Get answers to some of the most common questions about cannabis, Insalata, and Canadian regulations.
Cannabis is a naturally grown plant that contains cannabinoids with psychoactive effects. It is known for its recreational, as well as medical purposes. The cannabis plant is made up of many compounds including cannabinoids, and terpenes. Cannabinoids have various effects on the body and mind depending on how much of a specific cannabinoid is consumed.
Even though cannabis is natural it can still have very strong effects and should be approached with a start low and go slow mindset. It is also important to note that cannabis is only legal in some parts of the world, be sure to always look into local law’s when traveling abroad.
Cannabis strains are organized into three primary types: sativa, indica, and hybrid. Each type of strain has unique effects on both the mind and body.
For example, sativa strains are uplifting and pair well with activities like social gatherings and being physically active.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, indica strains are relaxing and can help amplify a deep level of physical relaxation making indica a great option for the end of the day.
Lastly, there are hybrid strains which are a combination of indicas and sativas. Hybrid strains offer a combination of both energizing and relaxing effects. Hybrid strains are great for the times when it’s too late for an energizing sativa or too early for a sedating indica strain.
No, there is no nicotine contained in the cannabis plant.
Flower, concentrates, extracts, topicals, edibles, beverages & vapes are all legal provided they are purchased from a licensed cannabis retailer.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most well known cannabinoids within the cannabis plant. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects created while smoking or consuming cannabis. It is important to remember the effects of THC can be felt differently for everyone, and smoking or consuming too much can cause uncomfortable side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea.
THC interacts with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Our Endocannabinoid System helps to regulate stress recovery, activates our immune system, protects the nervous system and helps regulate overall homeostatic balance. The ECS is made up of two main parts: cannabinoids and cannabinoid (CB1 & CB2) receptors.
When cannabinoids like THC are consumed they travel through the bloodstream and bind to our CB1 and CB2 receptors similar to a lock and key. Humans naturally produce our own endocannabinoids. When you consume cannabis other cannabinoids such as THC, they will replace the natural endocannabinoids found within your ECS. This will induce mental and physical effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD has become extremely popular in recent years as it is non intoxicating, but for some still create feelings of calm and relaxation. It is important to remember the effects of CBD can be felt differently for everyone.
CBD interacts with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Our Endocannabinoid System helps to regulate stress recovery, activates our immune system, protects the nervous system and helps regulate overall homeostatic balance. The ECS is made up of two main parts; cannabinoids and cannabinoid (CB1 & CB2) receptors.
When cannabinoids like CBD are consumed they travel through the bloodstream and bind to our CB1 and CB2 receptors similar to a lock and key. Humans naturally produce our own endocannabinoids. When you consume cannabis other cannabinoids such as CBD will replace the natural endocannabinoids found within your ECS.
Terpenes or “Terps” are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis it’s wonderful smells and tastes. Beyond that terpenes also contribute to the entourage effect and are mainly responsible for the “Sativa” and “Indica” effects of the plant. They do this by interacting with cannabinoids play a large role in the “Entourage Effect”.
You may notice that Sativa strains tend to have a more piney, citrusy aroma, as Pinene and Limonene are uplifting and energetic terpenes.
While Indica’s tend to have an earthy, gassy, skunky smell that contributes to the relaxation effect’s associated with Indica. Such as Myrcene, Humulene, and Linalool.
After becoming more aware of terpenes and noticing which one’s are in strains you like or dislike, you may notice a trend of a certain terpene being prevalent causing those effects.
break down, or is heated to a high temperature while making baked
goods. CBN has very mild-psychoactive effects. It can cause the deepest levels of relaxation and should approached with a slow and low mentality when first trying it.
Shopping for a specific mood has everything to do with potency, dose and
cannabinoid or terpene profile. Our knowledgeable Cannabis Educators will help
you navigate through everything we have to offer to ensure you leave with the
best product for the experience you want on your journey with cannabis.
