FAQ
Here is where you’ll find answers to the most common questions Cannabis NL has heard so far. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us.
Edibles, Extracts and Topicals
Q: What are Edibles?
A: Cannabis-infused food and beverage products, absorbed through the digestive tract, providing a smoke-free option. Though it can take much longer than smoking or vaping to feel effects, depending on the dose and potency levels, effects can feel more pronounced and may last longer than what is experienced when smoking or vaping. To learn more, click here.
Q: What are Extracts?
A: Products that are produced using extraction processing methods or by synthesizing phytocannabinoids. Examples include oil, vape cartridge liquid, shatter, wax and tinctures. Effects can be experienced almost immediately and can last 1-3 hours, depending on the person. To learn more, click here click here.
Q: What are Topicals?
A: Cannabis-infused products which are intended to be used on external body surfaces (e.g., skin, hair and nails). Examples of these products include lotions, balms and soaps. To learn more, click here.
Q: What new edible products are available now?
A: While NLC does offer some of these products at the moment, additional edibles, extracts and topicals will be become available in the coming weeks and months.
Q: Is it legal to purchase edibles online?
A: The only legal means by which to purchase non-medical cannabis products in Newfoundland and Labrador is through Licensed Cannabis Retailers (link to store locations) and through www.ShopCannabisNL.com.
Q: How do I know how much of an edible product to consume?
A: It is best to direct questions regarding dosage to Licensed Producers / Suppliers. However, as a general rule it is advised to start low and go slow. Click here to view a Video from the Government of Canada, which provides some helpful information.
Q: How much of a particular edible, extract or topical equals a gram of dried cannabis?
A: Please see the chart from Health Canada regarding gram equivalencies by clicking here.
Online Ordering
Q: What are my shipping options and how long will my order take to be delivered?
A: All Products ship directly from NLC's Distribution Centre. Product is typically delivered within 1 to 2 business days, with some exceptions.
Q: What products are available at www.shopcannabisnl.com?
A: Products available to order online vary depending on availability and customer demand, and are subject to change. Select the category you wish to search (Dried Flower, Seeds, Plant, Concentrates, Edibles and Topicals) from the “SHOP” drop down menu at www.ShopCannabisNL.com.
Q: How do I create an Account?
A: Simply click on the LOGIN link, www.ShopCannabisNL.com/account/login and follow the directions provided.
Q: I cannot add a product to my bag?
A: If “add to bag” is not an option displayed, the product you are searching is not available for online purchasing at this time or you have reached your 30g limit.
Q: Do I need an account to place an order?
You do not need to create an account to place an order. You may order as a guest.
Q: Why should I create an account?
A: Creating an account allows you to review the status of your current and past orders, identify your favourite stores and products for more efficient online shopping and store multiple addresses for delivery to make online checkout more efficient.
Q: How much does it cost for home delivery?
A: The cost of delivery is a flat rate of $9.00 + HST per order.
Q: What form of payment is required to place an order online?
A: Acceptable payment methods to place an order online include Mastercard, Mastercard Debit, Visa, Visa Debit and AMEX.
Q: Once I provide my credit card, is my order confirmed?
A: Upon completion of the checkout process, you will receive an order confirmation on screen and via email to the email address provided during checkout process.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: To read our Shipping and Returns policy, please click here.
Q: Can I change the shipping location of my order?
A: Once an order has been placed, all details are final and cannot be altered, including shipping location.
Q: Will I be mailed a final receipt?
A: A receipt will be included with your order when you receive it. You will also receive an email receipt when you place your order.
Q: What do I do if I receive the wrong or damaged items?
A: Please contact us at (709) 724-1200 or via e-mail at info@shopcannabisnl.com
Q: Can I check the status of my order?
A: Review the tracking details in the Order Confirmation email you should have received upon checkout or visit the Track My Order section.
Q: My order didn’t arrive. What should I do?
A: For orders not received within 3 business days, please contact us at (709) 724-1200 or via email at info@shopcannabisnl.com.
Q: Can I add, remove or substitute an item in my order?
A: Once an order is placed, the details of that order are final, including the items purchased. If there is another item that you would like to purchase, you will need to create a new order.
Q: If I order a product with limited quantities and complete the checkout process, am I guaranteed to get the item I ordered?
A: Unfortunately Cannabis NL cannot guarantee the availability of any product due to the potential of unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to supply shortages and shipping interruptions.
Q: Are all products available in the stores also available online? How do you decide what products to include and can I make suggestions?
