The cultural history of cannabis and video games is undeniable. In both stoner culture and video game culture, each has their own histories that intertwined early on during their popularization, as those who indulge both have found them to be a dynamic combination.
However dynamic they might be, it’s important to note that when it comes to video games and cannabis – a one size fits all method shouldn’t be applied– It is important to choose the right kind of Cannabis paired with the right type of game to get the best vibe possible.
We spoke to Sumi and Kassidy, our budtenders at Highland Cannabis in Kitchener, to share what they know about cannabis and gaming to help pick a strain packed with a strong terpene profile that will complement your high while gaming.
The next time you ask what video game should I play high? Come back to this article!
John Strauss from Carmel Cannabis tells us everything we need to know to understand terpenes
Terpenes are mentioned all the time in the cannabis sphere. It’s not unusual to hear that a strain is packed with terpenes, but for someone that may just be getting into cannabis, there can be a lot of misconceptions and misinformation about what terpenes are.
As always, our team at Highland has your best interests at heart and wants to share the knowledge so the next time you’re in our shop, you can fully be in the know.
For this particular topic, we’ve asked our friends from Carmel Cannabis to share some of their knowledge, and what some common misconceptions are about terpenes.
A conversation between Thrive Cannabis and Highland Dispensary about the differences between Live Resin and Distilitates, and How to Choose the Quality Products.
Since we opened up our shop in 2020 in Kitchener, our goal has always been to educate our clientele on the robust, quality products in our shop. A lot of our products are sourced locally and curated through the ever-expanding network of master growers and community of cannabis enthusiasts in Ontario and beyond. As our community continues to grow, it only feels natural to highlight some of the products in our shop.
420 Friendly campgrounds to make camping this season a little greener.
Updated June 15 2023
Since 2018, Parks Canada has allowed campers to spark up at their campsites, and as peak season quickly approaches, we wanted to make it a little easier to find a spot in the outdoors to maximize green space for optimal recreational fun.
Each province has its own set of guidelines to follow when it comes to cannabis consumption in Canadian Parks. Generally speaking, cannabis use is acceptable in most front-country individual campsites and trails across Canada, but regulations vary from province to province.
There’s an emphasis on smoke-free environments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the nature that Canadian Parks have to offer.
Here is a breakdown of cannabis-friendly campgrounds and trails in Canada, along with how they rank on our cannabis-friendly scale so you can enjoy them this camping season.
Key Findings:
This is what the Highland team found:
Out of a criteria of six variables – public and day-use areas, backcountry, trails, common campground areas, and playgrounds – the Highland team calculated which provinces ranked the most and least cannabis friendly based on the Parks Canada regulations.
British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Northwest Territories and Nunavut ranked the most friendly as 66% of camp facilities are cannabis friendly.
Nova Scotia keeps it neutral at 50%.
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and the Yukon ranked the lowest at 16%.
Registered campsites are seen as private dwellings, which means cannabis consumption is permitted.
The limit to carry cannabis across Canada is 30 grams per person if you are of age.
Local municipalities set their own rules, as do private campground owners.
What’s worse than a joint burning unevenly? Wasting weed because you’re pulling the bud apart by hand. And let me tell you, the solution to both is a good quality weed grinder.
Grinders provide a consistent and fine grind which is essential for a better hit and an even burn. Having a high-quality grinder is key for maximizing the strength and flavour of your favourite cannabis strain, and makes for an all-round better experience. Weed grinders are widely available and come in different sizes, styles and materials.
Are you in the market for a weed grinder in Kitchener? Read on to learn about the best-selling grinders and what to keep in mind when you buy one.
Why Use a Weed Grinder?
For an even burn. When you pull the bud apart by hand, you break it into chunks of different sizes which makes the plant burn unevenly. To prevent an uneven burn, you have to bust down your bud properly. You can do that by using a high-quality weed grinder. This process allows you to increase the surface area of your bud for a better and even burn.
To save kief. Nothing beats a sprinkle of kief for an extra kick. However, you’ll be surprised how much of it you lose when you break the flower by hand. Grinders usually have a separate chamber at the bottom called a kief catcher for this purpose.
