If you're interested in opening a dispensary in Canada, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the various regulations and licensing requirements for your province.
Each province has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to cannabis dispensaries, so it's important to know what is expected of you before starting the process.
This is the best time to open a dispensary in Canada. With the recent legalization of cannabis, there is a growing demand for dispensaries across the country. Canada leads the world in dispensary innovation and is quickly becoming a global dispensary destination so don't miss out on this opportunity.
If you wish to open a dispensary in any province in Canada, then this is required reading for you. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the steps involved in opening a dispensary in any province in Canada. So, whether you're looking to open a dispensary in Vancouver or Regina, we've got you covered! Let's start at the beginning, with licensing.
How do I get a license to open a cannabis dispensary in Canada?
The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Branch is responsible for issuing licenses to dispensaries in Canada. Each province and territory has its own licensing bureau that oversees the process independently. To get a license, you need to apply to the regulator in the province in which you wish to open your dispensary.
To give an example, in Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) administers licensing for alcohol retailers. The AGCO requires you to complete three phases of licensing before issuing a Retail Operator License (ROL) and a Retail Store Authorization (RSA). You must also obtain the necessary permits for your staff. To pass the security check, you must show evidence of access to funds and provide comprehensive background information about yourself.
As you can see, each province has its system and approach to awarding licenses to prospective dispensaries in its area. Visit this page to get more information on the authorizing bodies of each province and the requirements therein.
Do different provinces have different regulations on opening cannabis dispensaries?
Yes. In Canada, dispensary regulation is a provincial responsibility. This means that each province has its own rules and regulations when it comes to cannabis dispensaries. So, to get a dispensary license, businesses have to comply with the regulations specific to the province they are in.
For example, in British Columbia, the government has put in place several restrictions on dispensary locations. Dispensaries cannot be located within 300 meters of schools or community centers, and they must also follow strict signage and advertising rules.
How to open a dispensary in British Columbia.
To open a dispensary in British Columbia, you need to apply for a dispensary license from the provincial government and find an appropriately zoned location for it. To get a dispensary license, applicants have to comply with several restrictions, such as being at least 19 years old and not having any prior convictions.
In addition, all dispensaries must follow strict signage and advertising rules. Once you have your dispensary license, you'll need to find a suitable location for your business.
How much does it cost to open a dispensary in British Columbia?
Depending on a number of factors, such as the size and location of your dispensary, the cost of opening a dispensary in British Columbia can vary from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. In addition, you'll need to obtain a dispensary license from the provincial government, which costs $10,000.
The $10,000 licensing fee includes a $7,500 application fee and a $1,500 first-year licensing fee. On top of the licensing fees, you need to find an appropriately zoned location for your dispensary. The cost of renting or buying a commercial property can vary widely, depending on the size and location of your dispensary.
How do I get a license to open a dispensary in British Columbia?
In order to get a license to open a dispensary in British Columbia, you need to apply for a dispensary license from the provincial government. To do this, you'll need to submit an application, which includes a $500 non-refundable application fee (included in the $7,500 application fee), as well as background information about yourself and your business.
To qualify for a license, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Be a standalone business, such as
- Private corporation
- Public corporation
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Society or non-profit corporation
- First Nation business
- An extra-provincial company that is registered in B.C.
- Not be a federally licensed producer of cannabis
- Do not have to be a citizen or resident of B.C. or Canada
How to open a dispensary in Vancouver.
To open a dispensary in Vancouver, you need to find an appropriately zoned location for your dispensary and apply for a dispensary license from the City of Vancouver. You need to comply with Vancouver's regulations to qualify for a license. The cost of opening a dispensary in Vancouver will vary depending on the size and location of your dispensary.
How to open a dispensary in Alberta.
In Alberta, the government has taken a more hands-off approach to dispensary regulation. This means that dispensaries can set up shop anywhere that is not already zoned for another use. However, all dispensaries must obtain a retail license from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) will manage oversight, distribution, and retail licensing. Private businesses will run physical shops while the government will handle online cannabis sales. Private companies may only sell cannabis and accessories that have been approved by the AGLC. Cannabis retailers will not be permitted to sell alcohol or cigarettes from the same location.
