Learn about other business requirements that may apply to private cannabis retail stores
As a retailer of cannabis products, you are required to comply with specific regulations and standards from both the federal and provincial governments that are designed to ensure the business marketplace remains safe, consistent and fair to everyone.
The AGCO offers this page as a service, directing cannabis retail store operators to information on relevant non-cannabis related business regulations. There may also be other regulations or requirements not listed here that you have to comply with. It is the responsibility of each cannabis retail store owner/operator to ensure they understand and fulfill their obligations.
Business Regulations (Federal Government)
- Business Regulations Guide (FedDev Ontario Small Business Services)
Advertising Requirements (Federal Government)
Accessibility
- Accessibility is Good for Business – Fact Sheet for Businesses
- Accessibility in Ontario – Information for Businesses
- Accessibility Laws
Smoke Free Ontario Act Requirements
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), section 15, includes a requirement for the proprietors or owners of enclosed workplaces/enclosed public places to have “no smoking” and “no vaping” signage at entrance and exits. Further information on the signage requirements can be found on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s website.
Smoking in Public Places
Privacy and Protection
- Privacy and your business (Federal Government)
- Private Security and Investigative Services
You are also required to comply with the requirements set out by your local municipality, including those related to building permits and retail by-laws.
ID Scanning Technology
Store operators are required to ensure their age verification practices meet all regulatory requirements. We understand some store operators are using ID scanning technology to accomplish this. There is nothing in the legislation, regulations or Registrar’s Standards that prohibits this.
We understand that scanning technology may also allow operators to collect and store information on their customers. Again, there is nothing in the cannabis licensing regulatory framework that prevents operators from doing so; however, we encourage store operators to remain mindful of their obligations when it comes to the collection and storage of private information.
The Government of Ontario is not collecting any data on individuals who visit authorized cannabis retail stores.