To save time and weed. A weed grinder makes the process of grinding weed easier and faster without wasting any part of the bud.
Are you ready to purchase a cannabis grinder? Shop online or visit our store in Kitchener for premium quality weed grinders.
Things to Consider When Buying a Weed Grinder
Here are a few things to consider when buying a weed grinder.
Quality material. The quality of the materials used to create a grinder will determine its functionality, durability and results. The most common materials are metal, wood and plastic. Metal grinders are known to be some of the best options on the market as they’re durable and have sharp teeth that grind buds efficiently.
Grinder teeth. As a rule of thumb, the more teeth in the grinder and the sharper they are, the better it is. Sharp teeth achieve a smooth, uniform, and consistent grind. And more teeth mean finer results, which means a better smoking experience.
Compartments. The most common type is the four-piece grinder with three compartments. The grinding chamber, the collection chamber, and a third chamber with a small sifting screen that collects kief.
Best Weed Grinders in Kitchener
Weed grinders are widely available and come in different sizes, styles and materials. At Highland, we carry a variety of high-quality grinders. Some of our best-selling cannabis grinders include:
This is a 4pc Solid Body Grinder, equipped with a replaceable screen and a Limited Lifetime Warranty. They feature a deep sifting chamber for an easier pour. Kannastör Multi Chamber grinders can break down to a slimmer, more portable 3-piece configuration by simply removing the sifting chamber. These grinders are designed to last. Another reason why Kannastör is the most versatile and advanced grinder on the market.
These 4-piece grinders are designed to last. They feature a clear jar body that allows you to see what’s left, along with an engineered drop through design that prevents over-shedding. The body is made from 61/60 anodized food-grade aluminum.
Our premium 1905 Wood Grinders deliver smoothly ground herb with every use. Durable and portable, these unique accessories are engineered to perfection.
The RYOT Wood GR8TR Grinder is made with solid beech wood and a connected tempered clear glass jar body. Built on the patented Kannastör® GR8TR design so the grinder can be used interchangeably with any RYOT jar or storage system. A silicone seal provides airtight storage and keeps your herbal product fresh inside.
The GR8TR Mini Grinder (Easy Change Screen/Chamber Not Included) is modular by design. When it comes to assembling and configuring your GR8TR, the choice is yours. You can also break it into a slim pocketable Storage Puck. Grind and Go with the GR8TR Mini Grinder by Kannastör. Specs Dimensions: 1.5 inches (H) x 1.5 inches (D. Features Limited Lifetime Warranty, and premium food-grade quality aluminum.
Where to Buy Weed Grinders in Kitchener?
Are you in Kitchener and looking to buy a weed grinder? We got you! At Highland, we carry a wide range of weed accessories, including grinders, bubblers, rolling supplies, concentrates, chocolates, and more. Check out our inventory online or visit our store located at 370 Highland Rd – or order for delivery.
Looking to learn more about different categories of legal cannabis products, and how you can consume them? You’ve come to the right place!
As we enter the third year of cannabis legalization in Canada, we’ve seen the arrival of countless new cannabis products with new names and different consumption or application methods.
But, let’s be honest, how often have you browsed the other cannabis product categories or tried a different consumption method?
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned consumer, the new names and product formats, like dried flower, extracts or pre-rolls, can seem confusing or may discourage you from trying different things.
We’ve prepared a quick guide on the different legal cannabis product categories, their consumption methods, and a few product examples to help you be better prepared for your next purchase at our dispensary or at your local legal dispensary.
The Cannabis Act describes dried cannabis as any part of a cannabis plant that has been added to a drying process, other than the seeds. Dried flower is the part of the female cannabis plant that is dried, smoked, vaped or used to make lotions, tinctures, etc.
Dried flower is available at any and every legal cannabis store in the authorized provinces of Canada.
When it comes to understanding this category, these are the factors that you need to consider:
The Format
Dried flower can be found at your local legal dispensary in the following formats:
Dried Whole Flower. Whole flower is basically cannabis buds. They’re the resulting product of cutting down cannabis plants at harvest, properly drying them and then curing them.
Milled Flower.Dried flower that has been ground up for convenience and can easily be sprinkled into your bong, rolling paper, etc.
