Good cannabis shops in Montreal?
March 30, 2022 6:06 AM
I will be visiting Montreal soon and will be on the lookout for THC vape cartridges. Any recommendations on a good shop? Bonus for general recommendations on strains based on my typically anxious, unfocused disposition.
My state legalized recreational cannabis a year and a half ago but can't seem to get its act together to actually approve retail outlets. Heading to Montreal in a few weeks for vacation and Google isn't being that helpful in finding a suitable place to purchase cannabis products.
Also looking for any recommendations on strains for my typically anxious, at times unfocused, somewhat socially awkward disposition.
I'm a bit of a noob as it relates to cannabis and THC vape oil -- but have made a couple somewhat successful trips to a nearby-ish state where the legal recreational market is a few years on. Through trail and error I learned that Sativa doesn't go well with my psychological makeup (makes me super hyper, paranoid and anxious) and while I've not played around much with Indica, I've found hybrid to be a good experience. The right dose of Blue Dream, for instance, had me feeling relaxed, joyful, physically and creatively motivated... particularly good for solo rollerskating under a full moon while listening and dancing to tunes. Another positive effect of the right strain/dose is making me more aware of my (late 50's male) body -- compelling me to do much-needed full body stretching.
Crowded shops with long lines and lots of options can be intimidating. Any recommendations out there for shop that will provide guidance on the best products for my typically anxious disposition? Also eager to hear any thoughts and recommendations you may have on strains, approaches, etc.
My state legalized recreational cannabis a year and a half ago but can't seem to get its act together to actually approve retail outlets. Heading to Montreal in a few weeks for vacation and Google isn't being that helpful in finding a suitable place to purchase cannabis products.
Also looking for any recommendations on strains for my typically anxious, at times unfocused, somewhat socially awkward disposition.
I'm a bit of a noob as it relates to cannabis and THC vape oil -- but have made a couple somewhat successful trips to a nearby-ish state where the legal recreational market is a few years on. Through trail and error I learned that Sativa doesn't go well with my psychological makeup (makes me super hyper, paranoid and anxious) and while I've not played around much with Indica, I've found hybrid to be a good experience. The right dose of Blue Dream, for instance, had me feeling relaxed, joyful, physically and creatively motivated... particularly good for solo rollerskating under a full moon while listening and dancing to tunes. Another positive effect of the right strain/dose is making me more aware of my (late 50's male) body -- compelling me to do much-needed full body stretching.
Crowded shops with long lines and lots of options can be intimidating. Any recommendations out there for shop that will provide guidance on the best products for my typically anxious disposition? Also eager to hear any thoughts and recommendations you may have on strains, approaches, etc.
You'll need to go across the river to Oka in order to find vape cartridges. Sorry, but I can't recommend anyone there in particular. In Montreal proper, we have a state-run head shop called the SQDC, and there are branches all over the place. The one at Peel is great, and so is the one on St. Catherine E., but I have not had a bad experience yet in any of them.
posted by cthlsgnd at 6:56 AM on March 30, 2022
posted by cthlsgnd at 6:56 AM on March 30, 2022
If Montreal is anything like the average city in Ontario, I pretty-much guarantee that there will be at least 1-shop per city bock/plaza, perhaps more.
Here is the Quebec Cannabis website - you can search for stores here
Products are available here - unfortunately, I don't believe that Canada allows vape cannabis cartridges.
Most of this is incorrect. Maybe leave the commenting to people who live in Montreal?
posted by sid at 7:06 AM on March 30, 2022
Oh yes, we allow cannabis vape carts in Canada! But I do know since legalization, each province tends to put their own spin on the rules. Quebec is bizarrely the most stringent and most strident province regarding cannabis consumption; you can legally drink at 18 but cannabis use is restricted to 21 and up. (As a former QC resident, I suspect it's because it's such a booze culture.) It looks like Quebec doesn't currently allow vape carts, unfortunately. (They won't even allow you to grow your own! But hopefully they and Manitoba will change that soon.)
