Cannabis 2.0: Edibles, extracts, and topicals

Canadians have had access to legal non-medical cannabis since October 17, 2018, and now, they have access to an even greater number of products. This change in regulations permits the commercial production and sale of edibles, extracts, and topicals made with non-medical cannabis.

Edibles

Edibles are products containing cannabis that are intended to be consumed in the same manner as food. This could include brownies, candies, beverages, and other products that are formulated with non-medical cannabis, which may contain THC and/or CBD. As per Health Canada regulations, these products must contain no more than 10 milligrams of THC per package. (For example, a chocolate bar with 10 pieces cannot contain more than one milligram per piece.) There is no limit on CBD for edibles. Health Canada has prohibited certain ingredients from being included in edibles, including alcohol and added vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers are not permitted to create products that are appealing to youth. These regulations are in place to ensure public safety. Ingesting edible cannabis can lead to more intense effects and a longer period of intoxication than inhaling, so starting low and going slow is especially important.

Extracts (ingesting)*

Extracts meant for ingesting refer to any oil-based products including oils, capsules, and sprays that are intended to be taken orally. These products are limited to 10 milligrams of THC per unit (such as a capsule or dispensed amount), or 1000 milligrams of THC per package. There is no limit on CBD. Ingestible extracts cannot contain any nicotine, caffeine, sugars, sweeteners, colours, or added vitamins or minerals.

*These products (oils, capsules, and sprays) are reclassified as “extracts” under the new regulations.

Extracts (inhaling)

Extracts meant for inhaling refer to concentrated cannabis extracts (including shatter, budder, wax, rosin), and other products meant to be “dabbed” or used in a vaporizer or vape pen. These extracts must not contain more than 1000 milligrams per package and, like extracts meant for ingesting, cannot contain additional ingredients like nicotine or non-naturally occurring caffeine. Again, there is no limit on CBD.

Topicals

Topicals refer to any cannabis-infused product meant to be applied to the skin, hair, or nails. Health Canada has limited the amount of THC per package to 1000 milligrams. There is no limit on CBD. Topicals are not intended for use in eyes or on damaged skin.

As with other cannabis products, read the label before use and store your edibles, extracts, and topicals away from children and pets. Stay tuned to learn more about new products coming to BC Cannabis Stores this winter.