Cannabis Stores across Ontario
As we know, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is the exclusive wholesaler to private retailers, and these stores are being tightly regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Retail stores authorized by the AGCO are required to display the cannabis retail seal so that consumers can be confident they are buying quality products from a legal source.
In response to the national cannabis supply shortage, the Ontario government implemented a temporary cap of up to 25 retail stores which opened on April 1, 2019. The government remains committed to moving towards an open allocation of licenses where the number of stores is limited only by market demand.
To enable the opening of additional licensed stores, the government will develop a process to allow the AGCO to pre‐qualify operators that seek to enter the market and participate in future allocations of retail store authorizations. The government is taking a market‐oriented approach, which will allow private‐sector businesses to build a safe and convenient retail system to combat the illegal market.
Pre‐qualification criteria may include:
- The payment of a fee or obtaining a standby letter of credit;
- Financial information, including information about corporate structure and affiliates;
- Criminal and other background checks; and
- Information confirming lease or ownership interests in potential retail store locations.
When Ontario has determined that the federal government has provided for enough reliable supply, it will issue further retail store authorizations, including in municipalities with a population of less than 50,000 and in First Nation communities.
For more information
For more information please contact David Black, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy by e-mail at dblack@cfa.ca or phone at 416-695-2896 ext. 297