empty your grinder or grind flower directly into the main bowl.
Rest your lighter in the smaller oval indent. Make a pre-roll (free-hand, if you’re a magician, or using the Calla Multi Tool for painless perfection), and place it in the circular divot that fits it best.
Scoop your dried flower to fill your pre-roll, twist to close, and light. Clean up couldn’t be any simpler: toss the Lantern Rolling Tray into the dishwasher, then return it to its prominent display in your living room.
There you have it, a multidimensional workspace, strategically engineered to answer all your rolling needs, and visually stunning to boot. Its curved interior edges mean that your precious dried flower will never escape or get stuck in corners and creases, keeping your countertop clean all the while. So get rolling and explore the countless paths and journeys the Lantern Rolling Tray allows. Take pride in knowing that it looks just as beautiful in use as it does waiting for your next adventure.
This eye-catching accessory may look like an aesthetic addition to your bar cart, but the all-in-one Calla Multi Tool was carefully crafted to ease your joint-rolling anxieties. “Even if you’re dexterous and meticulous, it’s hard to roll a joint,” Berkely Poole, VP and Creative Director of Tokyo Smoke Brands tells us. Whether you’re looking to avoid embarrassment or just a little extra hassle, allow the Calla to do the heavy lifting.
The Calla Multi Tool is made up of two thoughtful, functionally-designed pieces that promise a smooth roll and a painless process, every time. The light pink cast brass barrel mimics the gracefully conical lily shape, while the detachable rose gold poker gives off the appearance of a stamen. “It’s super chic to look at, and its discreet in that if you have it out on your coffee table it’s not immediately recognizable as a cannabis tool.”
Discretion, elegance and functionality form the core of the Calla Tool’s design. Crafting an object that met each of these objectives was no simple task. Poole tells us, “The design process was very iterative, there’s a lot of back and forth.” The end result is something to behold, but more importantly, something you can use.
Rolling a picturesque, smooth-burning joint can be daunting, whether you’re a seasoned toker or a first-time herbalista. But you don’t need years of experience to master the roll. The Calla Multi Tool makes each step of the joint-making process a breeze—let us explain.
Step 1: Choose your weapons.When you’re ready to roll, grab the Calla Multi Tool, your favourite papers, a filter, and your dried flower of choice. Finely grind your bud.
Step 2: On a roll.Simply roll the paper around the barrel of the tool for a perfectly-shaped cone. Lick the adhesive to seal your paper, and watch your pre-roll take form. Slide your paper off the tool and detach the pokey from inside the silver barrel.
Step 3: Get packing.Use the stamen to firmly insert your filter to the narrow base of the paper cone. Next, scoop your dried flower into the pre-roll with the end of the fluted tool. After all, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
Step 4: Wrap it up.Use your pokey tool to tamp down the dried flower and eliminate air pockets, then twist the joint shut. Light, and enjoy.
Last but not least, clean the Calla Multi Tool with rubbing alcohol or Higher Solutions cleaning products to restore the lily to its natural and pristine condition. Return the tool to its rightful resting place—front and center on your mantle, proudly displayed for a job well done.
Unlike your attempts at rolling free-hand, using this accessory should cut down on the stress. Even the most seasoned roller has an off day. This Tokyo Smoke original will pass the test of time, engineered to compact perfection and built using the finest materials. So take your cues from a true roll model: embrace peaceful joint prep and watch your love of rolling bloom.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the thrift, hitting the jackpot after hours spent sifting through piles of dusty junk. Imagine the pure joy of a perfect vintage piece, only without the junk and dust. The Tokyo Smoke Heirloom Stack may look just like a family ornament passed from generation to generation, but there’s much more to this multi-purpose tool than meets the eye. The delicately engineered stack is made up of three pieces — pipe, storage vessel and ash tray—each meticulously designed to fit together in a seamless, elegant package.
The Heirloom Stack serves four unique functions. This pretty piece is an all-in-one grind, pack, store and smoke station. The faceted pink glass catches light in the most dreamy way, and is just as likely to spark conversation among interior design professionals as it is with your smoke-inclined friends. The brilliant architectural team behind this elevated toke tool? The good people of Castor Design.
Born of the collaboration between Tokyo Smoke and Castor Design, the Heirloom Stack balances elevated design and function. Berkeley Poole, VP and Creative Director at Tokyo Smoke Brands, emphasized the duality of the piece when we caught up to discuss its development. “You can have it out on your coffee table and people might initially think it’s a ring stack, or an ashtray, or your grandmother’s candy dish — it’s hiding in plain sight.”