Your best bet is to definitely look at the legal offerings of SQDC online, find a store in Mtl near where you will be, go in and ask questions. Please don't rely on the old school definitions of sativa and indica for your needs. Most cultivars are hybrids that definitely lean in one or the other direction, but you will want to look at terpenes as they are truly what drive the experience. (Recent cannabis science grad over here, w00t!) Blue Dream is considered a sativa-leaning hybrid, but the Blue Dream you tried might not be the same as the Blue Dream you can get elsewhere.
Most legacy cannabis users balk at the milligram restrictions for edibles and beverages, but since you're new to this, low and slow is perfect. Maybe try something different while you're there? Again, there are some sweet 10 mg beverages on the market that hit pretty hard because of the nano-emulsion they use. Onset tends to be within an hour or so, lasting about three to four hours tops.
If you have any weed questions, Memail if you like as I have just spent the past year getting my cannabis science and consultation certification. This is the sort of stuff I love, helping folks finding their sweet spot as well as the benefits of cannabis. Bonne chance!
posted by Kitteh at 8:13 AM on March 30, 2022
Your best bet is to definitely look at the legal offerings of SQDC online, find a store in Mtl near where you will be, go in and ask questions. Please don't rely on the old school definitions of sativa and indica for your needs. Most cultivars are hybrids that definitely lean in one or the other direction, but you will want to look at terpenes as they are truly what drive the experience. (Recent cannabis science grad over here, w00t!) Blue Dream is considered a sativa-leaning hybrid, but the Blue Dream you tried might not be the same as the Blue Dream you can get elsewhere.
Most legacy cannabis users balk at the milligram restrictions for edibles and beverages, but since you're new to this, low and slow is perfect. Maybe try something different while you're there? Again, there are some sweet 10 mg beverages on the market that hit pretty hard because of the nano-emulsion they use. Onset tends to be within an hour or so, lasting about three to four hours tops.
If you have any weed questions, Memail if you like as I have just spent the past year getting my cannabis science and consultation certification. This is the sort of stuff I love, helping folks finding their sweet spot as well as the benefits of cannabis. Bonne chance!
posted by Kitteh at 8:13 AM on March 30, 2022
Hi, I live in Montreal. The only legal places to purchase cannabis products in Quebec are the government-run SQDC shops.
As mentioned above, the SQDC does not sell vape cartridges. Here is what they do sell: flower, pre-rolled joints, oils/sprays containing various concentrations of CBD and THC, capsules containing oils, and a limited selection of cannabis-infused drinks. Those are your options. You can browse the selection on the SQDC website to get a general idea, though the products offered in the shops will differ slightly.
The SQDC has significantly less variety of products than the private shops in Ontario, which is annoying, BUT I will say I’ve generally found the employees there to be very well-informed and helpful. You can bring all your questions and they will assist you. The line may seem long if you come at a busy time, but it tends to move pretty quickly.
Of course there are plenty of less-legal options that are fairly easy to access as a local, but coming from out of town it’ll be a bit more difficult for you to connect with those options.
posted by mekily at 8:46 AM on March 30, 2022
As mentioned above, the SQDC does not sell vape cartridges. Here is what they do sell: flower, pre-rolled joints, oils/sprays containing various concentrations of CBD and THC, capsules containing oils, and a limited selection of cannabis-infused drinks. Those are your options. You can browse the selection on the SQDC website to get a general idea, though the products offered in the shops will differ slightly.
The SQDC has significantly less variety of products than the private shops in Ontario, which is annoying, BUT I will say I’ve generally found the employees there to be very well-informed and helpful. You can bring all your questions and they will assist you. The line may seem long if you come at a busy time, but it tends to move pretty quickly.
Of course there are plenty of less-legal options that are fairly easy to access as a local, but coming from out of town it’ll be a bit more difficult for you to connect with those options.
posted by mekily at 8:46 AM on March 30, 2022
Here is a link to the SQDC website, where you can find their product selection and a map of shop locations. It doesn’t really matter which location you go to; they’re all nearly identical.
posted by mekily at 9:01 AM on March 30, 2022
posted by mekily at 9:01 AM on March 30, 2022
Seconding considering making the trip to what I've nicknamed "Cannabis Row" on rue St-Michel, in Oka (on the Kanesatake reserve), which is located northwest of the city of Montreal, across the river. There are numerous shops there, within a relatively small geographic area, many with better prices and wider offerings than the official Quebec SQDC shops.
