11 Types of Cannabis Products Explained: Flower, Edibles, Oils, and More
If you’re new to the world of weed or exploring different cannabis options available in Ontario, it helps to know what each product type offers. Whether you’re visiting a weed store near me in Etobicoke or using weed delivery services, choosing the right product for your needs can make all the difference in your experience.
Cannabis today comes in many forms beyond the traditional dried flower, each with unique effects, onset times, and uses. Let’s dive into the 11 most popular cannabis products so you can confidently pick the perfect match for your lifestyle and goals.
1. Cannabis Flower (Dried Bud)
The dried cannabis flower is the most familiar and traditional form of weed. It’s harvested, dried, and cured buds from the cannabis plant, packed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD and a complex mix of terpenes that give each strain its unique aroma and effects.
Smoking or vaping flower delivers rapid effects because the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream through the lungs almost immediately. Flower offers maximum flexibility: you can adjust your dose easily, try different strains, and enjoy the ritual of rolling a joint or packing a bowl. Ontario dispensaries have a rich variety of strains — from energizing sativas to calming indicas and balanced hybrids — so you can customize your experience based on mood or needs.
- Onset time: 1–5 minutes
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Best for: Those wanting quick, controllable effects and a traditional cannabis experience.
2. Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls are simply cannabis flower ground up and pre-rolled into ready-to-smoke joints or cones. They’re perfect for people who want the benefits of smoking flower without the hassle of rolling. Pre-rolls offer convenience and consistency, especially for beginners or social settings.
Most pre-rolls use high-quality flower, and some are even infused with additional concentrates for a stronger or more specialized effect. They’re widely available in Ontario’s legal cannabis market and great for sampling different strains.
- Onset time: 1–5 minutes
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Best for: Casual users, beginners, and anyone who wants quick, fuss-free consumption.
3. Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, Cookies)
Edibles are foods or drinks infused with cannabis extracts. They’re smoke-free and appeal to people who want discreet, tasty ways to consume weed. The THC and other cannabinoids are processed through your digestive system, which slows onset but extends duration.
Because effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to appear, beginners should start with low doses (usually 5 mg THC or less) to avoid unpleasant surprises. Edibles are ideal for long-lasting pain relief, sleep aid, or recreational enjoyment without smoking.
- Onset time: 30–90 minutes
- Duration: 4–8 hours
- Best for: Those wanting long-lasting effects, discreet use, and smoke-free options.
4. Cannabis Oils & Tinctures
Oils and tinctures are concentrated cannabis extracts, often taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption, or added to food and drinks. They provide precise dosing and are especially popular among medical users.
You can find oils with different ratios of THC to CBD, allowing tailored effects—whether you want pain relief without intense psychoactivity or a balanced mood boost. Oils are discreet, easy to carry, and don’t irritate the lungs.
- Onset time: 15–45 minutes (sublingual)
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Best for: People managing symptoms daily, non-smokers, and those wanting discreet, controlled dosing.
5. Vape Pens & Cartridges
Vaping heats cannabis oil or flower just enough to release active compounds without combustion. Vape pens and cartridges are portable, discreet, and less harsh on the lungs than smoking.
They deliver effects quickly—ideal for on-demand relief or social situations. Vape cartridges come in various strains and flavors, allowing users to enjoy familiar cannabis profiles conveniently. Many Ontario dispensaries and weed delivery services offer quality vape products.
- Onset time: 1–5 minutes
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Best for: Fast relief, portability, and users who want a smoke-free, discreet option.
6. Concentrates (Shatter, Wax, Live Resin)
Concentrates are highly potent extracts made by isolating cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. They come in forms like shatter (glass-like), wax (soft and crumbly), and live resin (preserving fresh plant flavors).
Concentrates deliver a powerful punch and are best suited for experienced consumers who want maximum effects or targeted medical relief. They require special devices like dab rigs or concentrate-compatible vape pens. The effects hit fast and can be intense.
- Onset time: 1–2 minutes
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Best for: Experienced users, those with high tolerance, and medical patients needing strong symptom relief.
7. Topicals (Creams, Lotions, Balms)
Topicals are cannabis-infused products applied to the skin to relieve pain, inflammation, or skin conditions without causing any “high” because cannabinoids don’t typically enter the bloodstream through the skin.
They’re perfect for localized relief — think sore muscles, arthritis, or skin irritation. Some patches provide slow cannabinoid delivery over several hours. Topicals offer a non-intoxicating way to enjoy cannabis’s therapeutic benefits.
- Onset time: 15–30 minutes
- Duration: 2–6 hours
- Best for: Targeted relief of aches, inflammation, and skin conditions without psychoactive effects.
