Ontario Cannabis Stores - What Is The Difference Between A Legal Store And An Illegal Store?
UPDATED NOVEMBER 14, 2024 -
Surprisingly enough, we get asked this question often and for good reason.
In a published article this past October, Stratcann reported that the increasing number of illicit and unlicensed storefronts is profoundly affecting the legal industry. As part of their 2024 budget, the Ontario government has committed to investing $31 million over the next three years to assist the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Teams (PJFCET) against illegal cannabis storefronts. This works in conjunction with Health Canada’s public advisory notice from May of 2023 urging customers to purchase only legal and regulated cannabis products out of concern for children accidentally ingesting edible cannabis that were packaged as “copycat” candy products. As such, it is evident more than ever that The Green Bouquet clarifies what sets us apart as a licensed cannabis store in Muskoka, Ontario.
First and foremost, it is important to educate yourself on the basics of cannabis. It is also important that if you are travelling within or outside of Canada, that you be aware of rules and regulations regarding cannabis. Within Ontario, there are so many new stores opening all over the province that it’s understandable for customers to be confused over what makes a legal retailer. Whether you’re shopping online or in a brick-and-mortar store, there are a few tell-tale signs that one should look out for:
1) All authorized cannabis retailers must have their AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commissions of Ontario) seal posted near their entrance of the store and at the bottom of their websites. They can have just an English seal, or they may display the English and bilingual seals together.
2) All authorized retailers can be found on the AGCO cannabis retailer map, as well on the OCS (Ontario Cannabis Store) map. These two organizations are both Government run and monitored. All cannabis retailers must adhere to many regulations and guidelines to be able to obtain their multiple licenses required, which takes years to do.
3) For legal stores all staff are trained under Cannsell, which is like smart serve for a restaurant.
4) For ordering online there are a few things you need to look for to ensure your ordering from an authorized store.
A) Look for the AGCO seal in the footer of the website. Ours in on the bottom of our website for your refferal.
B) The only company that can mail you your cannabis legally is the OCS. Any other legal retailers can offer click and collect, where you can order online but you need to pick your order up from the store or get delivery if your retailer offers it. Any other site from BC or any other province is to be considered an illegal cannabis platform.
C) Cannabis retailers that offer click and collect normally accept all forms of payments. If you are asked to send an e-transfer, you are shopping on an illegal website.
D) Always look at the packaging, all cannabis is made by Licensed Producers in Canada, who make the wonderful products and must adhere to strict packaging guidelines from Health Canada and the AGCO. Always look for the Excise tax stamp and contact info for the Producer, if your products do not contain these then they are illegal. If you see packaging that looks like a regular candy bag, then you’re shopping at an illegal online platform or store.
E) All authorized retailers can only sell 30 grams per visit. We have guidelines that do not allow us to sell one-person mor than 30 grams back-to-back, or if they are intoxicated, or if they are under 19. If you can purchase 2 ounces in one visit or online, you’re shopping at an illegal store.
F) Legal retailers give your receipts, and we can do refunds. Retailers and Licensed Producers also have customer service, where you can contact the Licensed Producer directly or call the store if you have any issues with your products. Illegal stores do not offer any of these services.
These are just a few identifications that you can look for when you are looking to purchase cannabis or cannabis products from a legal retailer. Please, be warry ordering from an illegal retailer or online platform as you do not know how their products are made, the actual THC limits or if there are any contaminates in your cannabis.
I hope this helps, if you have more questions, please email me at Hello@thegreenbouquetcannabis.com and I will do my best to answer any of your inquiries.
