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Application process
To operate a cannabis retail store on a First Nations reserve, you must apply for a Retail Operator Licence (ROL) and a Retail Store Authorization (RSA).
Applicants wanting to apply for a RSA to operate a store on a First Nations reserve must first obtain approval from the First Nations Band Council.
A complete RSA application must include a resolution from the First Nations Band Council approving the location of the proposed store on their reserve. Approval of store location is the only mandatory requirement for a Band Council Resolution, however inclusion of the date of the resolution and the name of operator, while not compulsory, will assist the AGCO during the application process.
To be eligible for a Retail Operator Licence or a Retail Store Authorization for any cannabis retail store, including those to be located on a First Nations reserve, applicants are required to meet the requirements of the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018.
Effective July 30, 2021, Regulation 468/18 was amended to include section 24 regarding application fee exemptions for cannabis retail stores on reserve. Application fee exemptions exist for retail operator licence, retail store authorization or retail manager licence applicants who demonstrate they intend to operate and/or manage a cannabis retail store on a reserve. A band council resolution approving the applicant’s proposed store location on reserve and/or an offer of employment from the operator of a store on reserve is required to support a fee exemption.
Applicants may start their application on iAGCO and contact Customer Service with their application file number for assistance with the fee exemption.
For more information on the application process for a Retail Operator Licence, see the How to Apply for a Retail Operator Licence page.
For more information on the laws, regulation, eligibility requirements and licensing and application process for recreational cannabis retail stores in Ontario, see the Cannabis Retail Regulation Guide.
Stores on First Nations Reserves Background Information
On July 3, 2019, the Government of Ontario announced its plans for a second allocation of cannabis retail store authorizations. The allocation allowed for the authorization of up to 26 stores on First Nations reserves. On July 31, 2019, the AGCO began accepting applications from applicants who wished to operate a store on a First Nations reserve.
On December 12, 2019, the Government of Ontario announced its move towards an open market for private cannabis retail in Ontario and related amendments to Ontario Regulation 468/18 made under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018. As a result, the AGCO modified the application process for cannabis retail licensing. These changes, which are being introduced in stages to align with the timelines established by the government, will not impact the process for those who completed a Retail Store Authorization Intent to Apply-First Nations Reserve application before August 1, 2019. If eligible, the AGCO will license these applicants and authorize their stores as soon as those processes are completed.
As of January 6, 2020, the First Nations reserve allocation process has ended and the AGCO is accepting Retail Operator Licence applications from any interested applicant. However, the restriction on the total number of store authorizations permitted in Ontario and their regional distribution will be maintained until March 2, 2020.
As of March 2, 2020, the restrictions on the total number of store authorizations permitted in the province, and their regional distribution, will be revoked. The AGCO will begin accepting applications for Retail Store Authorizations from all interested applicants. Applicants who wish to operate a cannabis retail store on a First Nation reserve will still require a signed Band Council Resolution approving the store location. The public notice process is not required for stores on First Nations reserves.
For more information on the laws, regulation, eligibility requirements and licensing and application process for recreational cannabis retail stores in Ontario, see the Cannabis Retail Regulation Guide.