I very recently made my first foray there, and after reviewing a number of Google reviews, I choose to visit and shop at the highly rated "The Medicine Box". From the outside, the building was more professional-looking, had actual handicapped spots (I'm disabled, so that was extra nice), their security fellow even noticed I was having a hard time standing getting out of the car and quickly came to offer his hand. Masks were not required, however we chose to keep ours on; they do make you use sanitary spray/gel on your hands upon entry.
It was clean, spacious, and clearly laid out inside, and plenty of displays of the products available, and it was not at all crowded as they limit how many people can enter at a time. Please note that there was no ID required or requested from the staff, either upon entry, or at payment. Clients must be 18+, however.
I was able to speak to a friendly and helpful staff member regarding my specific needs and budget, and once I made my choice I went to the pick up counter, where I paid in cash, as they do not accept any other payment. (There is apparently an ATM onsite for those who might need one.)
All in all, I found the experience there very positive, pleasant and un-rushed, and will definitely be returning once again when I require a refill.
They do have a website (see link above), and you could have a look at it to familiarize yourself with the product range and prices that they offer. I did notice that they do have vapes, pens, cartridges, etc.
There are plenty of other Cannabis shops in Oka along rue St-Michel (you can check on Google Maps); so if you are up to it, you could even check out some of the other shops for some comparison shopping. (If you are driving a vehicle, you'll find that gasoline is also less expensive on the reserve, so it's worthwhile topping off your gas tank while you are there. Little Tree Gas had the best prices while we were there, about 4.3km past The Medicine Box.)
Good luck with your shopping!!
posted by Jade Dragon at 1:07 AM on March 31, 2022
I very recently made my first foray there, and after reviewing a number of Google reviews, I choose to visit and shop at the highly rated "The Medicine Box". From the outside, the building was more professional-looking, had actual handicapped spots (I'm disabled, so that was extra nice), their security fellow even noticed I was having a hard time standing getting out of the car and quickly came to offer his hand. Masks were not required, however we chose to keep ours on; they do make you use sanitary spray/gel on your hands upon entry.
It was clean, spacious, and clearly laid out inside, and plenty of displays of the products available, and it was not at all crowded as they limit how many people can enter at a time. Please note that there was no ID required or requested from the staff, either upon entry, or at payment. Clients must be 18+, however.
I was able to speak to a friendly and helpful staff member regarding my specific needs and budget, and once I made my choice I went to the pick up counter, where I paid in cash, as they do not accept any other payment. (There is apparently an ATM onsite for those who might need one.)
All in all, I found the experience there very positive, pleasant and un-rushed, and will definitely be returning once again when I require a refill.
They do have a website (see link above), and you could have a look at it to familiarize yourself with the product range and prices that they offer. I did notice that they do have vapes, pens, cartridges, etc.
There are plenty of other Cannabis shops in Oka along rue St-Michel (you can check on Google Maps); so if you are up to it, you could even check out some of the other shops for some comparison shopping. (If you are driving a vehicle, you'll find that gasoline is also less expensive on the reserve, so it's worthwhile topping off your gas tank while you are there. Little Tree Gas had the best prices while we were there, about 4.3km past The Medicine Box.)
Good luck with your shopping!!
posted by Jade Dragon at 1:07 AM on March 31, 2022
While opaque packaging is mandated in all provinces (that's a federal rule so it's the same across the country), there are some very active subreddits (see r/SQDC for Quebec) where people post reviews and photos of their purchases (they often note the package date or batch/lot number as well) so you can see what's inside. The SQDC subreddit is mostly in French (the product name/pictures are self explanatory since everything is labelled bilingually), but there's a fair number of English reviews and comments in there as well.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:26 PM on March 31, 2022
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:26 PM on March 31, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
Lines can be a bit long because of ID verification, but once inside it's usually quick and the staff is always friendly and helpful. You won't be able to see any of the product because it's all wrapped in opaque packaging (some people like to see the buds), but the staff can help recommend the best product for the buzz you want.
posted by Freyja at 6:20 AM on March 30, 2022