A: Availability of product varies between stores and www.ShopCannabisNL.com. A product that is available in-store is not necessarily available online and likewise a product available online is not necessarily available in-store. For products available in-store, please visit a Licensed Cannabis Retailer in your area.
Q: What do I do if I encounter errors when browsing the website?
A: If you encounter:
- Error messages such as “no resource found” or “The page you requested does not exist.”
- An unexpected view such as a misaligned header, missing shopping cart icon, missing “sign in/register” options
- Issues seeing the images or price of the products
- Issues with checkout or your shopping cart
Refresh the page, delete the cookies and reboot your device.
Q: What do I do when I get the following error message: “We could not process your transaction. Please check your credit card Information?
A: The billing address provided must match exactly with the address on your credit card statement. If you continue to experience problems, please contact your credit card issuer for assistance, or try another credit card.
Q: What do I do if my session times out?
A: After 5 minutes of inactivity on the payment page, you will not be able to complete your transaction. Please refresh the page and complete the checkout process again.
Q: What is AVS and how does it work?
A: The Address Verification Service (AVS) is a tool provided by credit card processors and issuing banks to merchants in order to detect suspicious credit card transactions and prevent credit card fraud. The AVS checks the billing address submitted by the card user with the cardholder's billing address on record at the issuing bank.
In a nutshell: AVS is one way to help merchants authenticate the person making the transaction. For ShopCannabisNL customers, you will need to ensure that your billing address matches what the bank has on file for your credit card (i.e. if you use both a street address and a PO Box for your Street, you will need to use what the bank uses for your credit card).
General
Q: How can I become a Licensed Cannabis Retailer?
In an effort to ensure secured, safe retail access to non-medical cannabis, NLC issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Licensed Cannabis Retailers (LCRs) in Newfoundland & Labrador on February 2018 , with another RFP issued in May 2018 for specific regions. The proposals were focused on geographic areas (postal codes) throughout the province, with the qualified proponents moving to the next step of application. Most of these applicants have since received their licenses, while a few others continue to work on the requirements. Currently, over 70% of the population are within 50KM of their nearest retail store. For a list of current locations, please click here.
NLC will continue to monitor the retail environment during the initial stages of legalization. If more retail opportunities are warranted, NLC will be sure to advise the general public. Future opportunities will be posted on our website at ShopCannabisNL.com.
Q: Why did the federal government choose to legalize cannabis?
A: The Government of Canada has chosen to legalize cannabis to create a legal framework around production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada. More information about the federal framework can be found here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis.html
Q: What is NLC’s role?
A: The sale of cannabis is being conducted through private retailers licensed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC), which has the experience, resources and infrastructure to be regulator and distributor. NLC controls the possession, sale and delivery of cannabis, and sets prices for cannabis products.
NLC has established a secure online location at www.ShopCannabisNL.com for the purchase of cannabis products, providing accessibility for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Q: Is there a plan for education or training?
A: Programs have been developed for public awareness and education as well as specific training initiatives for retail operators and staff. NLC is working in partnership with government departments to deliver social responsibility communications via mass media, online and in Licensed Cannabis Retailers to ensure all matters pertaining to the legalization of cannabis are understood. A comprehensive, multifaceted public education and awareness program has been undertaken to ensure that residents, and particularly parents, youth, drivers, employers and employees understand the serious risks associated with cannabis use. Please reference the following for more information on these initiatives:
Cannabis NL Educational Programs
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions regarding cannabis?
A: GENERAL INQUIRIES
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone: 709-724-1200
Email: info@shopcannabisnl.com
For further details, visit www.ShopCannabisNL.com/contact.
Can I recycle cannabis packaging?
In the province of Newfoundland Labrador, plastic and glass cannabis containers can be placed in see-through blue bags along with other recyclable containers with curbside recycling, once the cap liner is removed. Cannabis pouches are made out of mixed materials and as such cannot be recycled so they should be placed in the garbage.
Consumers
Q: What is the legal age?
A: Newfoundland and Labrador has set a legal age of 19 for cannabis use, purchase and possession.
Q: How do I reach Cannabis NL’s customer service department?
A: For customer service, please visit our Contact Us page at www.ShopCannabisNL.com/contact-us.
Q: How can I learn about any product recalls for Cannabis NL products?
For the latest information on both voluntary and mandatory product recalls, click here.
Q: What measures are you taking to protect against underage purchases?
