Amendments to the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook and the Cannabis Representative Handbook

January 31, 2024

This bulletin is to advise all licensed cannabis retailers of amendments to the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook (RCSH) and the Cannabis Representative Handbook (CRH).

Effective immediately, the following sections have been updated:

a) Section 3.3, RCSH - Physical Security:

Cannabis products may now remain in a locked showcase in the customer area after store operating hours. After operating hours, all cannabis must either be stored in a locked showcase in the customer area or in a locked storage room accessible only by authorized staff.

b) Section 4.12, RCSH – Destruction of Cannabis Products:

Amendments have been completed to ensure AGLC policy aligns with the Cannabis Waste Management Fact Sheet 2023 and to provide proper handling and disposal procedures for cannabis waste.

c) Section 4.17, RCSH - Temporary Retail Sales at Events (New Section):

Licensed cannabis retailers may now apply to AGLC for a licence extension for the purposes of selling cannabis at a minors-prohibited entertainment event or cannabis industry trade show. If approved, the retail cannabis store extension will be considered part of the licensed premises. The link to the form may be found at aglc.ca/forms.

d) Section 5.5, RCSH - Product Transfers:

Cannabis sales between licensed cannabis retailers, regardless of ownership structure, is now permitted. In addition, the required 120 day wait-time between cannabis transfers has been removed to allow unlimited transfers of cannabis products between licensees owned by the same legal entity.

e) Section 6.3, RCSH and Section 4.3, CRH – Prohibited Inducements and Benefits (Cannabis Samples)

Amendments regarding the size of cannabis samples and the number of samples that may be provided have been completed. If a sample product is not available in the 3.5 gram size, the smallest available size of the product may be provided as a sample. In addition, each product may be sampled a maximum of twice per calendar year.

The amended RCSH is available on AGLC’s website at aglc.ca. Please familiarize yourself with the new policies and ensure staff are notified of these changes.

Additional information regarding AGLC’s commitment to a modern regulatory environment that supports consumer choice, innovation and economic growth can be found on AGLC’s website at aglc.ca/modernization.

If you have any questions, please contact AGLC’s Compliance Branch at inspections.mailbox@aglc.ca.