Recreational cannabis is not considered medical, however Canada’s recreational cannabis and medical cannabis are all grown by the same licensed producers.
In order to purchase medical cannabis you need a prescription from a doctor and completed registration with a licensed producer(s). Once you have a prescription and are registered you may order your medical cannabis products directly from the LP (licensed producer).
At Insalata we always recommend seeking the professional opinion of your healthcare provider when seeking medical advice.
Insalata has a total of 4 stores located in Welland, Thunder Bay and two locations in Toronto.
You can see full details on our contact us page.
We are open from 10am – 10pm daily. Hours may vary on statutory holidays.
We are open from 10am – 10pm daily. Hours may vary on statutory holidays.
Acceptable forms of Government-issued ID:
- Ontario Driver’s Licence
- Age of Majority Card
- Canadian Passport
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Certificate of Indian Status Card issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
We encourage cashless transactions such as online payment, Debit, Visa & Mastercard.
Unfortunately, for health reasons, cannabis and cannabis related products cannot be returned once they have left the store so be sure to verify your order with us before leaving. However, we will happily exchange Insalata Cool Gear up to 7 days from the date of purchase with the original receipt. Items must be unused, and in the original packaging. Sale items are final and will not be refunded or exchanged.
If the return is approved, we will process the refund based on your original method of payment.
We sell a wide variety of accessories for all of your needs. We have papers, pipes, bongs, vaporizers, cleaning supplies, and even custom Insalata merchandise.
If you have searched for a cannabis product on our website and can’t seem to find it, it probably means we are currently out of stock. With that said you can always give us a call at (647) 479-4240 to verify our current stock with one of our Cannabis Educators.
At Insalata we take COVID-19 very seriously. We have been doing everything we can to ensure all surfaces touched by hands are cleaned and sanitized as often as possible. We have installed barriers at our tills to minimize any cross contamination during check-out out and offer hand sanitizer at the front door as well as at our cash counters.
We also ask that all customers entering the store wear a mask or face covering at all times. This is simply for your protection as well as for the protection of others.
At Insalata, each store is outfitted with a Novaerus, a medical-grade air purification system that uses NanoStrike TM technology.
NanoStrike TM is the unique, patented technology at the core of all Novaerus devices.
This nanotechnology inactivates all airborne microorganisms on contact providing the first line of protection against viruses and bacteria.
All our cannabis product is sourced through the government-run Ontario Cannabis Store.
When purchasing recreational cannabis from a legal cannabis retailer, rest assured your product is of the highest quality, free of mould and pesticides.
All our cannabis products are grown by Canadian Licensed Producers, whose products are vigorously tested & approved according to Health Canada’s strict standards and guidelines.
There are several different ways to consume cannabis depending on your preference. Many choose to smoke or vaporize their flower as the effects are felt quite quickly, while others enjoy using edibles, beverages or oils to get a slower onset with longer lasting effects. There may be some who are looking to use their cannabis on the go. For those individuals. we recommend they consider a 510 cartridge or closed loop pod system like the Pax Era.
The easiest way to be responsible with your cannabis during COVID-19 is by not sharing your joints or smoking/vaping devices with other people. If sharing is an absolute must, your best option would be using a pipe, bong or vaporizer that could be wiped down with 99% alcohol before using again. You can also use tips for joints or get a silicone mouthpiece when sharing other smoke/vaporizing devices. You also want to make sure that if you do need to cough that you do so while covering your mouth completely and turning away from those around you.
It is best to only handle your own cannabis products unless using clean gloves and taking the proper precautions. Handling other people’s cannabis products could lead to cross contamination and could be hazardous to you or the other person.
Pro Tip: Choosing to consume beverages and edibles as an alternative to smoking during the pandemic may not only help protect you from COVID-19 but may also help protect those around you.
