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If you’re applying for a cannabis license in Canada or already have a retail cannabis store license, you may want to consider contacting a cannabis store consultant for help with your application, the public consultation process, and operational strategy. In Canada, each province has authority over how cannabis licensing works in their jurisdiction, and as such, cannabis licensing in Canada is a patchwork of provincial rules and regulations with no two provinces regulating cannabis licensing the same way.
Working with a Canadian cannabis licensing consultant streamlines processes, saves you time, increases the chances of application approval, reduces licensing delays, and once your cannabis store is open for business, can provide operational strategy that helps you compete in this highly competitive and growing market.
Applying for a Cannabis License in Canada
Cannabis license consultants ensure that all necessary business information, floor plans and other requirements are complete before submitting a cannabis license application form, including:
- Particulars of directors, shareholders or officers, managers
- Cannabis store floor plans
- Site plans
- Offer to lease and lease agreement
- Approved development permits
- Municipal licensing
- Public consultation and approval from local government (municipality or Indigenous nation)
- Municipal business licenses
Public Consultation Guidance
If the province in which you are applying for a cannabis license requires public input as part of the municipal approval process, a cannabis store consultant can help shape the direction of your presentation to local government. Cannabis licensing consultants understand what local governments look for in a suitable candidate for municipal licensing. Public consultation is a chance to show 1) how your store contributes to the local business community, 2) what employment opportunities you’ll provide, and 3) how you’ll fit into the community in general.
Read the Avenue Cannabis Case Study to see how Thrive Advisors involvement was key to cannabis license approval.
Operational Strategy
Canadian cannabis license approval is the first big hurdle cannabis store owners need to clear. Once your license is approved, ongoing operational strategy is required to ensure 1) your store layout is optimized for customer convenience and sales, 2) inventory is meeting consumer demand, 3) staff have appropriate training, and 4) your store operates in compliance with municipal, provincial and federal regulations.
Cannabis Store Compliance Audits
As mentioned, when applying for a cannabis license in Canada, the business, owners and staff will have to comply with municipal, provincial and federal regulations; not once, but throughout the life of the business. Each province has compliance and enforcement measures, including compliance officers who check stores for compliance, issue fines and revoke licensees if compliance missteps are egregious. Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors recommends periodic compliance audits. We know what compliance and enforcement officers will look for if they make an unannounced visit to your store (and they do!). Compliance audits ensure your store is operating in compliance with regulations and that your staff understand their role in keeping your operation compliant.
Talk to a Canadian Cannabis Store Consultant Today at Thrive!
Whether you need help applying for a cannabis license in Canada, require guidance throughout the public consultation process, or would like to ensure your store and staff are complying with provincial licensing requirements, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors can help. We simplify the complexities of starting and operating a successful cannabis store.
