CBD Oil is a breakthrough product that not only has changed Canada’s cannabis industry, but that of the whole world. It is a novel product that has shifted paradigms, making us re-evaluate traditional medicine. CBD oil is paving its way into the realm of health-care and etching its imprint into its foundation. Several key people and institutions stand behind this new product due to its innate medicinal properties, mostly oriented towards pain relief and mental health issues. In this article, we will trace every single aspect you need to know about CBD Oil, from what is CBD, its differences with THC, where to buy CBD, to what are the most suitable CBD products in Canada and where you can find the best CBD. And in depth, thought-provoking, piece on CBD Oil.
What Is CBD Oil?
According to medical journals, CBD is:
“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. [...] Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most famous ingredient in cannabis.”
In other words, cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, as many other marijuana-related substances. The difference is that CBD, unlike THC, is not necessarily linked to recreational use, but to medical use.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds you can find in cannabis. It is one of its many many compounds and the ones that are responsible for the effects of cannabis on the body. The one you may be somewhat familiar with is phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Delta9-THC or Delta8-THC) as well as CBD.
Structure and Properties of CBD
Let’s look at the structure and overall properties of CDB:
Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is a cannabidiol that was found in 1940. Along with other species of cannabinoids, 40% of the plant’s extract - the oils it secretes - hails from CBD. That means that CBD comes directly from the cannabis plant, and composes almost half of its extract. Although discovered in the 40s, the application of CBD in modern medicine is just now becoming widespread — until recently we didn’t have the Federal framework, the knowledge, or the tech to make use of CBD in a prudent fashion.
But isn’t CBD the same as run-of-the-mill pot?
Marijuana (scientifically known as Delta-9 THC, stylized as ∆9-THC) and its side effects, is another product derived from the cannabis plant. It’s one of the many gifts this plant has given us. The composition of Marijuana is substantially different from that of CBD — and so is the way it affects the body. First and foremost, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means that it will not give you the characteristic “high” that THC or “run-of-the-mill” Marijuana does — That’s one of its main features.
What Is CBD Oil Made of?
For the most part CBD is consumed in oil form. What does this mean? It means that the product you get is a tiny bottle that contains oil, that you could easily mistaken for any other over-the-counter medication. In this, the oil holds the active ingredient we are all interested in: CBD.
Consumption of CBD is typically taken in the form of oil, placing the drops under the mouth. This is technically known as sublingual ingestion
What about CBD Gummies? Brownies? Edibles?
CBD also comes in those delightful hippie throwbacks. BUT, and here’s the smack over the head, all those edibles are made with CBD oil. The main active ingredient is CBD oil. In Canada, CBD Gummies are at their core other ways to deliver the compound into your bloodstream. One of the many positive traits of CBD Oil is that you can also blend it into foods, drinks or other kinds of daily use nutrients.
You can also find CBD smoke or vapor substances, other liquids, capsules, and even aerosol spray.
How Is CBD Oil Extracted?
CBD is mostly divided into two types, distinguished by their forms of production: full spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. This is mainly due to how CBD Oil is extracted. There are the different forms of CBD extraction:
They are:
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Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction: Scientists use this to split CBD from the actual cannabis plant. It is used as frequently as possible since it is capable of producing a high concentration of CBD.
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Steam distillation: Makers utilize this method to separate the oil from the cannabis plant. Although frequently used, it is not as efficient as the CO2 method. It’s a more home-brewed approach.
- Solvent extraction: It uses solvents to extract the matter — similar to how some perfumes are produced. It is one of the earliest forms of extraction. Solvent extraction does have a raging side effect, some solvents taint the outcome of the product.
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Lipid extraction: It uses lipids to create the product. It is gaining popularity as an alternative to the carbon dioxide and solvent methods.
What you get after executing one of these methods is the full spectrum CBD in a concentration of THC lesser than 0.3%. Once you obtain the full spectrum CBD, you can make it undergo an extra process of cooling and purification. The result of that extra-legwork is a CBD isolate in the form of CBD crystals. All that differentiates full spectrum CBD from CBD isolate is that the latter goes through an extra process of refinement — the outcome a form of crystalized CBD that can later be merged with oil in order to produce a more concentrated, and posh, form of CBD oil known as CBD isolate oil.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD?