It is best to give your cannabis accessories a light cleaning once a week if you are a regular user, especially if your preferred method is a bong, bubbler, or other water pipes. Replace the water regularly as sitting water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and effects the overall experience, and potentially your health. Use a cleaning solution, such as 99% rubbing alcohol or one of the formulated cleaners designed specifically for cleaning smoking accessories. These formulated cleaners usually have an added agitator to help scrub the insides and those tough to reach areas where residue can build up.
Use pipe cleaners, cotton swabs and scrubbing brushes (specifically made for smoke ware) to reach hard to clean areas. Cotton swabs can also be soaked to clean sensitive components.
For vaporizers, you should only use 99% rubbing alcohol and exercise caution when cleaning the heating element/chamber. Any removable non-electronic components can be soaked in the rubbing alcohol and scrubbed like your other smoke ware. Remember to always rinse out any non-electronic components with water to ensure no residual aftertaste from the cleaning product.
The best way to ensure your cannabis accessories stay clean is by maintaining them on a regular basis. If you do find they are being used more often, increase your cleaning schedule to match.
Also, if you are using any accessories that require water, for example a bong, be sure to pour out and replace the water after every session. This will ensure the contaminated water doesn’t dirty your bong further. If you have any more questions about cleaning your glass, feel free to speak to one of our Cannabis Educators.
If stored in the proper manner cannabis can last up to approximately 6 months. This amount of time may vary depending on the strain, production date, and licensed producer.
No, you can not overdose on cannabis. There has never been a documented case where someone has died due to cannabis use alone. Consuming too much cannabis can lead to anxiety attacks, increased heart rate and in some cases fainting.
Those with possible increased risks from cannabis use or the effects of cannabis may be senior citizens or those with mental health concerns like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Health Canada also warns that cannabis could be contraindicated for anyone with heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease.
It is recommended that anyone who may be pregnant or is currently breastfeeding not use cannabis. Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to slower brain development in the fetus as well as increased risk of lower birth weight.
The best way to ensure your cannabis products stay away from your children and pets is by keeping them in a locked storage bag or container. Many of these bags will have a 3-digit combination allowing you to keep your cannabis safe and odour-free while other containers such as jars have a child-proof seal. Be sure to check out all of our storage options.
The legal age for cannabis possession and consumption is 19 in Ontario, other provinces may vary.
No. It is illegal to sell, buy or give cannabis to anyone under the age of 19.
There is no true proven way to get rid of the “high” from THC, however there are a couple things you can do to make your experience more
comfortable.
Consuming CBD with THC may reduce the psychoactive properties. As
CBD indirectly binds to your CB1/CB2 receptors and prevents THC from
bonding to them. There is no guarantee that the CBD will decrease the
intensity if taken after high dosage of THC.
Stay Hydrated – A common side effect of consuming cannabis is having
dry mouth. It is always a good idea to make sure you are staying hydrated.
Eat Something – Most cannabis users find the munchies are a big part of
the cannabis experience. Not only will you more than likely want to eat, but eating may help calm the stomach of someone who is feeling ill. In
these cases it is best to avoid anything spicy or with bold flavours.
As with alcohol, being over the limit is a calculated measurement but being impaired depends on a number of factors including whether you have a low or high level of tolerance. If you have a low tolerance, you can
still be impaired but not over the limit. Conversely, someone with high tolerance can be way over the limit but not impaired.
Stay Positive & Relax – Remember this is only temporary and will pass.
We suggest trying to relax by putting on a (funny) movie or tv show you like in a comfortable environment. Or listening to calm familiar music you enjoy.
At Insalata we believe no one should drive under the influence of any substance. Section 320.14 of the Criminal Code prohibits driving while impaired and having more than 5 nanograms of THC/mL in your blood.
If you are over the legal limit or found to be impaired, there will be Federal and Provincial penalties including fines, imprisonment, license suspension and/or vehicle impoundment.
Please plan ahead and enjoy responsibly.