Pre-rolls. Cannabis joints that have been pre-rolled for you. You can also find infused pre-rolls at your local legal cannabis shop which are cannabis joints infused with some type of cannabis extract like hash, kief, moon rocks, etc.
The Size
Dried flower can be found in many different sizes starting from 1 gram all the way up to 28 grams.
The other common sizes we see are 3.5 grams (also known as half a quarter as it is half a quarter of an ounce/28 grams), 7 grams (also known as a quarter) and 14 grams (also known as half an ounce).
The Plant Type
Dried flower can be found in a variety of plant types, which include Sativa or Indica dominant, a hybrid of Indica and Sativa, the cannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD) dominant, or CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) balanced.
You can also find some dried flower products that include other cannabinoids like Cannabigerol (CBG) or Cannabinol (CBN). The plant type will determine the specific type of effects you can expect after consuming the product.
The Strain
Cannabis plants come in an endless variety of strains. These strains are divided into three main categories that determine their effects and structure and are known as Sativa, Indica, and hybrids.
A cannabis plant’s strain is defined by its genetic interpretation and its terpene profile. Usually, the product’s name or description will give you some idea of the strain. Visit Leafly’s website to learn more about the many different strains, or you can learn more about Sativa dominant strains here.
For example, a popular Sativa-dominant strain known as Blue Dream is a cross between the strains Blueberry and Haze. This information can give you insight into what to expect in terms of the plant’s terpene profile and effects.
The Potency
Dried flower typically contains anywhere between 1% to 30% THC and/or CBD. Before buying dried flower, remember to check the potency levels of the product found on the label of the package.
This will help you understand the strength of the effects that you will experience and the different cannabinoids or contents of the plant that will influence these effects. This particular factor applies to all the legal cannabis product categories.
The Consumption Method
You can consume dried flower by smoking it in a joint, a bong, a vaporizer or a pipe. You can also cook with cannabis as an alternative to smoking, however, edibles are not recommended for novice or first-time consumers.
Check out our online menu to browse the different dried flower products we have available at Highland Cannabis dispensary in Kitchener, Ontario.
Edibles
Cannabis edibles are products that contain cannabinoids, like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD), chemical compounds found in cannabis like THC or CBD, which you can eat or drink.
Edibles are known to have more potent effects and longer-lasting high because of which it carries the risk of overconsumption, so it is recommended to start low and go slow. If you are a first-time consumer, consider talking to a budtender at the legal cannabis store for more advice.
When it comes to understanding this category, these are the factors that you need to consider:
Type of Edible
Cannabis edibles come in a variety of shapes and forms and we continue to see new unique releases every few weeks. The different varieties of cannabis edibles include:
You can also find other products like dissolvable powder, which can be mixed into a beverage and sublingual strips which are infused strips that can be placed under the tongue for quick absorption.
Depending on the type of edible you choose, you can find a variety of sizes and dosages. Keep in mind that the current legal limit of THC per package of an edible is 10 mg.
You can find the 10 mg divided between multiple soft chews or other types of edibles or the full 10 mg in a single edible. However, it is recommended to start with a smaller dose of 2 to 2.5 mg and wait at least 2 hours to decide whether you can consume more.
Plant Type
You can find edibles that only contain THC, THC and CBD and only CBD too. Lately, we have been seeing the emergence of products infused with other cannabinoids like CBN.
Check out our online menu to browse the different edibles we have available at Highland Cannabis dispensary in Kitchener, Ontario.
Cannabis extracts are types of cannabis concentrates that are made using chemical solvents, like butane, to extract the desired cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Some examples of extracts include cannabis wax extracts, distillates, or shatter.
Concentrates that are derived without the use of solvents, retain the dignity of the cannabis plant and its entire natural profile like its flavonoids, proteins, cannabinoids and such, are known as full-spectrum concentrates.
When it comes to understanding this category, these are the factors that you need to consider:
Types of Concentrate
There are a variety of concentrates that are produced using different processes. These include:
Wax and shatter. Two forms of butane hash oil, or BHO, which refers to cannabis concentrates made using butane as a solvent.