A full-spectrum CBD product contains many cannabis plant extracts — which can include oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
Let’s look at some of the characteristics of full spectrum CBD products:
- Full spectrum CBD products can have up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol - THC - the main culprit for that feeling of being “high.” Nevertheless, the amounts are minute, so they don’t have a substantial effect on our body.
- Since it only contains 0.3% of it, or even less, it complies with the current Canadian Cannabis Act. This implies that you are consuming a product that despite, having minimal amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, is perfectly legal and safe to consume within the boundaries of Canada. That means you can purchase CBD Oil in Canada for medical issues as well as recreational use without worrying about the cops breaking down your door.
- Full-spectrum CBD has a plethora of medically-backed benefits. For example, full-spectrum CBD can:
- Prevent or diminish seizure attacks.
- Have antioxidant qualities.
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Used for pain relief
- Have anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Help with insomnia & Sleep.
- Relief headaches.
- Help increase appetite.
- What Is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a form of CBD that is present in the cannabis plant, but it does not contain the psychoactive component of the plant due to its removal vía chemical processes.
Some of the physical and chemical properties this variant of CBD has are the following:
- CBD isolate is composed of pure CBD. It appears in the form of crystals or powder. The latter usually makes its consumption that much easier. It is inodorous and tasteless, opposite to other products that can contain terpene traces. Before reaching the instance of isolate, the product is treated in its previous form of full spectrum CBD. This means that it contains 0.3% THC or less. Once finished, the CBD isolate crystals are formed without any trace of THC in them.
This makes it a great product for those not interested in consuming any sort of THC, or people who are subjected to mandatory drug testing, like sports athletes.
Here are some of the benefits of the CBD isolate:
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Anxiety management.
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Pain alleviation.
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Inflammation management.
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Managing epileptic episodes.
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Helping cope with cancer.
Main Differences Between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate
The key difference between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate is that the former contains THC, in small quantities, and the latter does not. This is a key difference since any amount of THC can show up in a drug test — and some professions have zero tolerance towards it. For example, if you are an athlete or you are frequently tested for THC metabolites, CBD Isolate products are a better choice.
Another reason why you may want to opt out of consuming full spectrum is that THC, and the high associated with it, is not your cup of tea — maybe you simply want a more mellow experience.
Regardless of your own personal choices, CBD - in whichever form you take it - can really help when coping with pain, inflammation, or when dealing with illnesses such as cancer, anxiety, seizures, fibromyalgia, migraines, menopause, depression, ADHD, and depression.
Both products are packed with all manner of medical miracles — The main difference is how much of a party, or how “cool” you want that Enya album to sound while using any of the two. If you thought cartoons were awesome before, wait until you watch them with a smidgen of THC in your system.
Side Effects of CBD
All that glitters isn’t gold. Let’s uncover some of the side effects you may have while consuming CBD:
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Fluctuations in appetite.
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Diarrhea.
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Feeling tired or fatigued.
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Lethargy (“feeling slow”).
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Changes in weight.
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Insomnia.
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Irritability.
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It can interfere with over-the-counter medications like blood thinners.
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It can also hinder the effects of dietary supplements, especially if grapefruit is present.
It’s critical to highlight that many of these effects only happen when consuming really high doses of CBD, or in rare circumstances. As long as you consume it respectfully and in increasing amounts, and take note of the recommended dosages, the risk of suffering any of these issues is significantly low.
It’s important to always consult your physician before consuming any sort of medicine, narcotic, or dietary supplement — that includes CBD.
Benefits of CBD
For years, even in antiquity, Cannabis has been known for its medical properties. From the ancient Grecians to Eastern Medicine. Did you know that, up until the late 30s, Cannabis was not a controlled substance? Most physicians actually used it, heavily, to treat all manner of illness, including psychological issues.
But why was cannabis made illegal? Oddly enough because of propaganda films - one in particular, called “Reefer Madness' ' from 1936. The general policy of making Marijuana illegal streams from the US — and it had more to do with racism than how the plant actually affected the body. During he 1937 hearing for what would eventually be called the Marijuana Tax Act - which made it illegal - the reason policymakers decided to outlaw cannabis was because “it made men of color become violent and solicit sex from white women.”
The act was eventually ruled as unconstitutional. But, under the watchful eye of tricky dicky - President Nixon - cannabis was made into a Schedule 1 substance. In Canada, we basically followed the US stead and took most of our plays from their book.
