Licences and authorizations

The AGCO authorizes cannabis retail stores. We license eligible retail store operators and managers. We also regulate the sale of cannabis at these stores. This page provides an overview of the licences you'll need to operate a cannabis retail store in Ontario.

Licensing

To open a retail store and sell recreational cannabis, you need three things from the AGCO:

You also need to have a contract with the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). You can only sell cannabis that you buy from the OCS.

Everyone who works at your store will need to take and pass a cannabis retail employee training program that the AGCO approves of. This needs to happen before their first day of work in the store.

Operating a cannabis retail store on a First Nations reserve

To operate a cannabis retail store on a First Nations reserve, you must apply to the AGCO for a Retail Operator Licence and a Retail Store Authorization.

Applicants for a cannabis retail store on a First Nations reserve must show that the Band Council has approved the store’s location. A Band Council resolution is needed to complete the application.

Retail operator licence

To open a cannabis retail store, you must first have a Retail Operator Licence. Find information about what you need for a Retail Operator Licence.

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Retail store authorization

To open a cannabis retail store, you need to have a Retail Operator Licence and a Retail Store Authorization. Find information here about what you need to get a retail store authorization.

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Retail manager licence

Every cannabis retail store must have a licensed retail manager. Find out more about a retail manager licence here.

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