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Frequently
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Questions

Cannabis 101

What is CBD and THC?

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of natural chemical substances and over 100 of these are known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have effects on cell receptors in the brain and body. ​

The most researched cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for the way your brain and body respond to cannabis, including the high and intoxication. THC has been reported to have some therapeutic effects.​ Cannabidiol (CBD) is another cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication. There is some evidence that CBD may block or lower some of the effects of THC on the mind. This may occur when the amount of CBD in the cannabis is the same or higher than the amount of THC.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are fragrant oils found in many types of plants that produce a unique taste and smell. The tastes and smells of the terpenes in cannabis products range from woodsy to spicy to citrusy sweet.​ ​

Some also believe in the theory of “the entourage effect,” referring to the possibility that cannabinoids and terpenes work together in the overall effect of cannabis. As of now, these are just theories- the impact of terpenes beyond flavour and aroma has yet to be scientifically proven.

What is the difference between ingestible oil products and dried products?

Dried cannabis (whole bud, pre-rolls, shake and trim) requires heat (activation) for the full effects to occur (potential). This can be achieved by vaporizing or smoking for example. Inhaling the vapour will cause the consumer to feel the effects within seconds to minutes (onset). The effects can last up to 6 hours* (duration). ​​

Ingestible cannabis oil products (oil drops and softgels) are ready to consume in the sense that they do not need to be heated (activated) for the full effects to occur (potential). Consumers may take these products orally and will start to feel the effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours (onset). The effects may last up to 12 hours* (duration). ​

*some effects could last as long as 24 hours.

What is the difference between indica and sativa?

The terms indica and sativa are used to describe the two varieties of cannabis plants. Indica plants are shorter in stature and have broad leaves, while sativa plants are tall in structure and have narrow leaves. Although there is a lack of evidence to support the belief that indicas, sativas, and hybrids deliver distinct effects, it is deeply rooted in mainstream cannabis culture. ​​

Most consumers have used these two cannabis types as a touchstone for predicting effects:​​

  • Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed.​
  • Sativas are said to provide invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects. ​
  • Hybrids are thought to fall somewhere in between, offering a balance of indica and sativa effects.
How do I use cannabis products?

Cannabis can be taken in different ways, by:​

  • SMOKING:​
    • joints or spliffs (cannabis rolled in cigarette paper)
    • pipes and bongs (a type of pipe)​
    • blunts (partially or entirely hollowed out cigar wrappers filled with cannabis)​
  • DRINKING OR EATING:​​
    • teas
    • sodas​
    • cannabis oil​​
    • baked goods​
  • VAPORIZING AND VAPING​
    • (breathing in dried cannabis or liquid cannabis vapours through a vaporizer or vaping device)​
  • TOPICAL APPLICATION
    • (mostly used for medical purposes and are rarely psychoactive. Research is limited) ​​
  • DABBING
    • (breathing in very hot vapours from heating cannabis concentrates)​

Practices and Products

What measures does Vertical take to ensure product freshness?

We pack to order, use packaging that seals in freshness, and include humidity packs for our dried flower and pre-roll products. We know that freshness is important to you and we want to ensure you receive the freshest product that we can provide.

The most researched cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for the way your brain and body respond to cannabis, including the high and intoxication. THC has been reported to have some therapeutic effects.​ Cannabidiol (CBD) is another cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication. There is some evidence that CBD may block or lower some of the effects of THC on the mind. This may occur when the amount of CBD in the cannabis is the same or higher than the amount of THC.

How is your oil extracted and diluted?

We use the CO₂ extraction method. Unlike solvents such as butane, CO₂ extraction contains no chemical residues. It is also recyclable and cost-effective. Supercritical CO₂ extraction has unique properties: non-flammable and non-toxic. Our cannabis oil drops are diluted with premium-grade olive oil and our soft gels are diluted with medium train triglyceride (MCT) oil. We follow strict GMP standards through every stage of the process and this is to ensure a top-quality product.

Do you have a quality process in place?

Yes – in fact, our quality assurance process has over 600 steps to ensure that consumers receive high-quality, consistent cannabis products. ​We follow GMP standards through every stage of the process.

Do you have an integrated pest management program?

We sure do! First, we exclude pest entrance and disease admittance by heavy air filtration at the air intake locations of the facility. As a matter of process, we use biological insect control to maintain pest insect populations which means using “good bugs” to control unwanted bugs. We continuously monitor, collect and test samples for analysis. Further, employees are continuously trained in order to comply with strict quality protocols that have been put in place, including dress code, use of PPE, use of disinfectant footbaths, and many more.

Safety First

What does “Start Low, Go Slow” mean?

We love a good rhyme, don’t you? “Start Low, Go Slow” is used often in the cannabis industry to represent cautious approach to cannabis. We never want you to have a bad experience using cannabis products, so we always recommend that when trying a new product, you start with a very low dose/amount and work slowly up from there.

For more information visit:  lower-your-risks

Can I drive after I consume THC?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Driving while under the influence is illegal. It is not safe to drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming any THC products.

Can I purchase cannabis for minors or share it with them?

Heck no. Not only is it illegal but it’s just not cool. Keep it safe, secure, and out of reach.

What can I do to keep my cannabis out of reach of kids and pets?

We recommend purchasing a lockable case (there are many options on the market specifically for cannabis). If unable to obtain a case, we recommend keeping your goods somewhere that has a lock and can be stored out of reach from kids and pets.

What can I do if I’ve taken too much THC?

The only true solution is time and waiting it out but here are some tips that could help ease your mind:​

  1. Know your limits – Start Low, Go Slow​
  2. Take deep breathes to help relax​
  3. ​​Stay hydrated and/or eat a light snack​
  4. Distract yourself by watching a movie or listening to music
  5. Take a nap! Rest may help to put your mind at ease
  6. Stay calm and remember that the effects will wear off in time