Cannabis Retail Application Process and Requirements
Abstract
The Cannabis Act establishes that provincial, territorial and municipal governments will determine the framework for the retail distribution of cannabis. As a result of each province determining their own retail model, a patchwork system has formed across Canada with different rules and regulations depending on what province and municipality you plan to operate in. Opportunities to establish private cannabis retail businesses will be available in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador. Applications for a Cannabis Retail Licence will be primarily handled by the liquor and gaming control boards of each province.
Although the application process in each province will be slightly different in terms of store, security, reporting and application requirements, best practices and what to expect when submitting an application can still be deduced. Even without full clarity on what regulations will look like in Ontario, many potential retailers are already trying to prepare themselves to ensure that they will successfully obtain the required licence(s) and authorization.
This webinar discusses the application process including the form and manner for submitting an application for a Cannabis Retail Licence in Ontario and the information that is required to be submitted.
Webinar Outline
- Cannabis Retail Landscape Across the Provinces
- Background
- Cannabis Licence Act
- OCS/OCRC
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System (CTLS)
- Person Interested In (Shareholders, Directors, Officers, Control, Financing)
- Retail Operator Licence
- Eligibility
- Restrictions
- Scope
- Issuance
- Refusal
- Retail Store Authorization
- Municipal Zoning Restrictions, Opt In/Out
- Store Restrictions
- LP Restrictions
- Eligibility
- Refusal
- Public Notice
- Issuance
- Retail Manager Licence
- Functions and Responsibilities
- Eligibility
- Refusal
- Additional Conditions
- Ongoing Sale
- Use of Seal
- Minimum Pricing
- Renewals
- Operational Restrictions
- Sourcing Product
- Selling to Minors
- Selling to Intoxicated Persons
- Purchase Limits
- Recorded Sales
- Online Sales
- Unsold Cannabis
- Diversion
- Enforcement
- Revocations and Suspensions
- Hearings
- Inquiries and Investigations
- Leasing and Rental Agreements
- Site & building information
- Ontario Building Code
- Rent Negotiations (Security Deposits, Commencement Date, Licence Issuance)
- Third Parties (Existing Lenders, Existing Tenants, Mortgages, Insurance, Non-disturbance)
- Enhanced provisions
- Security Requirements
- Physical Access (Perimeter)
- Alarm System
- CCTV
- Panic Button
- Employee Safety
- Store Requirements
- Point-of-Sale System
- Receiving Area
- Customer Area
- Storage Area
- Product Displays
- Financial Disclosure
- Business Plans
- Product Promotions
- Signage, Branding and Advertising
- Prohibited Promotion (Lifestyle, Price and Availability, Testimonial, Lifestyle/Emotion, False or Misleading)
- Educational/Informational Promotion and Marketing
- Brand-Preference
- Sales Representatives
Note: Course outline is subject to change without notice. Please check back regularly for updates.
Who Should Attend
Cannabis industry professionals including employers and employees, those who are interested in obtaining a cannabis retail licence, working in a cannabis retail store or pro.
