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.

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