8. Capsules & Softgels
Capsules contain cannabis oil in a measured dose, offering a consistent, easy-to-use way to consume weed without smoking or vaping. They’re discreet and often formulated with specific cannabinoids or added botanicals to support sleep, relaxation, or pain relief.
Capsules are ideal for those who want a predictable experience and find dosing tricky with flower or edibles.
- Onset time: 30–90 minutes
- Duration: 4–8 hours
- Best for: Daily wellness, medical patients, and non-smokers who want precise, consistent doses.
9. CBD Products
CBD products contain cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and eases pain without causing a high. CBD is available in oils, gummies, creams, and more.
Many people use CBD for mental health, inflammation, or general wellness. In Ontario, CBD products are widely available and are popular for those who want cannabis benefits without psychoactive effects.
- Onset time: 15–90 minutes (varies by product)
- Duration: 2–6 hours
- Best for: Daytime relief, stress management, and users avoiding THC’s intoxicating effects.
10. THC-Infused Beverages
Cannabis beverages come in the form of teas, sodas, sparkling waters, and more, infused with THC and/or CBD. These drinks offer an alternative to edibles with often faster onset and easier dosing.
They’re great for social situations or for users who prefer drinking their cannabis instead of eating or smoking it. Effects tend to last several hours and can be moderate or strong depending on dose.
- Onset time: 15–60 minutes
- Duration: 3–6 hours
- Best for: Social users, low-dose effects, and those who prefer drinkables over edibles.
11. Cannabis Seeds & Clones
For those interested in home cultivation, cannabis seeds and clones let you grow your own plants. Ontario law allows up to four plants per household. Growing your own gives full control over strains, growing conditions, and quality.
This option requires patience, care, and some horticultural know-how, but it’s rewarding and cost-effective in the long run.
- Best for: DIY enthusiasts, hobby growers, and those wanting personalized cannabis.
Which Product Is Right for You?
Choosing the perfect cannabis product depends on your lifestyle, goals, and comfort level with cannabis. Here’s a detailed guide to help:
-
Want fast effects?
Smoking flower, pre-rolls, vape pens, or concentrates deliver rapid relief within minutes. These are ideal if you need quick symptom control or immediate recreational effects.
-
Prefer longer-lasting effects?
Edibles, capsules, tinctures, and beverages are your best bets. Because they take longer to kick in, they provide sustained effects for hours — great for pain, sleep issues, or relaxation.
-
Avoiding smoke?
Oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles provide smoke-free options with varying onset times and effects. Perfect for medical users, non-smokers, or those sensitive to smoke.
-
Want discretion?
Vape pens, tinctures, capsules, and beverages are discreet and easy to use anywhere, making them great for social or public settings.
-
New to cannabis?
Start with low doses of flower, pre-rolls, or edibles. Avoid concentrates until you understand your tolerance.
-
Seeking medical relief?
Oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals allow for precise dosing and targeted treatment. CBD products can also support anxiety and inflammation without psychoactive effects.
-
Interested in growing?
Cannabis seeds and clones offer full control and customization but require time and commitment.
Whatever you choose, always start low and go slow — especially with edibles or concentrates — to find your ideal dose without overdoing it.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re looking for a nearby weed store in Etobicoke or want to try a reliable weed delivery service in Ontario, now you have a clear understanding of cannabis products and can make smart choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best cannabis for anxiety?
A: When managing anxiety, many find cannabis strains high in CBD and low in THC to be the most helpful, as CBD is known for its calming effects without causing intoxication. Indica-dominant strains like ACDC or Harlequin are often recommended because they promote relaxation and reduce stress. Additionally, cannabis oils or tinctures with balanced CBD:THC ratios can provide anxiety relief without overwhelming psychoactive effects. Always start with a low dose to see how your body responds.
Best for anxiety: High-CBD, low-THC strains and products.
Q: What kind of cannabis is good for depression?
A: For depression, strains with balanced THC and CBD levels may offer mood-enhancing benefits. Sativa-dominant strains like Sour Diesel or Jack Herer are commonly used because they can increase energy, focus, and uplift mood. However, individual responses vary, so experimenting with different strains or cannabis product types such as edibles or vaporizers can help find what works best for you. Consulting a healthcare provider before use is advised.
Best for depression: Balanced THC/CBD, often sativa-dominant strains.
Q: What type of cannabis makes you happy?
A: Cannabis that induces feelings of happiness and euphoria typically contains higher THC levels combined with uplifting terpenes like limonene or pinene. Sativa strains such as Green Crack or Maui Wowie are popular choices for boosting mood and creativity. For those seeking longer-lasting effects, edible products with higher THC content might be effective, but they require careful dosing. Remember, moderation is key to avoid unwanted anxiety or paranoia.
Best for happiness: High-THC sativa strains with uplifting terpenes.