Brian Richer, founder of Castor Design, echoed Poole’s thoughts. “When stacked, it’s not clear what the function is, however, there's a familiarity to it,” he told us, “We wanted the form to be discreet and familiar.”
Atop the pyramid of rosy glass sits a cone-shaped pipe of just the right length; generous enough to protect bangs and lashes from singeing, yet still ergonomic and unassuming. The bowl is buried in the storage vessel when stacked, keeping the tool’s purpose tucked away when not in use.
The cup-shaped storage vessel sits inside the center of the ash tray, enclosing an unexpected design feature. Taking its cue from the tried and proven traditional mill pattern, a hidden grinder is nested between the patterned bottom of the storage cup and the center ring of the ash tray. These delicate design touches didn’t come together overnight, Poole tells us. “Each element of design went through a lot of iterations and extensive development.”
The results are both beautiful and effective. Far from your typically messy grind, the Heirloom Stack’s recessed grind plate allows you to simply grind the cup against it like a mortar and pestle, leaving your ground bud daintily contained within the circle’s contours.
The Heirloom Stack evidently has every piece needed for the perfect session—just add your favourite dried flower. To get started, remove the cone-shaped pipe, and lift the cup from the ashtray. Place your uncrushed bud in the center ring of the ash tray (this part should remain ash-free), and hold your storage cup. Place the bottom of the cup over your bud, and apply pressure, twisting the tool to grind.
Not ready to light up just yet? Your flower lives to light another day within the storage cup until you’re good and ready. Finally, grab the pink pipe, pack your flower loosely into the bowl and light. Tap excess ash onto the outer ring of the circular pink ashtray.
The last rule for use? Keep it clean. As with any prized possession, you’ll want to keep the stack pipe sparkling and at its best to impress your friends and family. Use rubbing alcohol or the Higher Standards Supreme Cleaning Kit to remove build up, and reassemble the three-piece stack once dry. Finally, return the rosy Heirloom Stack to its prominently-displayed resting place. After all, this isn’t something to be hidden away in a shoebox.
Never again will you be caught without rolling papers, or fumble in the clutter of your cavernous bag looking for a suitable poking tool. A modern classic, the Burn Kit’s cutting edge design keeps your stash looking beautifully organized, all within the tried and true flip-top, smoke box design.
Photo by Royal Gilbert
Let us begin with a guided tour of the Burn Kit. When spotted from afar, you might wonder, “how much good could be in that little package?”. The Burn Kit challenges you to think inside the box., compact and nimble, yet sturdy and well-built. You get lost in the pattern, an intricate collage of shapes. Hidden in the seamless design is a capped lid, which folds back to reveal a beautifully organized interior that would shame even the most ardent minimalist.
Shop Burn KitStarting from the back, the first compartment houses your Tokyo Smoke grinder card, the thinnest option in grind technology. The grinder card is, of course, stored in its own sleeve to keep your burn kit free from any excess grounds or resin.
Seated just ahead of the grinder card is the next (and arguably the most) important tool in your joint-rolling attaché. Your very own Tokyo Smoke rolling papers are made with natural ingredients, and feature a magnetic enclosure to prevent wrinkled runaway papers.
In the following compartment sits a cardboard rolling tray, held closed by a fire-red aluminum poker, which is used to tamp down your ground flower.
Roll more than you need? Stocking up for later? The final and front-most tray is a storage spot for you to keep that spare joint or your dried flower. And thus concludes the tour.
A world of wonder, in the tiniest of packages. Simply close the lid and toss the burn kit into your backpack, purse or laptop bag, and everything you need is with you whenever and wherever you need it. Made from a coated paper substrate, the Burn Kit’s sturdy box makes it resistant to dents and damage, so your on-the-go joint kit can stand the test of time. And let us confirm, this tool absolutely does spark joy… or jealousy—depending.
Set your expectations high.
While the Heirloom Stack may look like a delicate family antique, this multi-functional piece puts in work. An all-in-one pipe, storage, grinder and ash tray, the Stack has you covered from grind to burn. Meticulously designed in collaboration with Castor, the pipe features a generous bowl, positioned a comfortable distance from the mouthpiece for a singe-free session. Unassuming yet opulent, the Heirloom stack belongs on display, at hand and ready for a perfectly proper time. Read more.