That all changed in 1996, when California became the first state to approve the use of Marijuana for medical purposes. Why was this such a huge change - since it took the rest of the world almost 20-years to catch-up? Because suddenly there was a market. Not only that, suddenly pharmaceutical companies were looking into the future and understanding that there was money to be made. They started experimenting, while lobbying for global policy changes.
Today, most places have made Marijuana products legal — and those that haven’t are seen like throwbacks from another century. Today, it is common knowledge the power of cannabis and its many medical advantages. Let’s look at some of them
Some of the benefits of consuming CBD — list compiled by the World health Organization — illnesses cannabis helps treat:
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Alzheimer’s disease
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Parkinson’s disease
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Huntington’s disease
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Multiple sclerosis
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Hypoxia-ischemia injury
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Pain management
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Psychosis
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Nausea
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Inflammation
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Infections
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IBS (inflammatory bowel disease)
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Cardiovascular diseases
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Diabetes
- Insomnia
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Today, the possible medical breakthroughs of CBD are only now being documented. For example, in psychiatry, there’s a wave preaching the benefits of CBD products over other narcotics such as Prozac.
With further consequent scientific advancements, we are bound to see many more benefits blossom from the use of CBD.
What Is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological/hallucinatory effects. It is one of many compounds found in the resin secreted by the plant's glands. Most of these glands are found around the reproductive organs of the plant than in any other area of the plant.
In other words, THC is the active ingredient in pot that makes us high. It is a toxin the plant employees for defensive purposes. It’s how the cannabis plant wards off predators. In a sense, it’s a poison.
But, given the size of certain exact mammals, the secretion doesn’t have the same effect — it only gives humans the “giggles” in small quantities.
What Are the Most Famous Strains Of THC
The most well-known strains of THC are the Delta ones. The most popular variations are Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10. Why are they called that? Because they are isomers. Isomers are:
“Molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formulas — that is, same number of atoms of each element — but distinct arrangements of atoms in space.”
That means that they are different chemical structures with the same number of atoms. The only thing that differs is how those atoms are arranged. This bestows each isomer with distinct qualities that make it unique and different from its siblings.
How Do the Different Strains Hit?
Delta-8 THC, has a rather mellow tone to it. If you consume it, you will feel calmer, sedated, and even hungry. However, you may still feel a bit too drowsy if you are not used to it.
Delta-9 THC, gets you that classical high effect, with enhanced sensorial perception. You may also experience the “lows” of paranoia and anxiety, if you consume considerable amounts.
Delta-10 THC is the most recent of the strains. It is a strain that contains stimulant properties that elevate creativity and energy. With Delta-10, you run much fewer risks of suffering side-effects, as it isn’t as potent as Delta-9 THC.
Benefits of THC
THC does in fact possess many benefits. One of its main medical advantages is that THC does provide pain relief against certain physical ailments — it is proven to be useful in combating pain in those individuals with neuropathies. Cannabis blocks neural pathways that are directly linked to feelings of pain in the human body.
It also eases vomits and nausea. This comes in handy to people that undergo hardships like cancer, who want additional allopathic medications for their digestive tracts.
It's important to highlight that marijuana does not kill brain cells. That is a common myth — on the contrary, marijuana is a neuroprotectant. That means that it actually protects neurons from dying. One of the most significant causes for brain damage other than genetics and aging is contact sports. In the present, different sporting leagues like the NFL are endorsing THC as a way to protect their players from further neurological harm.
Side Effects of THC
THC, as with everything, does have its downsides too. Generally speaking, these effects become noticeable after ingesting very high doses. As long as you are cautious, most of the effects will be negligible. Nevertheless, here are some side effects of THC:
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Increase of the heart rate
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Motor coordination disturbances
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Dry mouth
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Bloodshot eyes
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Lethargy (slowed down reaction times)
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Problems with memory
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Anxiety
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Paranoia (in high doses of THC)
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Sweaty palms
It’s important to note that the effects depend mostly on the quantities consumed, and on the strain acquired. For example, even with a low dosage of Delta-9 you will experience some of these drawbacks — whereas with Delta-10, using the same dose, the side-effects will be hardly evident.
Differences Between THC and CBD
As we have seen, although similar, CBD and THC are very different things. They do proceed from the same raw material, the cannabis plant, but how they are segregated, processed, and finally turned into consumable products differs — not to mention the effects it has on the body.
