The AGCO has responsibility for regulating Ontario’s cannabis retail stores under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 and Regulation 468/18.
The AGCO’s focus is on the safe, responsible and lawful sale of cannabis, consistent with the legislation enacted by the provincial government. Its regulatory objectives are to ensure that the retail sale of cannabis in Ontario is carried out with honesty, integrity and in the public interest as set out in the Cannabis Licence Act, its regulations and the Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores.
As the provincial regulator for privately run recreational cannabis stores, the AGCO:
- licenses eligible Retail Store Operators and Managers
- authorizes Cannabis Retail Stores
- approves cannabis retail employee training programs
- regulates the sale of cannabis from these stores
The AGCO works with licensed cannabis retail store owners and operators to help them understand their obligations and ensure they are selling cannabis in a safe, responsible and lawful manner. AGCO Inspectors inspect retail stores to confirm ongoing compliance with the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 and regulations and standards.
Find a Cannabis Retail Store in your Area
This table and accompanying map shows the status of all Cannabis Retail Store Authorizations in Ontario. Stores shown as “Authorized to Open” have passed their pre-opening inspection from the AGCO and may open for business. The actual opening date of each store may depend on other factors and is at the discretion of each owner/operator.
Written Submissions regarding prospective Cannabis Retail Stores (Public Notice Process)
Written submissions about an application can only be made to the Registrar during the 15-day public notice period by a resident of the municipality in which the proposed store is located, or the municipality representing the area in which the proposed store is located. If the municipality is a lower-tier municipality, then the upper-tier municipality of which it forms a part may also make a submission.
- Use iAGCO to search for all applications currently undergoing public notice.
- Click the “file objection/submission” button associated with the application you wish to comment on.
The Registrar will consider written submissions as to why the proposed store is not in the public interest as set out in the regulation made under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018. The following are matters of public interest that can be considered by the Registrar:
- Protecting public health and safety
- Protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis
- Preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.