Classy and Brassy.
Say good-bye to unevenly packed joints, failed attempts and wasted papers; the Calla Multi Tool promises the perfect joint, with minimal finesse. Simply roll your paper around the cone-shaped barrel, lick to seal, then remove the tool from inside. Slide out the Calla’s rosegold stamen to insert your filter, then to pack down the dried flower into your cone. Twist closed, and behold: a flawless, effortlessly-crafted joint courtesy of the brassy, classy Calla Multi tool. Read more.
The Pinnacle of Preparedness.
We’ve all lived the heartbreak of an impromptu joint made impossible for lack of the necessary tools. Nevermore. The Tokyo Smoke Burn Kit houses your papers, poker, grinder card, and collapsible rolling tray in a classic fliptop smoke box. Discreet, simple and stylish, this comprehensive toolkit is good to go on-the-go, fitting easily into your laptop bag, purse or backpack. A pinnacle of preparedness, the Burn Kit is ready when you are. Read more.
Sleek, stylish, streamlined.
Gaze in awe upon the sleek, multi-dimensional Lantern Rolling Tray. This streamlined surface is a first-class seat for your favourite papers, flower and grinder card. Gather your ground flower into the well for easy rolling, and house your cone in the divots for seamless packing. In collaboration with Castor, the stylish, inconspicuous tray is designed to turn heads without raising an eyebrow. Read more.
So, What’s a Softgel?
What is a softgel anyway? Simply put, it’s one of the most discreet and simple ways to consume cannabis. Low-key, smoke-free and consistently dosed, softgels capture the essence of the cannabis experience into an easy-to-consume gel cap.
These little capsules contain cannabis oil, harnessing the essence of the cannabis plant in a tiny, easy to carry format. Each softgel contains a precise dose of active cannabinoids, which makes it easy to control exactly how much you consume.
Cannabinoids are some of the main compounds that are responsible for the psychoactive and experiential effects of the cannabis plant. THC is the main component in cannabis that produces intoxicating effects, while CBD is not known to produce intoxication in low to moderate doses.
What Makes Softgels Different?
Aside from their appearance, softgels offer something a little different from any other forms of cannabis. When compared to dried flower, for example, softgels require no additional accessories to consume. Perfect for on-the-go, discreet consumption.
Another key difference is the precision offered by a softgel. You’ll notice that a given strain of dried flower has the THC and CBD levels listed as a percentage range because it is based on weight. As the levels can be different between different harvests, even of the same cultivar, expressing THC and CBD in a percentage makes the most sense. Softgels, on the other hand, list their cannabinoid content in mg.
While percentages are a good indication of the potency of your cannabis flowers, when you actually consume the cannabinoids, serving can be imprecise. The processes of heating and inhaling cannabis vapour or smoke make it difficult to know the exact concentration of cannabinoids you’ve consumed. Softgels take away the uncertainty.
How Do Cannabis Capsules Work?
Softgels and inhaled cannabis are processed in different ways by the human body. Dried flower is most often vaporized or smoked, meaning that the active compounds in the plant are inhaled. When inhaled, the effects of THC, CBD, and other compounds are often felt within a matter of minutes. This is because cannabis vapour or smoke is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via your lung tissue.
Rather than traveling directly to the bloodstream, a softgel first passes through the stomach and into the small intestine. From there, the active cannabis compounds travels into the liver. The liver then metabolizes cannabinoids and other cannabis components before they can enter the bloodstream.
Unlike inhaled cannabis, a softgel must be digested and absorbed before the active effects are noticeable. It can be a slow-going process. Be patient and remember; start low, go slow.
How Long Do Softgel Capsules Last?
As an ingestible cannabis product, the active effects of softgels often begin slowly—much slower than smoking a joint, for example. The effects typically last longer too. You may still feel the effects of a softgel up to 12 hours after consuming, with some lasting up to 24 hours. Comparatively, the active experience of inhaled flower often lasts up to six hours, depending on the quantity and strength of the cannabis product consumed, as well as the person’s endocannabinoid system. Some effects of inhaled cannabinoids can last up to 24 hours.
Since softgels are digested and absorbed slowly over a longer period of time, the effects of these softgels often gradually increase over a number of hours before subsiding. It’s important to note, however, that there are many different factors that can influence how long the effects of a softgel will last.
