How to Get a Cannabis License in Ontario

If you’re wondering how to get a cannabis license in Ontario, this guide provides a brief overview and directs you to important AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) online guides and resources.

In Ontario, to open a retail cannabis store, you must apply for the following licenses and authorization in the order listed below:

• Cannabis Retail Operator License (CROL)
• Cannabis Retail Store Authorization (CRSA)
• Cannabis Retail Manager License (CRML)

AGCO-approved cannabis retail employee training must be passed by CRSA holders, store managers and all people who work in the store.

Preparation

Before applying for a Cannabis Retail Operator License, you should review :

• OCS Cannabis Retail Market Conditions to help you plan your location
• Municipalities that permit or disallow cannabis retail stores
• Eligibility requirements
• Responsibilities and resources including cannabis standards, acts and regulations, guides and compliance tips

Ontario Cannabis License Application Steps

Step 1: Create an iAGCO Account

Before applying for a cannabis license or authorization, you must create an iAGCO account, which allows you to:

• Apply for or renew licenses and authorizations
• Upload supporting documents
• Track application progress
• Communicate with AGCO staff

Step 2: Apply for a CROL (Cannabis Retail Operator Licence)

A Cannabis Retail Operator License signifies that you have been approved to run a cannabis store in Ontario. The CROL is not approval to open a store. Approval allows you to find a store location and apply for a Cannabis Retail Store Authorization for that location.

What’s evaluated:

• Background and financial integrity checks on you and other principals
• Corporate structure and business details
• Tax compliance and any past regulatory violations

The CROL must be approved before you can submit a CRSA.

Step 3: Secure a Store Location

After you have a CROL:

• Secure a lease or purchase a property for the store
• Ensure the lease meets all AGCO zoning requirements such as distance from schools and local municipal requirements

Step 4: Apply for a CRSA (Cannabis Retail Store Authorization)

A CRSA permits the opening of a retail cannabis store at a specific location. When applying for the CRSA, you’ll gather and submit documents and other information about the store, including:

• Store address
• Occupancy
• Floor plans, including layout, security camera placement, and restricted areas
• Security measures and signage

Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed and AGCO will determine public notice dates. A  public notice placard must be displayed at the store location for 15 calendar days. The notice allows the public to comment on the opening of the store. Based on that public feedback, an AGCO registrar will decide whether opening the store is in the public interest. If it is, the CRSA will be issued.

Sources for the steps above: “Steps to become a cannabis retailer” and
“Public Notice for a Cannabis Retail Store Authorization”, AGCO.

Get a Cannabis License and Retail Store Authorization in Ontario

Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors helps start-ups and existing operations apply for AGCO cannabis licenses and authorizations. Our work saves applicants time, reduces delays, and increases the chances of timely license and authorization approval.