What you need to know about new cannabis products

This Christmas Santa may be flying higher than his sleigh as he indulges on the goodies left out for him along his route.

New cannabis-infused products — edibles, beverages, extracts and concentrates — should be available by mid-December.

People will be able to purchase the new products at the Ontario Cannabis Store or licensed retailers in accordance with Health Canada regulations.

Here’s what you need to know:

EDIBLES                                                                                                     

Cannabis edibles refer to foods that contain THC — the ingredient in marijuana that gets users high — and provide an alternative to smoking weed.

They are popular as baked goods, especially brownies, cookies, chocolates and candies. But you can also cook with cannabis oil (canna oil) or butter.

Unlike smoking, the effects from edibles kick in an our or so later as it takes time for the drug to enter the bloodstream.

It is a healthier alternative for medical marijuana patients who do not wish to smoke pot.

BEVERAGES

Companies are creating their own cannabis brews but with strict Health Canada regulations in mind.

No cannabis beverages can contain alcohol, nicotine or caffeine.

Even using words like “beer” or “wine” will be prohibited in marketing cannabis-laced drinks.

Mandatory policies for cannabis products: A clear cannabis symbol, health warning list, simple labels and child-proof packaging.

EXTRACTS/CONCENTRATES

There are a variety of extracts and concentrates derived from cannabis.

Butane hash oil — sometimes referred to as “honeycomb” or “shatter” — is made using butane to extract THC from the plant to form an oil.

The oil has five times more THC concentration than regular cannabis.

The potentially dangerous extraction process can result in explosions and should only be performed by trained professionals.

Concentrates such as kief, dry sieve and hashish made using no solvents and extracted from the plant itself.

TOPICALS

Cannabis can also be applied on the surface of the skin using cannabis-infused skin care, ointments and oils.

They can act as a fast-acting medication to help soothe muscle soreness, aches, burns and certain skin problems.

There are no psychoactive effects (feeling high) that come with this method since the drug doesn’t enter the bloodstream.

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