Taking a softgel along with a meal, for example, may slow the onset of the effects. Further, all individuals may process and digest capsules at different rates, meaning that the exact same capsule may produce different effects in two different people.
What is a Softgel?
A softgel is a blend of cannabis oil and a carrier oil encapsulated in a gelatin casing. Rather than inhaling the plant, softgels capture cannabis’ essential oil and deliver it in a smoke-free, consistently dosed package. A gelatin-based casing is used to contain the liquid, making it a convenient and portable way to experience cannabis.
Softgels get their name due to their consistency. Rather than a hard, compact tablet like a Tylenol, softgels are designed to hold liquids, like cannabis oil.
Cannabis oil is made with concentrated resin from the cannabis plant. Oil-producing resin glands called trichomes cover cannabis flowers, giving the flower crystal-coated appearance.
The parts of the plant that produce this resin-like oil are responsible for hundreds of different chemical compounds. Some of these compounds are responsible for aroma while others are said to produce psychoactive effects. These oils are the essence of cannabis, and all that goodness gets stuffed into these tiny softgels.
How Does Cannabis Go From a Plant to a Softgel?
The process of transforming the cannabis plant into a softgel begins with a process called extraction. During extraction, cannabis resin is separated from fibrous plant material using a solvent. The end result is a honey-like syrup that contains concentrated amounts of active cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids.
The most well-known cannabinoid is THC, which is responsible for the mind-altering “high” that can be achieved by consuming cannabis. The second most common cannabinoid is CBD, which most studies suggest is non-intoxicating in low to moderate doses.
Most softgels contain either THC, CBD, or a combination of both depending on the varietal from which the oil is extracted. When a softgel contains extracted cannabis oil, the capsule takes on some of the unique, specific properties of the varietal. For example, a softgel made from Tokyo Smoke Go may include some of the unique chemical compounds originally produced by the varietal, like flavinoids, cannabinoids and terpenes.
How Are Softgels Made?
Extracting essential oils from plants is nothing new. People have made botanical tinctures for millennia by infusing medicinal herbs and other plants into alcohol. For a standard tincture, alcohol acts as a solvent that dissolves essential oils away from plant material. Making softgels, however, involves more equipment than a simple tincture.
To make a cannabis softgel, extraction professionals use specialized machinery and a stronger solvent than is typically used to make simple tinctures and extractions. Our softgels are made using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction.
We avoid other solvents, like ethanol, because they extract both water and oil-soluble compounds from the plant. Having these extra compounds in the extract makes it more difficult to measure a precise and reliable cannabinoid dosage down the line—a crucial characteristic of a high-quality softgel.
We take this concentrated extract and mix it with a carrier oil, which actually makes the cannabis extract easier to digest and helps with absorption. The carrier oil we use is medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT oil), which is a derivative of coconut oil. After the carrier oil and the cannabis extract are mixed, the oils are infused into a casing and a complete softgel is made. Voilá!
Why Choose Softgels?
Consuming softgels differs from consuming dried flower in a number of ways. The first difference is one of the most important. Cannabis softgels give you precise control over your cannabinoid intake that is virtually impossible to achieve with inhaled products. Softgels are infused with pre-determined doses of active cannabinoids, which makes it easy to find just the right amount for you.
When establishing your ideal dose, start low with just one 2.5 mg softgel, the lowest dose of THC and CBD presently available in this form. If the experience is comfortable and enjoyable for you, great. If you’re looking to level up your dose, be sure to give yourself ample time before attempting more, at least 2 hours. Scale up only incrementally at the 2.5 mg level.
Dosage control isn’t the only reason to choose a softgel. If you’re concerned with discretion, softgels are smokeless and easy to conceal. They also provide a long-lasting experience when compared with inhaled flower. Softgels can produce active effects for up to 24 hours, so find a comfortable environment and settle down.
Welcome to the future of cannabis.
What’s the rush?
Every individual’s system is unique to them. The same cannabis varietal might affect two people different. Whatever you are trying, the best course of action is to start with a low dosage of THC and go slow, allowing ample time for the effects to kick in. For newbies, consider lower intensity varietals to start. We recommend starting with level 1 products before exploring levels 2 and 3. Use a strain journal to make note of what works for you and what doesn’t.
Here’s a chart that highlights ideal starting doses:
Dried Flower
1 – 2 inhalations of dried cannabis that is low in THC and high in CBD, like our Equalize varietal.
