Questions You Should Ask Before Applying for a Cannabis License in Canada

If you plan on starting a retail cannabis store in Canada, you’ll need a little knowledge of cannabis license application processes and complications.

Below are questions you should ask if you’re considering starting a cannabis store in any Canadian province or territory. To prevent repetition, when we use the word “province” below, we are referring to both the provinces and territories.

How do I get a Canadian cannabis license?
There isn’t one Canada-wide retail cannabis license. Each province has its own regulations regarding cannabis licensing, retail cannabis sales, distribution and use. If you are considering starting a retail cannabis business, start by reviewing cannabis regulations by province and territory.

What information do you have to disclose in a cannabis license application?
While there are some similarities in the information each province requires for a cannabis license application, there are also differences. In all provinces, you’ll need to provide information about the business owner(s), specify the type of business (e.g. Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation), undergo a criminal record check, and pass a responsible service training course. Requirements of store layout, record-keeping and operating hours will vary in each province. While applications are made at the provincial level, you may also have apply to the municipality or First Nation’s jurisdiction in which you wish to open a store.

In addition to the application, will I have to go through a public consultation?
In some provinces, BC for example, a municipality may require the cannabis license applicant to go through a public consultation. The consultation may include a presentation to council and a meeting where the public can ask questions or raise concerns. Check with provincial or local government regarding public consultation.

Can I buy a cannabis store instead of applying for a license?
Yes and no. When you buy a cannabis, you still have to go through a licensing step. The main benefit is that you are purchasing a turnkey operation instead of starting from scratch, so you start your business faster and with far fewer complications related to store build, staff training, inventory stocking and business operations. The previous licensee has gone through these growing pains for you, saving you time, money, and headaches.

How long does it take for cannabis license application approval?
In most provinces, it may take from two to four months or more from the time you submit your application until the license application is approved. Public consultation with local government (i.e. municipality or First Nation) can increase the time for approval. Cannabis store start-ups often work with a cannabis store and license consultant, like Thrive Advisors, to take charge of the application, prepare for the public consultation, and manage the timing of both so that delays are prevented.

View the Avenue Cannabis case study and learn how Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors guided the start-up’s cannabis license application and public consultation communications.

Thrive Advisors Makes Cannabis Licensing Easier Than You Think!

Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors supports cannabis stores across Canada. Our cannabis license consultants do much more than cannabis license applications. We are often involved from the earliest stages, helping the business understand licensing needs, providing feedback on store location and layout, and shaping the public consultation.