How much does it cost to open a dispensary in Alberta?
The cost of opening a dispensary in Alberta will vary depending on the size and location of your dispensary. In addition, you'll need to obtain a retail license from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, which costs $400. Additional fees include a $700 annual license fee and a $3,000 initial deposit for background checks.
How do I get a license to open a dispensary in Alberta?
To get a license to open a dispensary in Alberta, you need to apply for a retail license from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. You'll need to submit an application, which includes a $100 non-refundable application fee (included in $400 application fee), as well as background information about yourself and your business.
You also need Municipal approval in Alberta to set up a dispensary.
How to open a dispensary in Calgary.
To establish a dispensary in Calgary, you'll need a building permit, business license, and development permit. All companies selling marijuana in Alberta must acquire a retail cannabis license from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). Please be advised that the City of Calgary does not handle or process provincial applications.
How to open a dispensary in Manitoba.
Manitoba chose to limit the number of cannabis retailers due to concerns that Health Canada-licensed cultivators and processors may not have enough stock available to support an open marketplace by the date of legalization. Manitoba has shifted to using competitive bidding processes for limited cannabis retail instead — but these competitions are now closed.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) is the only wholesaler in Manitoba that sells to authorized private Manitoba Cannabis Retailers. You need to apply to MBLL for a cannabis store retailer agreement to open a cannabis dispensary in Manitoba.
How much does it cost to open a dispensary in Manitoba?
The cost of opening a dispensary in Manitoba will vary depending on the size and location of your dispensary. In addition, you'll need to obtain a license from the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, which costs $500. You are also required to pay a $1,000 annual licensing fee to operate a dispensary in Manitoba.
How do I get a license to open a dispensary in Manitoba?
To get a license to open a dispensary in Manitoba, you need to apply for a license from the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. You'll need to submit an application, which includes a $100 non-refundable application fee, as well as background information about yourself and your business.
There are two categories of Licenses an Applicant may apply for:
• Age-Restricted License – reserved for a standalone location; no persons under the age of 19 may enter or view the interior of the store (i.e. Bricks and Mortar).
• Controlled-Access License – reserved for a location within a core business; persons under the age of 19 may enter the core business (i.e. a store within a store – enclosed within an existing store, or convenience where the product is stored out of the view of customers).
How to open a dispensary in Winnipeg.
To open a dispensary in Winnipeg, you need to apply for a business license through the City of Winnipeg. Because it is in Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg offers two types of business licenses for cannabis dispensaries: an age-restricted dispensary license and a controlled-access dispensary license.
How to open a dispensary in Saskatchewan.
To open a dispensary in Saskatchewan, you need to apply for a Retail Cannabis Permit from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). You also need to provide background information about yourself and your business, as well as a detailed business plan.
Saskatchewan's cannabis retail model is a mix of public and private stores. The SLGA is responsible for licensing and regulating all cannabis retailers in the province, whether they are public or private.
How much does it cost to open a dispensary in Saskatchewan?
The cost of opening a dispensary in Saskatchewan will vary depending on the size and location of your dispensary. In addition, you'll need to obtain a license from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, which costs $3000. You are also required to pay a $2000 annual licensing fee to operate a dispensary in Saskatchewan. The application process includes a non-refundable $600 permit fee, as well as a refundable $2000 performance bond.
How do I get a license to open a dispensary in Saskatchewan?
To get a license to open a dispensary in Saskatchewan, you need to apply for a Retail Cannabis Permit from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). You'll need to submit an application, which includes background information about yourself and your business, as well as a detailed business plan.
How to open a dispensary in Saskatoon.
To open a dispensary in Saskatoon, you need to first complete a development permit application form which is available on the City of Saskatoon website. In addition, you'll need to submit a site plan that shows the proposed location of your dispensary and how it will comply with the setback requirements.