Capsule
Start with just one 2.5 mg (THC) capsule.
Oil
Start with just one 2.5 mg spritz (THC).
EDIBLE
Start with one bite, or one serving.
EXTRACT VAPE
Start with just one hit.
Choose a low THC extract with CBD.
BEVERAGE
Start with one serving (2 mg THC).
Just Breathe
It’s important. You do it a lot...at least we hope you do. Deep breathing, that is. With some methods, like a joint or pipe, hold the smoke in the mouth to cool it down before inhaling. Then release it slowly. There is no need to hold the smoke in the lungs to get “the effect.”
If you’ve chosen Softgel capsules or oil, Health Canada notes that you might not feel the effects right away. It could take between 30 minutes to 2 hours before you notice a change. This is in contrast with dried flower, who’s effects may be felt in a matter of seconds, or a few minutes.
Before you begin, we should mention, Health Canada recommends that beginners choose products that have lower levels of THC, and an equal amount of CBD. A 1:1 ratio offers the inexperienced a chance to explore the effects of THC gradually. No matter what you choose to start your journey with cannabis, remember these four little words; start low, go slow.
Yet, THC is just one of two primary cannabinoids in the plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds unique to cannabis. THC is the most famous, but CBD is a rising star among cannabis enthusiasts and the canna-curious alike.
Both cannabinoids interact with cells throughout the brain and body to produce active effects. In the case of THC, the interaction produces a notable psychoactive high. In the case of CBD, consumers are more often report effects on their mood and other non-intoxicating sensation. Here’s the thing, though—it’s all relative.
The proportions of THC to CBD are important. In general, it is believed that the larger the proportion of THC to CBD, the stronger the high. For example, a product that contains 15 percent THC and five percent CBD may deliver more potent sensations of psychoactivity than a product with 15 percent THC and 15 percent CBD.
The two cannabinoids work in tandem to produce specific effects. Like a loud relative, THC will dominate the experience when it’s present in high proportions. As you add more and more CBD, however, the THC experience may become more subtle.
The majority of research suggests CBD may “block” some of the active effects of THC. This blocking is most effective when THC and CBD are present in an equal ratio to one another. Using information about interactions between the two cannabinoids, we can offer some broad guidance about the effects of different cannabis varieties.
Our Intent system exists to help point you in the direction of cannabis that’s aligned with how you want to feel and what you want to do. Ratios underpin the system, allowing you to get the general idea of a plant’s stats before making a purchase.
Get up and Go. Our Gointent contains sativa-dominant varietals. These flowers contain a 1:0 ratio of THC to CBD, giving them a noticeable psychoactive experience.
Everything’s on the up and up. The THC in these varietals is medium to high, while CBD levels are low.
The Equalizeintent features a series of balanced varietals that contain a roughly 1-to-1 ratio of THC to CBD. As most research suggests, the equal portion of CBD may counteract some of the intoxicating effects of THC.
The Easeintent features a collection of high-CBD varietals. These plants and products contain large proportions of CBD and very little THC. Ease products have a subtle quality in comparison to cannabis products with a larger THC content.
Our Pauseintent features indica-dominant varietals that are high in THC. Like Go, Pause varietals contain a 1:0 ratio of THC to CBD.
Picking your varietal is a personal business. Regardless of your intent, your cannabis experience is unique to you. Some people may find just what they need in a lower potency product, while others may seek out the highest THC available on the shelf. Ultimately, how you react to cannabis, regardless of CBD or THC content, will be different than your friend sitting next to you. Whatever you choose, however, we always suggest that you start low and go slow.
Familiarize yourself with some keywords that dispensary staff might use to help you make your purchase.
VARIETAL
This word is used interchangeably with what we used to call a “strain”. It refers to the specific varieties of cannabis.
Examples: OG Kush, Purple Haze, Great White Shark, etc.
INDICA AND SATIVA
These are two broad types of cannabis. Most cannabis on the market is hybridized, and possesses properties of both types.
THC AND CBD
These compounds influence the potency of your cannabis experience.
Honestly reflect on your experiences with cannabis so far. The more information you can provide a dispensary staff, the better recommendations they’re able to give.
What has worked for you in the past?
Which forms, varietals, accessories, and settings were a part of experiences you’ve enjoyed?
Have you ever responded negatively to cannabis?
Which forms, varietals, accessories, and settings have been a part of unenjoyable experiences for you?