Are THC and CBD Psychoactive Compounds?
Yes, they are. A psychoactive compound is one that alters, for a little while, your brain's chemical responses — the way your brain functions. It is a loaded term. Why? Because, most comestibles have that effect. For example, coffee, due to caffeine, keeps you awake, gives you deep levels of awareness that you normally wouldn’t have. Chocolate fills your body with endorphins. While eating a turkey our bodies transform that animal’s amino acid, L-tryptophan, into serotonin, which calms us down and makes us drowsy. Alcohol, well, alcohol - depending on what you’re putting into your glass - is not only psychoactive but a controlled substance.
All of these, plus more, are psychoactive — they alter the brain’s natural response. The only thing is that in many cases, due to branding, they are not labeled as psychoactive, but as “stimulants.” Nevertheless, at their core they are the same. CBD is also one of those compounds. It helps medical maladies by tweaking how your brain responds to them. Managing seizures, dealing with anxiety and depression, helping you calm down. It doesn’t cure you of those problems, it just gives you a hand in managing their symptoms.
What about THC?
THC is also a psychoactive compound, it can also help with hundreds of medical conditions - both of the mind and body. The main difference is that aside from being psychoactive, it can also cause hallucinations. It alters the brain differently, and the way it hits you depends a great deal on your personal chemistry. Whether you experience euphoria, paranoia, bizarre hallucinations, etc, is a mixture of your body's response to the compound as well as the strain you invested in and how it was produced.
I Get Tested For Drugs Regularly. Which One Should I Buy? THC or CBD?
How about if you need to get tested for drugs? In that case, you do need to proceed with caution. If you consume THC there is an elevated likelihood of you testing positive to the substance — and then it’s up to your company’s policy whether or not you’ll be reprimanded.
In that same scenario, if you ingest CBD, you also have a chance of testing positive, IF you consume full spectrum CBD. Why? It hasn’t been refined and still has trace amounts of THC.
Meanwhile, with CBD isolate, in theory you should not.
It’s important to understand the difference between all the products and have a trusted CBD dispensary in Canada. A brand with a proven track-record. One that really takes the time to develop each product and doesn’t simply slap a sticker on a bottle.
At Zen Bliss, the CBD isolate is produced from Canadian extracts made from 100% organic hemp. If you plan to buy CBD Oil in Canada, or CBD Oil in Canada Online, Zen Bliss is the smartest choice.
Which One Should I Get? CBD or THC
That’s a personal choice. It depends on your goals while taking the product. CBD is a highly stable compound that is mainly used for medicinal purposes — or simply to calm down. The equivalent of a nice glass of wine at the end of the day, with none of the consequences. No lasting hangover, no slur words. It tweaks your brain in such a way that it instantly ratchets down and takes its foot off the accelerator. Meanwhile, THC’s effects are intricately tied to manufacturing standards, and the strain you acquired — in many ways, it’s a more recreational compound.
FAQ About CBD
Can You Overdose on CBD?
Yes! Technically you can overdose on just about everything — but it is not fatal. When you overdose on CBD, you get one of its negative side effects. The worst side-effect you might experience is oxygen intoxication, but this is only if you decide to go all Hunter S. Thompson on it and consume copious amounts of it.
What CBD Products Are Sold in Canada?
There is a wide array of CBD products sold in Canada. The one that our clients usually get are CBD oils. They are liquid products sold in bottles that contain CBD in an oily solution. You can also find CBD infused gummies, dried fruits, and even CBD for pets!
As well as CBD cookbooks, agricultural equipment, etc.
Which CBD Products Should I Buy?
This depends on you. If you are looking for versatility, we recommend the CBD Oil. These are easy to mix with drinks or foods — also, you can bake with them. What you have to consider is that they are not as discreet as the others if you plan to take in the product straight from the bottle.
If practicality is what you want you would need to buy the different edibles which you can find in hundreds of dispensaries scattered over the Canadian landscape.
PS: our gummies are to die for.
Is CBD Used In Beauty Products? Why? What Are the Benefits?
Yes. You can find cosmetics such as creams, oils, balms, lotions, shampoos, face masks, and bath bombs. There are different skin disorders like acne that can be treated with CBD, as well as signs of aging. They do wonders for crows feet.
Who Should I Buy CBD Products From?
