A Cannabis Connoisseur’s Guide to Toronto

Not big on talking to salespeople? The Ontario Cannabis store has made it easy to buy online, but what’s lacking in the experience is the ability to actually see or smell the product before purchasing. Enter Ameri. Nestled in a historic building in Yorkville, this small store’s tablet system means you can shop in peace without having to talk to anyone (although knowledgeable staff are on-hand, if needed).

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If you love the Apple store experience, you’ll love the Hunny Pot. Step through the doors to this three-floor store — which was Toronto’s first legal cannabis store — and you’ll be greeted by a tablet-bearing budtender, ready to facilitate your experience. By the time you leave the Queen West spot, you’ll feel a bit like Pooh Bear enjoying every last sweet drop in the pot.

Toronto is far from tropical and not exactly known for its beaches. Yet, the Yonge Street outpost of this Alberta chain was right at home when it became the latest cannabis store to open in Toronto. Canna Cabana whisks shoppers away to another place — all without boarding a plane — with a solid selection of weed, accessories and pipes available.

If you’re looking for a legal “deal” on cannabis, you’ve come to the right place. One of the only shops to offer sales, Nova has “Black Market Buster” deals (named for one of their primary competitors) with strains under $7 a gram. We recommend dropping by the 2,900-square-foot store on a Thursday night from 6pm-7pm for its new “Cannabis 101” lecture series. Rumour has it attendees go home with a goodie bag

The most design-savvy of Toronto’s legal retailers, Tokyo Smoke caters to the “sophisticated and curious cannabis explorer.” (Note that while the chain has coffee shops throughout Toronto, only its location near Yonge-Dundas Square is a licensed dispensary.) Tokyo Smoke’s “Higher Learning” workshops focus on making cannabis accessible to all, with topics ranging from ways to consume, to how to differentiate strains.

If you’re on a cannabis tour of the city, you’re no doubt already familiar with Kensington Market’s HotBox Café, a Toronto institution. Since 2003, locals and tourists alike have gathered here to consume BYO cannabis and smoke on the back “POTio,” the only legal one of its kind in Canada. Year-round, this is the place to head for stoned-up comedy, a “movie and a doobie” or just a relaxing afternoon.

Always wanted to play lab rat? Well, you’ll at least have to pretend to at Toronto’s largest vapour lounge, which is considered a “research facility.” Located just south of Yonge & Bloor, Vapor Central invites visitors to become “participants in our important scientific research.” Yes, we suspect it’s labelled such due to a loophole in legislation, but you’ll actually have to fill out a brief survey on entry. It’s a small price to pay for the community and great events like “Karatokee,” “Puff Puff Pass” yoga and “Stoner Bingo.”

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Cannabis edibles aren’t available for sale in Toronto just yet. But if you’re got the munchies for some treats that will take you to a higher place, The Green Chef are your go-to guys. Michael Morgan and Guy Kramer will help you host a cannabis-infused dinner party, with dishes ranging from a Thai curry to an infused cotton candy.

It only takes a short conversation with Grow Op Hydroponics owner Katy Perry to realize that you’re talking to a master of cannabis cultivation. At her shop, she passes along her know-how to eager green thumbs. The shop has everything you need to grow-your-own, including classes and grow room design.

NOTE: This Katy Perry isn't the same one as the singer who got engaged earlier this year.

Looking for some jokes to go with your tokes? Head to 670 Queen St East for the Underground Café’s “Dope N Mic” comedy nights. With shows most Friday and Saturday Nights, performers include Just For Laughs comedians. Operated by Joanne Baker (aka Puff Mama) this club has made getting stoned extra funny since 1996.

Okay, so this one’s not technically in Toronto — but a short drive out of city will lead you to Kitchener, host to the first Ontario Cannabis Festival. On September 7, cannabis enthusiasts will gather at this day-long event for workshops, live performances and “gourmet munchies.” We predict the highlight will be an attempt to roll the world’s longest joint. The challenge is that because each individual can only legally have 30 grams, plenty of volunteers are needed to make this happen. But don’t worry — you get your green back at the end.

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Ganja yoga has grown in popularity across the legal states and provinces, but did you know its latest incarnation was invented in Toronto? To try it yourself, head to the House of Yoga, a cozy studio on Bloor Street West. Smoke outside before the class starts to achieve that perfect balance of exercise and relaxation.

If you’ve read through this list and can’t narrow down where you’d like to visit on your trip to Toronto, contact Canada High Tours. With bike tours and Kensington Market experiences on-offer, all you have to do is bring your own bud and head out on an one-of-a-kind adventure.

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Another cannabis tourism company, Canadian Kush Tour’s most popular tour is its airport pick-up and lounge tour. The service includes a limo rental and a tour of Toronto’s significant cannabis locations, including vapour lounges and dispensaries. However, “most popular” doesn’t mean “the best” — you can also book extraction classes, spa packages and even hang out with Herb, the company’s mascot.

Until edibles are available legally, we’re left to our own disposal when it comes to gummies, brownies and infused savoury foods. The Cannabis Cooking Company will help you get started with its cooking classes. Expect to learn more about the science behind decarboxylation, how to properly dose (a little goes a long way) and how to safely consume your yummy treats at home.

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What’s better than enjoying a little greenery after enjoying a little green? In Ontario, you can smoke cannabis recreationally anywhere that tobacco smoking is permitted. We recommend steering clear of parks with big playgrounds and instead head where the locals do. For example, if it’s a beautiful sunny day ending in “y,” you’ll be in good company at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

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