How Does Alberta SellSafe Retail Cannabis Staff Training Work?
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SellSafe is required by all Alberta retail cannabis licensee staff. Cannabis store workers learn about social responsibility policies required of their job, how to prevent minors from purchasing cannabis and the risks and harms associated with cannabis use.
As outlined by Section 1.7 of the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook and in the Cannabis License Application, prospective employees must have SellSafe certification before applying to AGLC as a Qualified Cannabis Worker.
Not only is SellSafe required by Cannabis Workers, it’s also the duty of the licensee to ensure that employees have SellSafe certification and are certified by AGLC as Qualified Cannabis Workers. A failure to do so can put the store’s cannabis license in jeopardy.
Who is Required to Take SellSafe Training?
The following people are required to have SellSafe certification and Qualified Cannabis Worker status prior to commencing employment with a licensed retail cannabis store in Alberta:
- Licensed owners who directly manage a retail cannabis store
- Licensed premises managers, supervisors, retailers and cashiers
- Security staff
- Supervisors of security staff of a company contracted by the retail cannabis licensee to provide security services
Source: Section 1.7 “SellSafe Cannabis Staff Training program (SellSafe)”, Retail Cannabis Store Handbook, AGLC.
How SellSafe Training Works
To take SellSafe online training, you’ll first have to create a SMART Training Programs account. AGLC’s SMART provides responsible service training for employees in the liquor, gaming and retail cannabis sector in Alberta.
The online program costs $26.25 including GST at the time of this writing. You can pay by VISA or MasterCard, American Express, or money order payable to AGLC and mailed to the head office. Debit card or cash payments may also be made at a local AGLC office in your community.
Technical requirements
Windows XP or newer, MAC OS 10.3 or newer.
A modern browser (Firefox 12, Google Chrome, Safari 5, Microsoft Edge v.87, Opera v.72 or newer).
Number of days to complete training
30 days from the date of registration. You don’t have to complete SellSafe training in one browsing session. You can log out and start where you left off.
SellSafe exam
The exam has 35 questions and you must complete the exam in 45 minutes. You don’t have to pass the exam on the first attempt. Each user has a total of 5 attempts to pass the exam per registration.
Score required to pass
A score of 80% (28/35 questions answered correctly) or greater is required to pass. If you fail an exam, you can review the questions you answered incorrectly. Certification lasts for 5 years after which you’ll have to retake the exam to renew your certification.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you may Apply as a Qualified Cannabis Worker with the AGLC.
Source: “SellSafe Cannabis Staff Training FAQ”, AGLC.
Get Help with Your Alberta Cannabis License
Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors are western Canada’s go-to liquor and retail cannabis store consultants. We provide cannabis license application services and retail cannabis strategic planning. Our advisors work with retail cannabis licensees throughout the life of their business. Thrive Advisors makes cannabis licensing and retail operations so much easier!