You should only buy products from authorized retailers, as buying merchandise from suspicious sellers increases the chances of getting a product that has been altered, and that can pose a serious risk to your health. At Zen Bliss we guarantee our production-line’s quality, since all of the products are crafted with Canadian extracts composed of 100% organic hemp and constantly supervised by our experts during every stage of manufacturing.
How Much CBD Can I Take?
The general tolerance for CBD is about 1,500 milligrams a day, according to several studies. It’s important to understand that every person’s tolerance is different. Their height, weight, metabolism, and other physical traits have to be taken into account. Consuming the wrong amount of CBD can cause undesired side-effects.
Is CBD Oil Vegan Friendly?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a vegan compound derived from hemp. The compound itself, at its pure state, right out of the ground, is 100% vegan — still, you need to proceed with caution, as the processes CBD goes before it actually becomes CBD are chemical by nature. Some producers might use animal oils or extracts in order to refine the product. This means that you should ask your provider and get assurances of whether or not their products are vegan.
How Do I Take CBD Oil?
CBD Oil can be taken several ways. The most convenient way is by using CBD in its oil form. Usually when you consume it directly from the bottle, it is absorbed sublingually. This means the drops are placed under the tongue. Then they are absorbed into the bloodstream. It's an extremely easy and efficient delivery system.
You can also apply CBD creams. In this case the application is topical, which implies that you smear it in the affected area directly. Here it doesn’t enter the bloodstream but is absorbed by the skin.
The other way is with edibles. In this situation it is like any other food product you might eat regularly. Later, the CBD enters the bloodstream by way of the digestive system.
Can I Drive After Taking CBD Oil?
According to the federal Bill C-46 you are not allowed to drive under the influence of THC. If you consume full spectrum CBD, which contains traces of THC, you would be penalized if stopped by a cop. Even when consuming CBD isolate, at Zen Bliss we do not recommend driving under the influence, as effects can slow reaction times.
CBD Oil Isn’t Working For Me. What Should I Do?
As with many other medications, there is a possibility of developing tolerance towards CBD. In that case, you have two options: you can either stop ingesting CBD and let your system reset, or you can up the intake as long as it’s within the recommended dosage.
Is CBD Oil Legal In Canada?
According to the Canadian Cannabis Act, any product that contains less than 0.3% THC is considered legal within its territory. Most CBD products contain less than that allotted quantity. If you consume CBD isolate the chances of getting a product with higher concentrations of THC are virtually non-existent. Be careful if you decide to travel across the border, as several American states have different laws regarding the consumption and possession of both THC and CBD.
When did Cannabis and CBD products become legal in Canada?
Since the late 90s, public opinion polls regarding Canada’s stance on marijuana have been changing. What was once a schedule 1 narcotic slowly started to be recognized by consumers, pundits, lobbyist groups, and others as a medical miracle.
Since that period, the vast majority of Canadians agree with the statement, "Smoking marijuana should not be a criminal offense".
In June 2016, a national poll conducted by Nanos Research showed that 70% of Canadians were in favor of legalizing pot and its byproducts. Since that period, The Government of Canada started working on legislation to not only legalize cannabis but control its sale, taxation, and distribution. In June, 2018, after a lot of back and forth regarding the wording and the specifics of the bill, the Cannabis Act - C-45 - was enacted. It was later rectified that very same year on the 17th of October. Since that watershed moment the recreational use, not to mention the medical use of marijuana, is completely legal.
Currently, police and prosecution service in all of Canada’s jurisdiction can only pursue criminal charges on people that market and manufacture cannabis products without a license issued by the Health Ministry – this includes farmers, dispensaries, and producers of cannabis related products, including CBD oil.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil In Canada?
If you want to buy CBD in Canada, there are various dispensaries. One of them is Zen Bliss — ultimate CBD collection of products. Fast deliveries, great customer service, a smorgasbord of products. Here at Zen Bliss we have all of the CBD products you might desire. Each of them manufactured using the finest 100% organic hemp in Canada. When you buy Zen Bliss, you are guaranteed top-notch quality.
Among the benefits of buying Zen Bliss products:
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The quality is unparalleled.
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The products are organic.
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Affordable prices for a superior product.
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Same-day express delivery,
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Numerous edible and CBD Oil products that other providers don’t have.
Top Recommendation: Cannabis Gummies For Sleep Canada