The regulations allow for cannabis retail stores and production facilities to be established in Saskatoon while keeping them a certain distance from places like elementary and high schools, parks, community centers, public libraries, and childcare centers.
You'll also need to submit a business plan that includes information about your dispensary, such as the types of products you'll be selling, your target market, your marketing strategy, and your financial projections.
How to open a dispensary in Ontario.
To open a dispensary in Ontario, you need to complete an application form and submit it to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You need both a Retail Operator License (as an individual) and a Retail Store Authorization to open and operate a cannabis retail store in Ontario.
You'll also need to submit a detailed business plan that includes information about your dispensary, such as the types of products you'll be selling, your target market, your marketing strategy, and your financial projections.
How much does it cost to open a dispensary in Ontario?
The cost of opening a dispensary in Ontario will vary from $150,000 to $250,000 or more depending on the size and location of your dispensary. The reason why it costs significantly more in Ontario to open a dispensary is the cost of the real estate and the capital requirements.
In addition, you'll need to obtain a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which costs $6000 for a three-year term.
You are also required to pay an annual licensing fee of $3000. The application process includes a non-refundable $300 permit fee, as well as a refundable $2000 performance bond.
How do I get a dispensary license in Ontario?
To get a license to open a dispensary in Ontario, you need to apply for a Retail Operator License (as an individual) and a Retail Store Authorization from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You can find the application forms on the AGCO website.
In order to qualify to open a dispensary in Ontario, you must:
- Be 19 years of age or older
- Not have been convicted or charged with any offenses under the Cannabis License Act or certain offenses under the Cannabis Control Act and Cannabis Act
- Not be in default of filing a tax return or have any outstanding or past due tax
We wrote a full article on how to get a license in Ontario here.
How to open a dispensary in Toronto.
To open a dispensary in Toronto, you need to first complete a development permit application form which is available on the City of Toronto website. In addition, you'll need to submit a site plan that shows the proposed location of your dispensary and how it will comply with the setback requirements.
How to Open a Dispensary in Nunavut.
To start a physical or online recreational cannabis dispensary in Nunavut, you must acquire a valid Cannabis Retail License from the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NULC). To apply for a Cannabis Retail License in Nunavut, you must provide the following information:
- A completed Nunavut Cannabis Retailer Application Form
- Business information (e.g. details on the business structure, a copy of the business license, and a certificate of incorporation)
- Criminal record checks for all business partners/equity participants
- Floor plan for the proposed cannabis retail store location
- Proof of possession for the proposed cannabis retail store
- Letter of support from the city
How to Open a Dispensary in Ucluelet.
Ucluelet dispensary applicants must first submit a completed Dispensary Application Form to the District of Ucluelet which is available on the District of Ucluelet website. After applying, dispensary applicants will be required to attend a public hearing where they will present their dispensary proposal to the community.
To qualify for a dispensary permit in Ucluelet, you must:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Not have been convicted of an offense under the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act
- Have a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance
- Provide a floor plan of the dispensary that shows compliance with the setback requirements
- Be in good standing with the municipality (i.e. no outstanding bylaw violations or property taxes)
The application fee for a dispensary permit in Ucluelet is $3000. If your application is approved, you will also be required to pay an annual fee of $1000.
What else do I need to know about how to open a dispensary?
In addition to the provincial and municipal requirements, you will also need to obtain a cannabis retail license from Health Canada. The application process for a cannabis retail license includes a background check for all owners and managers of the dispensary, as well as a security screening.
You will also need to have a detailed dispensary business plan that outlines your proposed dispensary location, hours of operation, security measures, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Opening a dispensary is a complex process with many different steps and requirements. Be sure to do your research and consult with experts. For more information on how to open a dispensary in Canada, check out our article on how to open a dispensary and succeed
Or check out our full resource hub with tens of articles outlining everything you need to know about opening a dispensary, and having success.
