Cannabis Retail Operator Licence, Retail Store Authorization and Cannabis Retail Manager Licence - Risk-Based Licensing

The AGCO employs a risk-based approach when issuing and regulating Cannabis Retail Operator Licences, Cannabis Retail Manager Licences, and Cannabis Retail Store Authorizations. Risk-based licensing allows the AGCO to encourage good business practices throughout the industry and to focus its own regulatory resources where they will make the most difference.

Although there is always some risk attached to the sale of recreational cannabis, the AGCO recognizes that due to variables (such as location, past history and experience), some establishments and individuals pose a greater risk to the public interest and/or to non-compliance with the law. Risk-based licensing is one of several initiatives the AGCO has implemented in the other sectors it regulates.  This approach to licensing allows AGCO to base its decisions on risk assessments and its approach to regulation on encouraging compliance rather than relying solely on enforcement following any violations.

Risk-based licensing assists Cannabis Retail Operator licensees, Cannabis Retail Manager licensees and Cannabis Retail Store Authorization holders in operating their establishments in a safe, responsible, and compliant way.

The authority to carry out a risk-based licensing regime is given to the AGCO under Section 6 (5) of the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018.

How Risk-Based Licensing Works

There are four key principles behind risk-based licensing:

  1. To identify persons or places that pose specific risks to the public interest;
  2. To lessen risks and ensure compliance with the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018, and its regulations, and the Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores through the entire lifecycle of a licence;
  3. To reduce the administrative burden for those who pose a lower risk, where possible; and
  4. To focus more AGCO resources on those cannabis retail stores that pose enhanced risks.

The application of risk-based licensing can occur at any point in the lifecycle of a Cannabis Retail Operator licence, Cannabis Retail Manager licence, and Cannabis Retail Store Authorizations.

New applicants proceed through a three step process:

  1. After an application, for a licence or authorization, is received, an eligibility assessment process takes place. During the initial application or authorization review, the Registrar uses specific criteria to assess the risk(s) posed to the public interest, and of non-compliance with the law.
  2. After reviewing all the available information on the licensee/applicant, the Registrar assesses the risks and determines if the licence should proceed to an enhanced review.
    • If the Registrar believes that no conditions need to be placed on a licence, or if a licensee has taken steps on their own to recognize and manage any risks, then these establishments will see no change in the way that their licences are administered.
  1. If the Registrar believes that a licensee may need more assistance and support to remain compliant with the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018, following the eligibility assessment review, then conditions may be placed on the licence, and/or more AGCO resources will be focused on the licensee in order to mitigate any risks.

Applicants renewing their licence or authorization, or having a condition on their licence, would only proceed through steps 2 and 3.

During the lifetime of a licence or authorization, the Registrar can reassess the risk posed by the licensee. This reassessment can occur either because the licensee requests a reassessment, or because the Registrar becomes aware that there has been a change in circumstances and there should be a reassessment. At each of these times the Registrar may add, remove or amend one or more conditions.