Introduction
The Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 (CLA) and Regulation 468/18 provide the Registrar with authority to establish standards and requirements in the following areas:
- store premises, equipment and facilities, including surveillance and security
- the prevention of unlawful activities
- advertising and promotional activities
- training and other measures related to the responsible use, sale or distribution of cannabis
- the protection of assets
- record-keeping and measures to maintain confidentiality and security of records
- compliance with the federal cannabis tracking system.
These standards are outlined in the Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores. Licensees are required to comply with standards established by the Registrar, as well as all applicable laws and regulations, including the Cannabis Control Act, 2017 (CCA), the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 (CLA), and Ontario Regulation 468/18.
The objective of a standards-based regulatory model is to shift the focus from requiring licensees to comply with a specific set of rules or processes, toward the broader regulatory outcome or objectives they are expected to achieve. Since there may be many ways for a licensee to meet the standards, licensees have the flexibility to determine what works best for their business, thereby strengthening regulatory outcomes without needlessly burdening regulated entities.
Holders of a Retail Operator Licence are responsible for meeting all standards. Where not specified otherwise, standards also apply to holders of a Retail Manager Licence.
The standards established by the Registrar will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis to ensure that they are effective in mitigating risks as the cannabis retail sector matures.