Don’t make the trip for nothing. Make sure you have everything you need before you go.
BRING YOUR ID
No legal dispensary will sell you cannabis without a piece of government-issued identification indicating that you’re of legal age. Make sure to bring it with you.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Dispensaries get busy, and often have an intake process you’ll have to complete on your first visit. It’s no fun to rush, so give yourself at least an hour to shop, just in case.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Jot down questions and concerns you have before you get to the dispensary. If you have a cannabis journal, be sure to bring it.
Make sure you have the accessories you need to consume in the way that works for you. Consider where and when you like to consume when you choose an accessory. Check out our Starter’s kit to get going.
Flower
Flower is consumed with papers, bongs, vapes and pipes.
Capsules, Oils, and Sprays
Ingestibles like Oils, Capsules and Sprays are good to go on their own.
What’s the hurry? Engage with the products and shop around, so you can walk away confident in your well-informed purchase.
Find a LocationASK QUESTIONS
There are no silly questions when you’re shopping for cannabis. Make sure to clarify anything you’re unsure of so your choices are confident and well-informed.
DON’T BE SHY
Remember it’s okay to take your time getting to know the product. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff to look at or smell any varietals of interest. If there’s nothing that appeals to you, it’s also okay to leave empty-handed.
PICK UP A CANNABIS JOURNAL
Tokyo Smoke dispensaries have hard copies of our cannabis journals on hand. Document your findings with new varietals, forms and accessories to help guide your future shopping experiences.
Dried flower is one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis. With good reason, too. When inhaled via vapourization or smoking, dried flower can produce noticeable active effects within mere minutes. For this reason, dried flower is often a go-to option for those looking for a faster-onset experience.
Only flowers from the female cannabis plant are selected, as female plants produce a greater cannabinoid concentration and feature a different flower structure than male plants. Apart from biological sex, however, cannabis is often categorized into three general types: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Fun fact, there are presently very few true indicas or sativas. Nearly every varietal on the market is a hybrid of both, which is why we indicate the dominance of the varietal with “leaning” and “dominant”.
As popular belief holds, sativa plants tend to be more uplifting, indica plants more relaxing, and hybrid plants can fall somewhere between the two. Individual varietals are classified into these general groupings based on their experiential effects, as well as other characteristics.
After inhalation, active cannabis compounds can produce a noticeable intoxication for several hours, with impairment lasting up to 24 hours, according to Health Canada. The potency of the flower, your own body chemistry, and other factors can also influence the duration of the cannabis experience, as with any other form of consumption.
Pre-rolls are made from dried flower and rolling paper. To make a pre-roll, dried flower is milled and then used to fill a smokable rolling paper.
The biggest perk of the pre-roll? Convenience.
With pre-rolls, dried flower arrives ready to go, wrapped up in a handy package. The result is a pre-rolled joint that’s easy to take just about anywhere.
Cannabis oil is just like a softgel, only without the gel casing. Cannabis oil is made via the same extraction methods, and extract from the plant is mixed with a carrier oil to provide a liquid consistency that is easy to use.
Oils can be swallowed straight, mixed into drinks, or even stirred into a meal. While oil requires measuring and portioning, it provides the same long-lasting effects as a cannabis softgel. Similarly, onset time of cannabis oil is also just as long as a softgel, up to two hours.
With any type of oil product, it’s best to follow the golden rule: start low and go slow. While cannabis can cultivate fun and meaningful experiences, being too lifted is a surefire way to kill the vibe.
Open up! Cannabis oil now comes in an oral spray. Oral spray is an excellent option for those seeking a smokeless experience.
Instead of inhaling or swallowing a pill, simply spray it under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek. Like capsules and other forms of oral cannabis, oral sprays are long-lasting and can feature an activation time of up to two hours.
*In settings permitted by the Cannabis Act and following safe and responsible guidelines.
Softgels are a novel and smokeless way to consume your favorite herb. Not only are they easy to consume, but they provide a long-lasting experience. It can take up to 12 hours for the acute effects of oral cannabis to subside, although, as mentioned above, there may be signs of impairment for as long as 24 hours after consumption.
To make softgels, cannabis resin is extracted, mixed with a carrier oil, and used to fill a gelatin casing. As a result, manufacturers have more control over the serving and potency of each softgel.
Since softgels are made using cannabis extract, manufacturers can put as much or as little cannabis oil in as desired. This precise dosage gives consumers more control over their cannabis experience, as you can take doses as small as 1 milligram and up as you see fit.
