Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors provides cannabis licence consulting in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
Thrive does not provide cannabis licence consulting in the United States. This glossary is primarily based on British Columbia cannabis licensing terminology. Where applicable, equivalent licence names and regulatory authorities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are provided for reference.
A
Applicant
The individual or entity applying for a cannabis licence or authorization.
Application Refusal
A decision by the regulator to deny an application.
Authorization to Sell Cannabis
Approval allowing a licensed retailer to sell non-medical cannabis.
Age-Restricted Access
Controls that prevent minors from entering restricted retail areas or purchasing cannabis.
Age Verification
The process of checking government-issued identification to confirm a customer meets the minimum age requirement.
B
Background Screening
A suitability review of applicants and associated individuals.
Batch or Lot
A defined production quantity of cannabis product used for quality control and traceability.
Bona Fide Business
A legitimate business operating in good faith.
C
Cannabis Retail Store Licence (BC)
Authorizes the sale of non-medical cannabis from a specific retail location.
Equivalent licence names in other provinces:
Alberta:
Cannabis Retail Store Licence
(AGLC)
Saskatchewan:
Cannabis Retail Permit
(SLGA)
Ontario:
Retail Store Authorization
and
Retail Operator Licence
(AGCO)
Cannabinoids
Compounds found in cannabis such as THC and CBD that contribute to the product’s effects.
Cannabis Accessories
Non-cannabis items intended to be used with cannabis products, such as vaporizers and rolling supplies.
Cannabis Worker
An individual employed in cannabis retail operations.
Cannabis Worker Qualification
Approval required for certain individuals working in cannabis retail.
Change of Location
The process of moving a licensed cannabis operation.
Compliance History
A record of past regulatory compliance.
Compliance Order
A formal direction from a regulator requiring a licensee to correct non-compliance.
D
Disclosure of Interest
A requirement to identify individuals or entities with a financial or controlling interest.
Distribution Channel
The approved supply system for cannabis products.
Dried Flower
Dried cannabis buds intended for consumer use, typically inhaled or used as an ingredient in other products.
Diversion
The movement of cannabis product outside the legal supply chain, including theft or unauthorized distribution.
Destruction
The compliant disposal of cannabis product, typically with required documentation and controls.
Delivery
The transport of cannabis product to a customer, where permitted under applicable provincial rules and licence conditions.
E
Edibles
Cannabis products intended to be eaten or drunk, such as gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages.
Eligibility Review
An assessment confirming licensing requirements are met.
Enforcement Action
Regulatory measures taken in response to non-compliance.
Excise Stamp
A stamp applied to packaged cannabis product indicating it has met excise tax and regulatory requirements.
Extracts and Concentrates
Processed cannabis products containing concentrated cannabinoids in various formats.
F
Federally Licensed Producer
A business licensed under federal law to cultivate or process cannabis.
G
Good Standing
A status indicating ongoing compliance.
I
ID Verification
The act of checking government-issued identification to confirm age and verify identity where required.
Incident Reporting
Requirements to document and report incidents that may affect compliance, security, or public safety.
Inspection
A regulatory visit to verify compliance.
Inventory Tracking
Recordkeeping used to monitor cannabis inventory.
L
Licence Holder
The individual or entity legally responsible for the licence.
Licence Issuance
The formal granting of a licence.
Licence Renewal
The process of extending a licence term.
Licence Suspension
A temporary loss of authority to sell cannabis.
Licence Transfer
A process to change the licence holder.
Local Government Approval
Municipal or local Indigenous government approval confirming zoning and bylaw compliance.
Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB)
The British Columbia government authority responsible for cannabis retail licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
Equivalent regulatory authorities:
Alberta: AGLC
Saskatchewan: SLGA
Ontario: AGCO
Loss and Theft Reporting
Requirements to document and report product loss or theft in accordance with applicable rules.
M
Marketing Restrictions
Rules limiting cannabis advertising and promotion.
Material Change
A significant operational change requiring disclosure or approval.
N
Non-Medical Cannabis
Cannabis sold for recreational use.
O
Oils
Cannabis oil products intended for oral use, typically measured in controlled doses.
Online Cannabis Sales
Legal internet-based cannabis sales under provincial frameworks.
P
Packaging and Labelling
Rules governing how cannabis products must be packaged and labelled, including required information and restrictions.
Point of Sale
The system used to complete retail transactions.
Point-of-Sale Controls
Operational settings and procedures that support compliance at checkout, such as age checks and product handling rules.
Pre-Rolls
Pre-packaged, ready-to-use cannabis joints that contain dried flower in a paper wrap.
Product Display Restrictions
Rules governing product visibility.
Product Quarantine
Separating product from sale while quality, compliance, or recall concerns are assessed and documented.
Product Recall
The removal of a cannabis product from sale due to safety, quality, or compliance concerns.
Product Returns
Rules and procedures governing whether and how products can be returned, including restrictions and documentation.
Promotion Restrictions
Rules limiting how cannabis products can be advertised, promoted, or displayed.
R
Receiving
The process of accepting product shipments, verifying documentation, and updating inventory records.
Restricted Area
A designated area of a cannabis retail store with controlled access, typically limited to staff.
Retail Authorization
Provincial approval allowing a cannabis store to operate at a specific location.
S
Selling It Right
British Columbia’s responsible service training program for non-medical cannabis retail staff.
Course link: Selling It Right course
Secure Display
Display methods intended to restrict unauthorized access to cannabis products and reduce theft risk.
Secure Storage
Requirements for storing cannabis to prevent theft or diversion.
Security Plan
A documented description of security measures.
Surveillance System
Security cameras and related recording equipment used to support theft prevention and compliance requirements.
Suitability Assessment
A regulator’s evaluation of eligibility to hold a licence.
T
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid commonly associated with intoxicating effects.
CBD
Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid not typically associated with intoxicating effects.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds in cannabis that contribute to smell, flavour, and product characteristics.
Topicals
Cannabis products intended to be applied to the skin rather than ingested or inhaled.
Tracking and Reporting
Ongoing inventory and compliance reporting obligations.
Transportation of Cannabis
Rules governing compliant movement of cannabis products.
V
Vape Cartridges
Pre-filled cartridges containing cannabis extract designed for use with a compatible vaporizer device.
Questions About Cannabis Licensing?
Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors works with cannabis applicants and licensees across Canada to navigate licensing, approvals, and regulatory obligations.
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