The legalization of cannabis in Canada has caused a boom in the industry. New products flood the market, and consumers now have a wide range of choices for purchasing cannabis products. In Ontario, cannabis businesses who can sell to the public are categorized as either government-owned (OCS) or privately-owned stores.
How do cannabis stores in Ontario operate?
Authorized cannabis stores in Ontario operate much like liquor stores. They are only permitted to open from 9 am to 11 pm and must be located at least 150 meters away from schools, community centers, and other places where children might gather.
All products sold in the store must be approved by Health Canada and should have warning labels. All employees must be trained to explain the effects of cannabis and how to use it safely.
The Ontario Cannabis Store
In Canada, the legalization of marijuana has opened up a new world of retail possibilities. Government-run shops started appearing in most provinces and territories after the legalization. When it comes to retailers across Canada, the provincial governments own some, and others are private companies with the licenses to sell cannabis.
Although the federal government has passed legislation allowing in-person sales and online distribution of cannabis, each province can make its amendments.
For example, the province of Ontario allows privately-owned dispensaries to sell recreational products online for pick-up/delivery and pickup in-store. The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS for short) has no physical locations and customers must purchase online with a delivery only option.
The result is an effective and diverse system: it gives Canadians the freedom to shop wherever they like and allows provinces to cater their offerings according to their local needs and preferences.
Privately-owned cannabis stores
One of the most exciting developments is the opening of legal marijuana dispensaries. Authorized retailers are now able to sell products from “licensed producers” to individuals who are 18 years of age or older.
The provinces control how these private retailers operate, so experiences on the east coast will be different from the west coast. For example, some provinces allow Canada Post delivery of cannabis products purchased from government-owned stores but not from privately-owned dispensaries.
In Ontario, it is possible to have products bought at private retailers delivered directly to your home by the store’s delivery service.
Online cannabis stores
The legalization of cannabis for medical use and recreational use in several provinces has made it easier to purchase cannabis products online.
In Canada, you can now shop for products through an online retailer and have them delivered to your home through the mail or through a delivery service.
However, buyers must be cautious when ordering cannabis-related products from sites that are not reputable or safe. When ordering cannabis products online, be sure to take the following precautions:
Are they selling legally?
You want to make sure that you’re buying from a legitimate retailer. Illegitimate retailers do not have transparent business practices and often insist on payment via an electronic transfer to a generic email address or cash only.
If the site does any of these, or intentionally excludes their location or contact information, that should raise a red flag.
Is their website safe and reputable?
A quick glance at a retailer’s website can tell you whether or not it is operating within the law. First, check the site’s security certificate to ensure that it is a secure website.
The site should also have clear information about its return policies, privacy policies, and age restrictions. It should be easy to navigate and well-designed. These are all ways to determine whether or not you’re dealing with a legitimate business.
Are their products regulated?
An excise stamp on the package indicates that the product meets strict health and safety standards. It is a sign that the product has been tested for quality, potency, and contaminants and approved by Health Canada.
Although there is no law prohibiting the purchase of cannabis products online, consumers should be aware of the potential risks of such purchases.
What is the future of the cannabis industry?
As more legal dispensaries enter the market, cannabis sales in Canada are expected to increase. With legal high-quality products available at lower prices than on the black market, consumers will have every incentive to choose legal sources over illegal ones.
The legalization of cannabis has become a massive milestone for the industry, once people have become accustomed to purchasing their cannabis legally, they are likely to continue doing so.