A: In-Store - Customers are required to present a valid photo I.D. for all transactions occurring in Licensed Cannabis Retail stores. Products will not be sold to individuals who cannot produce a valid form of identification.
Online - For online purchases, a valid photo I.D. must be presented upon home delivery. Packages must be signed for by a resident of legal age and will not be left in community mailboxes, residential mailboxes or on doorsteps. Cannabis NL accepts Canadian Passport, Canadian Citizenship card, Canadian Armed Forces ID or Driver’s License as valid forms of identification.
Q: How much can individuals purchase?
A: Individuals are permitted to purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis flower or equivalent in other formats in one transaction. A maximum of 4 plants are permitted to be purchased at one time.
Q: How much can individuals possess?
A: The Cannabis Act (Canada) and the Cannabis Control Act (NL) specifies that it is an offence for a person of legal age to possess more than 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place. Both acts also specify that a maximum of 4 cannabis plants can be grown per dwelling house with no limit on how much cannabis can be obtained from the plants. Different cannabis plants will naturally produce different amounts of flower. A person can have an unlimited amount of legal cannabis in their home.
Q: Are edible cannabis products available?
A: Yes. Edible cannabis products are now available on our website and through Licensed Cannabis Retailers. To see the edible cannabis products available on our site, please Click Here.
Q: Where is non-medical cannabis available to purchase?
A: Non-medical cannabis products are available to purchase through licensed retailers that have been approved by NLC through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Please visit our Store Locator page at www.ShopCannabisNL.com/apps/store-locator for a list of all Licensed Cannabis Retailers in the province. Cannabis products are also available through this website, which is operated by NLC.
Q: What kinds of cannabis products are available to purchase?
A: Products available for purchase include cannabis in the following forms: dried flower, seeds, plants, concentrates, edibles and topicals.
Q: Can individuals grow their own cannabis?
A: Those aged 19 years and older will be permitted to grow up to four (4) plants per household.
Q: Are those who require cannabis for medical purposes able to purchase from these retail stores and online?
A: While anyone over the age of 19 may purchase non-medical cannabis through Licensed Cannabis Retailers and online via www.ShopCannabisNL.com, medical cannabis patients are encouraged to follow the advice of their healthcare professionals and receive products through their existing medical channels.
Q: What are you doing to ensure product quality/safety?
A: We regulate and enforce product packaging and safety guidelines in all Licensed Cannabis Retailers and online as identified in the Federal Government regulatory framework.
Q: What do I do if I have a product quality issue?
A: If you discover a quality issue related to a product you have purchased at a Licensed Cannabis Retailer, please return the product to the store at which the product was purchased. If the product were purchased online at www.ShopCannabisNL.com, please visit the Shipping and Returns page for additional details.
Q: When are your stores open?
A: Store hours vary by location. Please visit the Find a Store page at www.ShopCannabisNL.com/apps/store-locator for contact information for each store.
Q: Can a Licensed Cannabis Retailer provide direct-to-consumer delivery, call-in orders or “Click & Collect”?
A: Delivery, call-in orders and “Click & Collect” orders are permitted only through Tier 1 Licensed Cannabis Retailers. For a list of Tier 1 LCRs in Newfoundland and Labrador, please CLICK HERE.
Q: Can a Licensed Cannabis Retailer ship out of province?
A: No. Our objective is to service the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We will respect other provinces, federal and international regulations.
Q: Can Cannabis NL ship online orders out of province?
A: No. Our objective is to service the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We will respect other provinces, federal and international regulations.
Q: Can Licensed Cannabis Retailers set their own pricing?
A: No. Cannabis NL sets and maintains common pricing for the same products across the sales network in Newfoundland and Labrador for all Licensed Cannabis Retailers.
Q: Does Cannabis NL sell cannabis accessories (i.e. vapourizers, bongs, pipes, etc.)?
A: No. Products available for sale at www.ShopCannabisNL.com are limited to Dried Flower, Oils, Plants, Seeds, Concentrates, Edibles and Topicals. Depending on store format, select Licensed Cannabis Retailers are permitted to sell accessories and merchandise.
Education
Q: Where can I find more information about talking to children or teens about cannabis?
A: There are a number of valuable resources available to help with speaking to children and teens about drugs, including cannabis. For important information, visit Government of Canada or view our educational courses at www.ShopCannabisNL.com/Learn.
Q: How can I learn more about THC and CBD? What are Terpenes? How do I choose a product that’s right for me?