Moon rocks. Nugs of cannabis flower dipped in extracts and rolled in kief.
Kief. Also known as sift, dry sift or dry sieve, is a type of cannabis concentrate that is produced by mechanically separating the trichomes from the dried cannabis flower.
Capsules. Also known as soft gels, are a smoke-free alternative concentrate that is produced in the form of a capsule with THC and/or CBD cannabinoids and is easy to swallow.
Resin or live resin. Produced with flash-frozen freshly harvested cannabis plants and a hydrocarbon solvent such as butane or propane. It’s known for its high concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Distillates and Isolates. This is the purest form of a concentrate that can be achieved from the cannabis plant. It involves a complex extraction process after which cannabinoids are fully separated.
Distillates are the fluid you see in your vaporizer cartridges and can now also be found infused in some edibles.
Sativa or Indica dominant, THC and/or CBD balanced.
The Strain
As mentioned above in this blog, strains are divided into three main categories that determine their effects and structure and are known as Sativa, Indica, and hybrids.
Concentrates are processed using plants of different strains. Every individual strain falls within one of the above-mentioned 3 categories and has a unique terpene flavour profile that together determines its effects, aroma, flavour, etc.
The Potency
Concentrates potency can be up to 90% THC. They’re usually meant to be inhaled and as per the law can contain no more than 1,000 mg of THC per package. Before buying dried flower, remember to check the potency levels of the product found on the label of the package.
This will help you understand the strength of the effects that you will experience and the different cannabinoids or contents of the plant that will influence these effects. This particular factor applies to all the legal cannabis product categories.
The Consumption Method
Wondering how to consume cannabis concentrates? Wax and shatter can be consumed by mixing them into a joint or pre-roll with your dried flower, in an extract vaporizer, in your bong with dried flower or they can also be dabbed.
Kief, moon rocks or hash can also be sprinkled into your dried flower mix for your joint, bong or bowl to enhance the effects. Distillates in cartridges can be paired with a compatible vaporizer device, for example, 510 cartridges are universally compatible with 510 vaporizer pens or devices.
Note: Dabbing shatter or other concentrates involves special accessories and are not recommended for novice consumers. If you would like to try dabbing, start low and go slow as concentrates carry potent doses and the risk of overconsumption.
A number of our budtenders are concentrate connoisseurs and can help you select the best concentrate product for you. We also have a variety of accessories for concentrate consumption, from more traditional dab rigs and bangers that can be used with your bong, to electronic concentrate ovens and vaporizers. We encourage you to stop by and visit to learn more in person!
Check out our online menu to browse the different concentrates we have available at Highland Cannabis dispensary in Kitchener, Ontario.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals are lotions, balms, creams, oils, baths and other skin products that are infused with cannabinoids like THC or CBD and are for external use only. Topicals may provide localized relief from pain and inflammation without the high.
Topicals are designed to transport cannabinoids through your skin and not to reach your bloodstream which is why there may not be intoxicating effects. However, transdermal patches are designed to transport cannabinoids to your bloodstream.
When it comes to understanding this category, these are the factors that you need to consider:
Type of Topical and Method of Application
The type of topical you choose will tell you the application method it requires. Also, keep in mind that different topicals come with their benefits depending upon the list of ingredients and how they’re made.
The different types of topicals available in the Canadian legal cannabis market include:
Topicals are capped at 1000 mg of THC per package while there is no upper limit for the CBD or any other cannabinoid content.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough scientific data available on the recommended dosage or potency for specific needs. Experts advise that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to whether a THC and/or CBD balanced product would be more effective or how much to apply.
Instead, when it comes to topicals, it is recommended to look at the ingredients, the source of the cannabinoids and to read the information that comes with the product.
Check out our online menu to browse the different topicals we have available at our Highland Cannabis store in Kitchener, Ontario.
Want to Learn More?
Drop by Highland Cannabis today and chat with one of our many knowledgeable budtenders to learn more about the different cannabis products. You can browse our online menu and place an order online for curbside pickup or delivery.
At Highland Cannabis, we enjoy meeting new customers and helping them choose products based on individual preferences and lifestyle needs.
Feel free to visit us at 370 Highland Road West, Kitchener and you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