Unlike inhaled cannabis products, the active effects of softgels can take quite a while to present themselves. Up to two hours, according to Health Canada, so wait patiently!
Choice doesn’t feel like a luxury when we don’t fully understand our options. That’s why we’re contrasting these close contenders to help guide decisions that work for your needs. Let us clear the haze around these products so you can build out the bud cart of a winner.
Dual use for flower and concentrate
8-10 sessions per charge
22 second heat time
4 temperature settings
Steel oven
Compatible with flower only
12 sessions per charge
45 second heat time
8 temperature settings
Ceramic heating
Vaporizers are cropping up everywhere, and it’s no wonder. As many consumers have realized, the faster onset times achieved through inhalation can be enjoyed without consuming smoke. For those of us prone to misplacing lighters and papers, the easy pack-and-go preparation is a definite bonus.
That said, vapes vary widely in their functions, interfaces, sizes and price points. Consider whether you would be satisfied with a vaporizer with more prescriptive temperature ranges, or would you prefer to be able to fine-tune down to the degree? Is it important to you to have a display screen, or are you good with just LED indicators? Peruse our vape selection here to get a sense of what’s up in the world of vape tech. Of course, in-store our education specialists are more than happy to help you make your selection. Find a location near you here.
Highly customizable serving sizes
Onset time 30 minutes - 2 hours
Great raw recipe additive (smoothies, salad dressing)
Versatile delivery (alone, in food or drink)
1 capsule = 1 serving
Onset time 30 minutes - 2 hours
Discreet and portable
No mess, no prep
Wondering how you can incorporate the unique properties of ingestible cannabis into your routine? Let’s digest the specifics. Compared to inhalable consumption methods, the effects of ingestible cannabis forms take considerably longer to kick in, are strongly felt throughout the body, and are long-lasting*. Both of these ingestible forms can be savoured smokelessly, appealing to those who prefer an odourless, discreet option.
A key difference separating these two forms is the dosing options. With capsules, there is no measuring required. Capsules come with precise, pre-measured cannabinoid-per-capsule contents clearly indicated right on the label. While legal cannabis oil is just as meticulously formulated and precise in its content, thanks to its fluid nature, you can easily deliver partial servings with the included dropper. Note that cannabis oil is not intended to be cooked or baked with, as it has already been decarboxylated in its production.
*Health Canada Guidelines indicate that individuals may feel the effects of cannabis for up to 24 hours after consumption.
Water chamber cools smoke
Better suited for cannabis connaisseurs
Doubles as home decor
Built for tabletop stability
Easy to enjoy small amounts
Optimal for the less-experienced
Budget-friendly
Portable and discreet
These tried-and-trues can take a hit… literally. The commonality in these OG options is easy prep, immediacy of onset*, and basic functional geometry. Ground flower goes into the bowl, is lit, and inhaled. When deciding which accessory works best for you, consider the typical setting for your sesh.
The bong is big, bold, beautiful and breakable. It’s not set up to travel with ease, sitting prettier on a safe and stationary coffee table. Pipes are smaller and hardier, often designed to sit flat on surfaces and better suited to pack on-the-go. The water that goes into bongs to cool and filter the smoke further limits their portability. With shorter chambers and no cooling system, the smoke from pipes can tend to be hotter and harsher than from a bong. A best-of-both-worlds option is the Genius Pipe, comprised of dimpled metal plates that cool while you pull.
Pairs well with finishing that DIY project
High THC content
Sativa dominant
Pairs well with uncovering your inner Da Vinci
Mid-high THC content
Sativa-leaning hybrid
You might have noticed that two sativas have a home in the Tokyo Smoke Intent family. So what sets them apart?
Sativa-leaning Rise has a mid-high THC content. While it should still be approached with caution, it may deliver a lower potency intoxication than Go. Shop Rise and similar varietals here.
Sativa dominant Go is more closely aligned with true sativa properties than its sister varietal Rise. Go also contains a higher THC content, and should only be attempted by those who have demonstrated a gradually developed THC tolerance. Shop Go and similar varietals here.
When exploring a new cannabis varietal, always start low and go slow. This means small quantities consumed, and allowing ample time for effects to set in. Our Spark Notes varietal journal can help document your experience and chart your future explorations. Print one free at home or visit us in-store to pick up a copy IRL.