What Are Cannabis Stores Called in Ontario? A Quick Guide for First-Time Buyers

Interior of a licensed cannabis retail store with a wooden counter featuring a cannabis leaf symbol, a staff member assisting a customer, and shelves stocked with cannabis products, edibles, and glassware.

If you’ve recently searched “what are cannabis stores called in Ontario” or you’re wondering where to buy legal cannabis in Scarborough, you’re not alone. With legalization firmly in place, new buyers often feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology, legal constraints, and endless store options.

This article breaks it all down—what cannabis stores are called, what makes them legal, and how to find a legal cannabis store in Scarborough (hint: Cannabuds is one of the top-rated).

What Are Cannabis Stores Called in Ontario?

In Ontario, cannabis retail outlets go by a few names:

  • Cannabis Store: This is the formal, government-approved term.

  • Dispensary: Widely used colloquially, especially in urban areas like Scarborough and Toronto.

  • Cannabis Retailer: Another official term used by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

They all mean the same thing: a licensed location where adults aged 19+ can purchase recreational cannabis products legally.

Who Regulates These Stores?

All cannabis stores in Ontario are licensed and regulated by the AGCO, and they must buy their cannabis inventory exclusively from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)—the province’s only legal wholesaler and online retailer.

What does this mean for you as a consumer?

  • You’re buying tested, tracked, and safe cannabis.

  • You’re protected under Ontario’s strict Cannabis Control Act.

  • You won’t accidentally support illegal operations that sell unregulated or unsafe products.

What to Expect Inside a Legal Cannabis Store

First-time buyers might be surprised: Ontario’s cannabis shops are sleek, professional, and tightly regulated.

When you walk into a licensed legal cannabis store in Scarborough like Cannabuds, here’s what you’ll typically find:

  • A clean, modern storefront

  • ID check at the door (must be 19+)

  • Staff trained in product knowledge

  • Well-organized product displays (flower, edibles, oils, pre-rolls, concentrates)

  • No pressure to buy

  • Access to online ordering and free delivery in Scarborough

Many stores, including Cannabuds, also offer same-day cannabis delivery to Markham.

Legal Cannabis Store vs. Illegal Dispensary: How to Tell

Infographic comparing a legal cannabis store and an illegal dispensary. Legal stores offer licensed products, ID checks, and clear branding, while illegal dispensaries lack licenses, offer very low prices, and have no quality control. A large question mark appears on the left side.

Sadly, illegal weed storefronts still exist in parts of Ontario. Here’s how to make sure you’re walking into a legal cannabis store:

✅ Licensed Dispensary

  • Listed on the AGCO or OCS store locator

  • Staff asks for ID

  • Clear, professional branding

  • Product packaging includes THC/CBD levels, warnings, lot numbers, and QR codes

🚫 Illegal Dispensary

  • No AGCO license or not on ocs.ca

  • Prices too good to be true

  • No quality control

  • No age check

  • Risk of buying contaminated or mislabeled products

Want to see how a licensed dispensary looks? Check out Cannabuds’ store location.

What Can You Buy at a Legal Cannabis Store in Ontario?

Wondering what’s actually on the shelves at a legal cannabis store in Scarborough or anywhere in Ontario? Here’s a snapshot of the product categories you’ll find at licensed retailers like Cannabuds:

  • Dried Flower – Available in Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains, this is classic cannabis in its most recognized form.

  • Pre-Rolls – Ready-to-smoke joints made with premium flower for ultimate convenience.

  • Edibles – Infused gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and cannabis beverages that offer a discreet and longer-lasting effect.

  • Vapes – Includes vape cartridges and pens, perfect for those who prefer cleaner inhalation.

  • Concentrates – For experienced users, options like rosin, shatter, and hash pack a potent punch.

  • CBD Oils & Capsules – Ideal for therapeutic use or non-psychoactive relief.

  • Topicals – Cannabis-infused creams, balms, and lotions for targeted external application.

  • Accessories – Grinders, rolling papers, lighters, storage containers, and more.

👋 First time shopping? Start with low-THC options or CBD-rich edibles. And don’t worry—staff at legal dispensaries are trained to answer your questions, suggest products, and explain effects in simple terms.

Why Legal Stores Matter

Choosing a legal cannabis store is more than a checkbox—it’s a matter of health, safety, and transparency.

Benefits of buying legally:

  • Products are lab-tested and tracked

  • Accurate THC/CBD labeling

  • Trained budtenders for safe product guidance

  • Age verification ensures responsible sale

  • Protected by consumer rights

For locals, Cannabuds in Scarborough is one of the best examples of a legal, full-service dispensary. They also cover Markham and offer free local delivery.

What First-Time Cannabis Buyers in Ontario Should Know

A young man shows his ID to a smiling female employee at a cannabis store counter, with jars of cannabis products and a digital tablet visible on the glass display.

Heading into a cannabis store for the first time? Whether you’re curious, cautious, or just ready to explore, here’s how to make the most of your first visit:

1. Bring Proper ID

You must be 19 years or older to buy cannabis in Ontario. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—you’ll be asked to show it right at the entrance.

2. Start Low, Go Slow

If it’s your first time using cannabis, don’t dive into high-THC products. Ask staff about CBD-rich or low-dose THC options. Edibles and oils are a solid starting point.

3. Don’t Be Shy—Ask Questions

Cannabis dispensaries like Cannabuds have trained team members who know their stuff. Ask about effects, dosage, or strain types—they’re there to guide you, not upsell you.

4. Find a Licensed Store

Avoid sketchy shops. Stick to trusted sources like OCS.ca or the AGCO store locator. Or skip the search and just use Cannabuds’ Google Map link to get directions instantly.

5. Consider Online Shopping

Many legal dispensaries—including Cannabuds—offer secure online ordering with same-day delivery across Scarborough. Browse from home, pay safely, and enjoy discreet drop-off.

Useful Links for Further Reading

Visit Cannabuds – Your Trusted Legal Cannabis Store in Scarborough

Located at 2776 Kennedy Rd, Cannabuds is one of Scarborough’s best-reviewed dispensaries. Whether you’re ordering online or visiting in person, you’ll find:

  • Wide product selection

  • Same-day delivery

  • Helpful, friendly staff

  • A safe, clean shopping experience

🗺️ Get Directions

Final Word

Legal cannabis is here to stay in Ontario—but knowing where and how to buy it is key. For anyone wondering “what are cannabis stores called in Ontario,” the answer is simple: they’re called dispensaries, cannabis stores, or licensed retailers. And if you’re in Scarborough, Cannabuds is the place to start your cannabis journey right.