Cannabis vaping
A comprehensive guide to cannabis vaping: devices, step-by-step instructions, effects, maintenance and advice for lower-risk use.
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All about cannabis vaping
Although vaping is growing in popularity, vaping products are not simple, and their workings are sometimes poorly understood. This article presents information and practical advice for better understanding this form of cannabis use: types of vapes, step-by-step instructions, dosage, maintenance, storage and precautions for reducing the risks of use.
Whether you’re just curious or have already tried vaping, you’ll find everything you need to know to understand how vaping works and limit the undesirable effects of cannabis use.
A specific form of use
Vaping is a form of use by inhalation that is distinct from smoking, vaporizing and dabbing. It is based on heating, without burning, a liquid extract. The vaping device, simply called a vape, generates an aerosol that the user inhales.
Unlike the products currently available on the unregulated market, all vaping products available at the SQDC are analysed by Health Canada-certified laboratories. Although the SQDC’s products are a lower-risk alternative to those on the unregulated market, using cannabis is never risk-free.
Do you have questions about vaping or about products available at the SQDC? Is there a problem with your vape? Our team of advisors is trained to help. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask an in-store advisor or open a chat with an online advisor.
Understanding the basics
Cannabis and vaping: a quick guide to getting started
What should you expect when choosing this form of use? This introductory page looks at the basic principles behind cannabis vaping.
How to vape cannabis: how it works, effects, and ideal temperature
A look at effects, duration, dose, temperature and harm reduction, for a better understanding of this form of use by inhalation.
How vapes work
This portable device contains a mechanism designed to heat a cannabis extract without burning it. A detailed explanation.
Vaping: everything you need to know about its components and useful answers
Before using a vape, it’s a good idea to understand its components. A close look at the anatomy of a vaping device.
Deepening your knowledge
Defective cannabis vape: 5 common problems and how to fix them
Extend the useful life of your vape: five common problems explained, with tips for minimizing them.
The different types of cannabis vapes
Explore the different types of cannabis vapes: disposable, 510 threaded and refillable cartridges, and their distinct features.
How to store a cannabis vape: 5 essential rules
5 storage tips for preserving the quality of the extract in your vaping products and keeping everybody safe.
Frequently asked questions
Products
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Does the SQDC sell wax pens?
No. Wax pens, used to consume solid concentrates known as wax, are not sold by the SQDC. They are different from vapes and more closely resemble another method of use called dabbing.
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Why is an ecofee added to the price of vape batteries?
Since 2022, all electronic devices sold in Québec are subject to an ecofee (environmental handling fee), under the Règlement sur la récupération et la valorisation de produits par les entreprises du Québec. All revenue from the ecofee program goes toward the collection, transportation and responsible recycling of electronic products at the end of their useful lives.
For more information, visit the EPRA-Québec website. -
Does the SQDC sell vapes?
Yes, the SQDC will start selling vaping products in the fall of 2025. Vaping is an increasingly popular method of use, and the SQDC will offer lower-risk products than those available on the unregulated market.
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Does the SQDC sell its own brand of vapes?
No. The SQDC has no house-brand products. It is a retailer that sells products from Québec and Canadian suppliers.
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Can I buy a vape in another Canadian province or territory?
It is legal to purchase cannabis products in another Canadian province or territory if you are physically present there and respect applicable legal restrictions. In Québec, it is prohibited to purchase cannabis online from any website other than SQDC.ca.
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Are vapes legal in Québec?
Yes, all cannabis vapes sold at the SQDC are sourced on the regulated market. In Québec, the SQDC is the only legal retailer of recreational cannabis.
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What is a cannabis vape?
Also known as a vape pen, oil pen or penjamin, a vape is an electronic device that heats a liquid cannabis extract, without burning it, to produce an aerosol for inhalation. It generally comprises a battery and a cartridge.
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Is vaping safer than smoking?
Not necessarily. While vaping does not involve inhaling smoke, the aerosol contains harmful by-products that may irritate the respiratory tract. The regulated vaping products sold by the SQDC are a lower-risk alternative to the unregulated market, but using cannabis is never risk-free.
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Why has the SQDC decided to sell vaping products?
Until now, out of an abundance of caution, the SQDC has refrained from selling vaping products even though they are legal. Nevertheless, vaping is increasingly popular among cannabis users in Québec. The SQDC believes the best way to fulfill its mission of protecting health is to offer a range of regulated. lower-risk products to Québec consumers.
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What are the effects of vaping cannabis?
The effects are comparable to those of other methods of use by inhalation (smoking, vaporizing). The effects can be felt in a few seconds to a few minutes and last from one to three hours. Some people may feel the effects more slowly or more strongly than they do with a joint.
Questions?
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