Hop online, place an order for some green, and two days later it shows up at your door. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Well thankfully for us it isn't, and mail order marijuana in Canada is most definitely alive and well, despite claims from the government to stomp out these channels with the legalization of marijuana.
Mail order marijuana companies(commonly called MOMs) have existed in Canada for decades, long before cannabis was ever made legal. Their quality, selection, and pricing has beat out legal cannabis by a long shot, and it's no surprise that MOMs are still thriving.
While you can order marijuana online through legal channels, the lack of variety and the higher costs may have you looking at other options.
The Legalization Of Marijuana In Canada
The Liberal government made true on their promise to legalize recreational cannabis in Canada on October 17, 2018, making Canada the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to formally legalize the cultivation, possession, acquisition and consumption of cannabis and its by-products.
It was, naturally, a very exciting time for Canadians nationwide, but this excitement was dampened quite a bit in the coming weeks and months.
Despite the governments attempts to respond to the demand, there simply just was not enough supply, and most legal channels quickly sold out.
While it seems to have made a comeback, and some provinces far outshining others, the majority of legal dispensaries still have trouble maintaining a good level of stock for all of their products.
The Pros And Cons Of Mail Order Marijuana In Canada
Ordering through a MOM has a ton of benefits over a legal dispensary. It is super convenient, doesn't cost as much, and there is some great deals you can take advantage of when you order online rather than in store.
Better Pricing
There's no doubt that the prices you get from a MOM are going to be way better than anything you can get legally.
Right now the average cost of a gram of legal weed is around $10, nearly double the price that you can find with a MOM.
Ordering from a MOM also gives you the option to buy in bulk, which further drops the price per gram with higher discounts the more you buy.
Better Selection
While the legal dispensaries should begin to see the roll-out of cannabis edibles onto shelves in December 2019, the options available from the black market will be incredibly hard to beat.
Some of these include:
- Gummies
- Cookies
- Candy
- Chocolate
- Capsules
- Coffee
- Honey
- Infused coconut oil
- Raw sugar
- Cereal
This doesn't include the vast number of other THC products available, like wax, shatter, crumble, hash, vape supplies, etc.
All of these are products that the legal channels are going to have to get started with, if they have any hope of competing.
There is also CBD to consider. Legally CBD can only be purchased through a licensed producer, same as with cannabis.
Right now the only options for legal CBD oils are very pricey. The "High CBD Oil" on the OCS(Ontario Cannabis Store), is going for $113.25 for a 600mg bottle..
That same product can be gotten from the black market, with lab testing, for $59.95, almost half the price.
Convenience
Being able to order online and have it shipped to you is super convenient, with no long wait times in lineups, and never once having to leave your house.
It's Discreet
Ordering from MOMs is incredibly easy, and they always ship in discreet packaging, with the majority of them vacuum sealing the products so there is zero scent to be detected.
According to this article posted by CBC, it has become even more of a challenge for the police since legalization, with Canada Post even offering up tips on how to ship marijuana through the mail.
This advice, naturally, is aimed at the people and businesses who are legally allowed to do so, but it's made it that much easier for the black market companies as well.
The Downside Of Mail Order Marijuana In Canada
While there isn't a whole lot of cons, there are a few.
Payment Methods
You aren't going to find a whole lot of MOMs out there that offer a credit card as a form of payment. The majority of them offer only E-Transfer or cryptocurrency options like Bitcoin.
These forms of payment don't offer any recourse for you if something goes wrong, and you won't be able to get a refund. With a credit card you have the option to dispute the charges.
Always do your research before buying from any MOM, read reviews, etc. There are a few very well established companies that have been around a long time, and these are the ones that you want to go with.
Delivery Times
While the majority of the MOMs in Canada offer very fast shipping times, 2-3 days being the most common, they are still at the mercy of Canada Post to deliver. A strike, or longer shipping times around the holidays will inevitably keep you waiting.
The licensed brick and mortar stores definitely have the upper hand here, but only if you happen to live in an area where one is accessible.
Shipping Charges
Quite a few of the MOMs in Canada offer free shipping over a certain amount, but not everyone is going to want to order $100-$150 worth of product to get the free shipping.
Be prepared to spend anywhere between $10 and $20 for shipping if you don't meet the minimum spending requirements.
Hands On Approach
You won't be able to see, touch, smell, any of the product you're ordering beforehand, whereas this option is available(to a degree) in a licensed dispensary.
It's Illegal
Obviously, buying off the black market is still illegal, no matter how safe it may seem. While countless numbers of people in Canada(including us), order from these MOMs with no issue, there is always some element of risk involved.
So, Is Mail Order Marijuana In Canada Worth It?
Well, if you ask us, it's more than worth it.
Before legalization happened there were definitely a lot more risks involved, but times are changing. The attitude towards marijuana is changing.
Conroy discussing being caught with marijuana not purchased through legal channels.
It's never been easier to order marijuana online in Canada, though the legalities of it still remain.
The quality and variety already had us sold, but the real clincher for us is paying almost half the price that you'll find legally.
Have a question? Leave a comment below!