What Is the Ontario Cannabis Store and How Does It Work?

If you’ve searched for cannabis in Ontario, chances are you’ve come across the Ontario Cannabis Store — or OCS. It’s the government-operated platform for buying cannabis in the province. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And is it your best option when shopping for cannabis online?

In this article, we’ll break down what the Ontario Cannabis Store is, how it works, and how it compares to other options like Get Kush, one of Canada’s top-rated online dispensaries. Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced user, this guide will help you understand the OCS and explore smarter ways to shop for weed in Ontario.

What Is the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)?

The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is the official government-run online retailer and wholesaler for recreational cannabis in Ontario. It was established after Canada legalized recreational cannabis in October 2018, operating under the Cannabis Retail Corporation, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

The OCS is the only legal online source for recreational cannabis sold directly to consumers in Ontario. It also supplies licensed brick-and-mortar cannabis stores in Ontario with products for retail sale.

The Mission Behind the OCS

The Ontario government created the OCS to provide safe, regulated access to cannabis products and to help eliminate the illegal market. The goal is to ensure cannabis in Ontario is:

Safe – All products are tested and meet Health Canada standards.
Regulated – Only licensed producers can sell through the OCS.
Accessible – The online platform delivers to every region in Ontario.

By controlling the wholesale supply and offering a centralized retail platform, the OCS helps the government monitor sales, collect taxes, and enforce safety standards across the province.

How the Ontario Cannabis Store Works

If you’re curious about how to buy from the Ontario Cannabis Store, here’s how the process works:

1. Browse Products Online

The OCS.ca website offers a wide variety of cannabis products, including:

You can shop by strain (indica, sativa, hybrid), THC/CBD levels, brand, and product type.

2. Age Verification

Before you can purchase cannabis, you must be 19 years or older, the legal age in Ontario. OCS uses an online age verification process to ensure compliance.

3. Add to Cart and Checkout

Once you select your products, you can check out using major credit cards. Payment is processed securely on the website.

4. Canada Post Delivery

OCS ships products via Canada Post, typically arriving within 1–5 business days. All deliveries require proof of age and a signature.

Pros of Buying from the Ontario Cannabis Store

There are several benefits to shopping through the OCS:

Regulated Source: Products are tested and meet federal safety standards.
Wide Selection: You’ll find a broad inventory of licensed brands and strains.
Educational Resources: The OCS website includes beginner-friendly guides on cannabis use.
Province-Wide Delivery: Available to any address within Ontario.

Drawbacks of the OCS

Despite its benefits, the Ontario Cannabis Store has its downsides, which is why many customers choose alternatives like Get Kush:

1. Higher Prices

OCS pricing is often higher due to regulatory costs, taxes, and government overhead. By contrast, mail-order dispensaries like Get Kush offer discounted cannabis, bulk deals, and value strains that are more budget-friendly.

2. Limited Promotions or Loyalty Programs

OCS rarely offers promotions, rewards, or free gifts — something that sets online dispensaries apart. At Get Kush, new and returning customers enjoy ongoing deals and points systems for additional savings.

3. Slower Shipping

While OCS relies on Canada Post, Get Kush uses faster, discreet Xpresspost shipping, often with same-day processing and tracking for added peace of mind.

4. Lack of Product Variety Compared to MoM Dispensaries

Even though the OCS has a wide inventory, many popular BC-grown strains and craft cannabis products are only available from online dispensaries like Get Kush.

OCS vs. Get Kush: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a comparison of the Ontario Cannabis Store and Get Kush to help you decide where to shop:

Feature	Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)	Get Kush
Ownership	Government-run	Private Online Dispensary
Product Variety	Regulated brands only	Wide range including craft and budget weed
Pricing	Retail prices + taxes	Discounted + frequent promotions
Loyalty/Rewards	None	Points program + free gifts
Shipping	Canada Post (1–5 days)	Xpresspost (1–3 days)
Access to Budget Buds	Limited	Extensive

Why More Canadians Are Choosing Online Dispensaries Over the OCS

While the OCS provides a regulated option, many cannabis users are turning to trusted mail-order dispensaries like Get Kush for the following reasons:

Competitive Prices

You’ll find cheaper cannabis at Get Kush, from AAA budget buds to premium flower, without the hefty markup seen on OCS.

Exclusive Strains

We source high-quality cannabis from BC’s top growers, offering unique strains and limited-edition batches not found on the Ontario Cannabis Store.

Bulk Weed and Edibles

Looking to buy in bulk? Unlike the OCS, Get Kush offers ounce deals, quarter-pound pricing, and bulk edibles to help you save big.

Better Customer Support

Our team is here to help with any questions, from product recommendations to shipping issues. Government-run websites like the OCS can’t compete with that personalized service.

Is the Ontario Cannabis Store the Only Legal Option?

No — and that’s an important point. While the Ontario Cannabis Store is the only legal government retailer, licensed private stores and mail-order dispensaries are also legal in Canada.

That means you can legally buy cannabis from online dispensaries like Get Kush, as long as they operate within federal guidelines. We are committed to safe, discreet, and legal cannabis delivery across Canada, including every city and town in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions About the OCS

Is OCS the Only Legal Online Weed Store in Ontario?

No. While OCS is the government-run option, licensed online dispensaries like Get Kush are also legal and offer competitive pricing, fast shipping, and a wider range of products.

Can I Get Same-Day Cannabis Delivery in Ontario?

Not through the OCS. But Get Kush partners with fast couriers and uses Xpresspost for 2–3 day delivery across Ontario, often faster than government shipping.

Does OCS Sell Medical Cannabis?

No. OCS only sells recreational cannabis. If you’re seeking medical cannabis, you’ll need to go through a licensed producer under Health Canada’s medical cannabis program.

Is It Safe to Buy Cannabis from Online Dispensaries?

Yes — as long as you choose reputable sites like Get Kush. We verify age, provide detailed product info, and ensure safe, lab-tested cannabis every time.

Final Thoughts: OCS or Get Kush?

The Ontario Cannabis Store serves a purpose — it’s the official, regulated source for buying cannabis in Ontario. But when it comes to price, variety, convenience, and customer service, many cannabis users prefer Get Kush.

Whether you’re shopping for potent flower, affordable pre-rolls, tasty edibles, or high-THC concentrates, Get Kush offers a better overall cannabis shopping experience than the OCS.

Shop Smarter: Choose Get Kush Over the Ontario Cannabis Store

If you’re ready to elevate your cannabis experience, skip the high prices and long waits at the Ontario Cannabis Store. Visit GetKush.cc today for:

Fast, discreet shipping anywhere in Ontario
Affordable prices on top-quality cannabis
Loyalty points and weekly deals
A friendly support team that cares

Don’t settle for less. Experience why thousands of Canadians are making the switch from the OCS to Get Kush — your trusted source for cannabis in Ontario.

REFERENCES:

Government of Ontario. (2019, December 13). Cannabis Laws. Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-laws

Government of Canada. (2022). Medical document authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/licensed-producers/sample-medical-document-marihuana-medical-purposes-regulations.html