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

November 28, 2024

This bulletin is to advise licensed cannabis retailers and registered cannabis representatives of amendments to the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook (RCSH) and the Cannabis Representative Handbook (CRH). Effective immediately, the following sections have been updated:

Section 3.3, RCSH – Physical Security:
Policy specifying that secure cannabis rooms may only be used for the storage of cannabis has been removed (section 3.3.11). Retailers may now use their discretion when determining what items to store in these rooms.

Section 3.4, RCSH – Store Name and Signs:
Content from this section has been moved to Section 6.1 (Advertising and Product Promotions).

Section 4.3, RCSH – Cannabis-Related Products:
Policy has been amended to allow lighter fluid refills to be sold in retail cannabis stores (Section 4.3.3c). In addition, policy prohibiting the off-site sales of non-cannabis items has been removed (Section 4.3.6). Temporary stores must be approved by AGLC prior to selling non-cannabis items off-site.

Section 6.1, RCSH and 4.1, CRH – Advertising:
This section has been reworded to enhance clarity. Policy content from section 3.4 (Store Names and Signs) has also been added to this section to ensure similar information is grouped together.

Section 6.2, RCSH and 4.2, CRH – Product Promotions:
This section has also been amended to enhance clarity. Information regarding accountabilities of third parties hired by licensees is also included.

The amended RCSH is available online. 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 online. AGLC’s website at aglc.ca/modernization.

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