While buying weed online in Canada is permitted, some Canadians are still hesitant about the process. One of the main issues is determining if the online store is trustworthy and genuine.
The abundance of scams can make it difficult to trust companies and advertised products. And of course, you wouldn’t want to waste a significant amount of money on products that never arrive.
However, you can still find legitimate, and quality weed online shops. If you are of legal age, you can easily buy weed products online, providing you with an efficient and convenient way to purchase your preferred strains with various choices.
This article will explore how to identify if a weed online shop is legitimate. Continue reading to learn more about distinguishing between trustworthy and fraudulent online cannabis sellers.
Table of Contents
What Are the Available Products in Weed Online Stores?
Online cannabis shops offer a vast selection of cannabis strains like edibles, infused pre-roll, as well as smoking accessories and gear. They also have various vape products that make it easier to consume concentrated forms of marijuana.
How to Tell If a Weed Online Shop Is Totally Legit
Weed can be costly, so it is important to ensure that you are purchasing from a trustworthy source. If you find yourself questioning the legitimacy of a company, you are not alone.
Fortunately, there are several indicators you can look for to determine the authenticity of the online store, which we have outlined here.
Look at Their Payment Options
Take a look at the payment methods offered by the website. If the online cannabis store provides multiple options, such as credit card and PayPal, it’s a positive indication. However, if they only accept payment through e-transfer and don’t offer other choices, it’s advisable to be cautious as this method is often utilized by fraudulent parties.
Examine Legal Weed Online Shop Reviews
Reviews can be an excellent way to determine the authenticity of a company and the quality of its products. You can easily find reviews of the online store you’re considering by conducting a simple online search.
Moreover, be aware of fake reviews, which are often a red flag for a suspicious business. Fake reviews often have limited information and are posted by anonymous accounts.
Licensed Retailers Offer Certified and Safe Products
Legal cannabis stores sell herb properly sealed with an excise stamp, ensuring that it meets high standards and is free from other substances. This stamp also guarantees accurate THC labelling. It is important to look for this stamp before finalizing your purchase to ensure that you buy safe and certified products.
Check Weed Online Dispensary Information
When you are on an online dispensary’s website, take a moment to check for their contact information and social media links. This external information will help you assess if they are a professional and established operation.
The absence of contact information is a major warning sign. On the other hand, if they have active social media pages, it indicates that they are a functioning business with a customer base.
Ask For Their Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Every legitimate cannabis product should come with a Certificate of Analysis. This document provides information about the product’s composition, including its cannabinoids, terpenes, and potential contaminants.
In accordance with the Cannabis Act, only authorized laboratories are allowed to conduct and release the analysis to their vendors. These regulations guarantee that the testing adheres to federal standards.
A genuine online cannabis dispensary in Canada should be able to provide the COA. Some online dispensaries even make this information readily available. If the dispensary you’re considering has this information, it’s a positive indication of their transparency and quality.
Indicators of a Legitimate Weed Online Store
When purchasing weed online, it is important to ensure that you get the best product from a reliable source. Here are some positive signs that can help you identify a legitimate online cannabis store:
Fast and Free Shipping
Online dispensaries are highly competitive, which means they often offer free and fast shipping as a way to attract and retain customers. This is usually a good sign that the business is legitimate, as they are willing to invest in customer satisfaction.
Additionally, offering competitive prices and loyalty programs is also common practice in the industry. As a result, fast and free shipping is often a positive sign when looking for a reliable weed online shop.
Age Verification
To ensure that their customers are of legal age to purchase their products, most genuine weed online shops will request proof of age, such as verification or a copy of a driver’s license. While it may be like a minor inconvenience, it is a sign that the business is legitimate and takes its responsibility seriously.
Excellent Customer Service
Reputable weed online shops offer excellent customer service, such as providing access to knowledgeable budtenders who can assist you with any inquiries. Look for companies that offer multiple ways to contact customer service, including phone, email, or online chat. Legitimate businesses prioritize providing high-quality customer service to their customers.
Takeaways
Buying weed online can be a convenient and safe option as long as you take the time to verify the legitimacy of the online dispensary. These are several ways to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable and trustworthy vendor.
By paying attention to these factors, you can avoid falling victim to online scams and ensure that you get the best quality cannabis products. Always remember to prioritize your safety and take the necessary steps to protect yourself when buying weed online.
