Timeline for second allocation of cannabis retail stores Lottery, Licensing and Store Authorization Process
July 3
AGCO publishes Cannabis Retail Store Allocation Lottery Rules
- Interested applicants are encouraged to create an online iAGCO account early
Week of July 15
AGCO hosts Information Sessions for First Nations communities
July 31 - 9:00 AM
Application period begins for 8 stores on First Nations reserves on a first come, first served basis
*Application must include: a Band Council Resolution
Aug 7-9
Lottery Expression of Interest (EOI) applications can be submitted from 12:01 AM Aug 7 to 8 PM Aug 9
*Applications must include documents proving pre-qualification requirements have been met:
- Letter of Secured Retail Space
- Bank Letter confirming access to $250,000
- Bank Letter confirming ability to get a $50,000 Standby Letter of Credit
Aug 10-19
AGCO performs preliminary review of EOI applications and pre-qualification requirement documents and disqualifies ineligible applicants (e.g. duplicate applications) from lottery
Aug 20
Lottery draw for 42 cannabis retail store allocations.
- Results published to agco.ca within 24 hours.
Aug 21-28
The 42 selected EOI applicants are notified and must submit their applications for Retail Operator Licence (ROL) and Retail Store Authorization (RSA)
From Aug 21 onward, applicants must:
- Undergo the Public Notice process at their retail location
- Be issued a ROL. Applicants must provide the AGCO:
- any agreements with 3rd parties to ensure compliance with Allocation Lottery Rules
- disclosure information for all interested parties in the business for eligibility reviews
- Prepare their store to meet standards
- Be issued a RSA by the AGCO
- Enter into a wholesale agreement with the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)
- Order and receive OCS product
- Pass AGCO pre-opening inspection
Beginning in October, stores open as ready
Note: this page is also available as a pdf infographic.