A: For information on THC, CBD, Terpenes, Ways to Consume, Responsible Consumption and more visit www.ShopCannabisNL.com/learn.
Legal
Q: What measures are being taken by law enforcement pertaining to roadside sobriety testing?
A: Police have been trained to detect impaired drivers through observation and tools such as field sobriety tests. Where police suspect a driver is impaired, they may have a driver undergo an examination by a police officer who has received special training as a Drug Recognition Evaluator.
The Federal Government is also developing roadside screening devices to detect cannabis in drivers and plans to set maximum permitted blood levels for THC (one of the main psychoactive ingredients in cannabis). New tools will be deployed by police in Newfoundland and Labrador as they become available.
Q: What are the legal implications of impaired driving specific to cannabis use?
A: The following amendments to the Highway Traffic Act further strengthen impaired driving legislation in the province:
- Zero tolerance for drugs for novice drivers, drivers under age 22 and commercial drivers;
- Seven day vehicle impoundment for the presence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol for novice drivers, drivers under age 22 and commercial drivers;
- Seven day vehicle impoundment for all drivers deemed impaired based on Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST)/approved testing device and/or Drug Recognition Expert (DRE);
- Thirty day vehicle impoundment for all drivers for refusal or failure to comply with a demand, consistent with alcohol; and,
- Medical exemption provisions, subject to confirmation of legally authorization and the individual not being impaired.
Q: What are the rules about consuming cannabis and driving?
A: Driving while impaired is dangerous and is a criminal offence. Driving while impaired by cannabis or other drugs is illegal now and will be illegal after legalization. Drivers found to be impaired while driving will face driver license suspensions, fines, vehicle impoundment and/or time in jail.
Q: How long should I wait to drive after consuming cannabis?
A: Driving while impaired from cannabis is associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. The most effective way to avoid any risks of cannabis use is to abstain from use. The evidence-based Canadian Low Risk Use Cannabis Guidelines recommend not driving for at least six hours after using cannabis. As such, it is important to refrain from getting behind the wheel for at least this long or longer, as wait times can vary depending on the individual user, the properties of the specific cannabis product, and the method of consumption. Furthermore, using both cannabis and alcohol together multiplies impairment risks for driving and must be avoided altogether. Regardless of how you may feel, it is important to remember that impaired is impaired and it is illegal to operate or have care and control of a vehicle when impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Q: What can happen if I buy or sell cannabis outside of the licensed system?
A: Buying or selling cannabis outside of the licensed system is illegal. Severe fines and criminal penalties apply. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, you could:
-- Receive a ticket,
-- Be fined up to $100,000, or
-- Face up to 14 years in jail.
Q: Where can I consume cannabis?
A: You may consume cannabis in a private dwelling or yard attached to a private dwelling.
You may be able to consume cannabis in hotel rooms or units in apartment buildings, subject to restrictions that may be imposed by the building owner or operator. Cannabis may not be consumed in any of the common areas of those buildings.
You may be able to consume cannabis on a rented campsite, subject to restrictions that may be imposed by the park owner or operator. You may be able to consume cannabis in a vehicle that is being used as a temporary or private residence while it is not on a road.
You are not permitted to consume cannabis in a public place, a motor vehicle or a boat, similar to the restrictions on consuming alcohol.
A limited exception applies for medical cannabis. A person with a valid authorization to use medical cannabis under the federal Cannabis Act may consume medical cannabis in an outdoor public place where smoking or vaping is permitted by the Smoke-Free Environment Act, 2005, but would not be able to consume cannabis in a motor vehicle.
Q: Are there special rules related to transporting cannabis?
A: A person will be allowed to only transport 30 grams of cannabis at a time. While in a vehicle, the cannabis will have to be in a container with an unbroken seal or stored such that it is inaccessible to the driver or a passenger.
Q: Can I grow cannabis to sell?
A: No. Only federally licensed producers are permitted to grow cannabis to sell. You also are not permitted to make edibles to sell.
Q: Where can I find additional information on legal and health concerns related to cannabis?
A: The following links provide additional insight and information:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/cannabis/
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en
https://www.rnc.gov.nl.ca/
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Careers
Q: How do I apply for a job?
A: Licensed Cannabis Retailers operate independently of NLC, and are responsible for hiring. To view contact information for Licensed Cannabis Retailers in your area, visit Store Locator. For career opportunities with NLC, visit http://www.nlliquor.com/corporate/careers.