Be careful what you wish for, especially when placing an order for weed online. Returning it can be a challenge, with policies varying from province to province.

Here’s what the shipping and return policies look like across the country.

British Columbia 

Bought a product that’s defective, shipped in error or recalled? The BC Cannabis Stores will take them back, but returns must be initiated within 15 days of the purchase.

A product is considered defective only if it’s expired, mouldy or damaged in transit. “Seeds, on the other hand, that are not feminized or are unsuccessfully cultivated, will not be eligible for a return on the basis that they are defective,” the government retailer informs on its website.

Alberta

The sale of products at Alberta Cannabis is final with exceptions in the case of product recalls, quality issues, damaged or tampered items.

“In the event of an error in an order confirmation, in processing an order, in delivering a product or otherwise, we reserve the right to correct the error and revise your order accordingly or to cancel the order and to refund any amount charged to you,” the government retailer notes. But do not despair: there are more than 300 private cannabis retailers to choose from in the province for your next order.

Saskatchewan

When it comes to the sale and distribution of cannabis, the province has adopted a private retail model and allows Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to issue licences to private cannabis stores.

Businesses that have met SLGA’s permit requirements are listed here; check out the stores’ websites for return and refund policies.

Manitoba

Manitoba, too, has a private retail model to regulate the sale of cannabis and does so with the help of Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority (LGCA).

With priority given to First Nations, a list of stores where cannabis can be purchased can be found here.

Ontario

Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has a return policy of 14 days. Products need to be in original packaging and in sealed condition—though we are not quite sure how a customer can determine if their cannabis has mould without breaking the seal.

Receipts are a must and customers will have to pay the return shipping cost of $10 that will be deducted from any amount refunded.

The sale of accessories is final.

Quebec

No matter what the reason, Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) does not refund purchases made online or in-store. If the product is found to be defective, an exchange can be made within 14 days.

A product is considered defective only if:

1. improperly dried;
2. contains mould;
3. exhibits a manufacturing defect;
4. delivered in damaged packaging. 

New Brunswick

Once an order has been placed, Cannabis NB doesn’t allow customers to modify or change it. But it does offer one-day shipping.

A refund or exchange will be considered under the following circumstances, as noted on their website:

1. if an accessory product arrives damaged and/or has an electrical failure;
2. if an incorrect product is shipped, or if an item is missing from the shipment; and
3. if a customer has submitted a complaint to the licensed producer via the phone number on the cannabis product packaging and, based on the investigation of the complaint, the licensed producer has provided Cannabis NB with approval to issue a refund.

Unlike many provinces, Cannabis NB has a lengthy 30-day exchange policy.

Nova Scotia

An access code allows customers to make a purchase at Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). Products can be returned at any NSLC stores as long as they are unopened, in original condition and “accompanied by the original sales receipt within 30 days of purchase.

PEI Cannabis

While the product can be returned to a PEI Cannabis Store within seven days of purchase, the delivery fee is non-refundable. A customer needs to show proof of payment and ensure the excise stamp remains intact

Newfoundland and Labrador

Even though the sale of cannabis takes place through private retailers, Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) regulates the possession, sale and delivery of cannabis. “NLC has established a secure online location at www.ShopCannabisNL.com for the purchase of cannabis products, providing accessibility for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” notes the website.

Retailer information including shipping and return can be found here.

Nunavut

With no retail stores open in Nunavut, the sale and distribution of cannabis is carried out through Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NULC).

Legal cannabis can be purchased only through Canopy Growth Corporation (Tweed) and AgMedica (Vertical Cannabis), with refund and return policies found on their websites.

NWT

The Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) manages the sale of cannabis and liquor in the province.

“All sales are final. No substitutions, returns or exchanges are available once an order is confirmed. Products that are unclaimed are returned as undeliverable and cannot be re-shipped due to regulatory requirements and quality standards. All such products will be destroyed and no refunds/credits will be issued,” the website notes.

Yukon

In a recent announcement, the province will shut down its Cannabis Yukon store that first opened Oct. 17 last year.

The sale and distribution of cannabis will continue through private retailers listed on the website here. “There are now two private retailers operating in Yukon—one in Whitehorse that opened last spring, and one in Dawson City that opened this summer,” CBC reports.

A refund can be processed if a product is returned within 15 days, along with the original receipt, under the following conditions:

• the product is recalled;
• the order is incomplete, incorrect or misplaced; and
• the product is damaged or tampered with in transit.