Onboarding Guide
As the exclusive wholesale provider of cannabis products in Ontario, our goal at the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is to connect you with a wide assortment of legal, tested cannabis products procured through federally Licensed Producers.
Authorized Retailers can also expect to receive support from our dedicated Omni-Channel Customer Service Centre team, Senior Customer Service Representatives, and Customer Relationship Managers, who are available to support Retailers with their accounts, orders, payments, delivery and product issues.
APPLY FOR YOUR LICENCE
You will need to apply for your licence through the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) Application Process. The AGCO will issue the following documentation required to become an Authorized Retailer:
- Retail Operator Licence (ROL)
- Retail Store Authorization (RSA) Once your RSA has been issued by the AGCO, please contact the Omni-Channel Customer Service Centre to begin the onboarding process.
The full Cannabis Retailer Licensing Journey Map can be found on the AGCO website. All Retailers must have these licences before doing business with the OCS. You can use this checklist to help guide you as you open your store.
SIGN A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT (NDA) WITH THE OCS
When our Omni-Channel Customer Service Centre has received all the required information outlined in Step 1, they will send you a digital Confidentiality Agreement to acknowledge via email.
Please note: you can sign your NDA once you have received your ROL, but you cannot proceed to the next step without having both your ROL and RSA.
VALIDATE YOUR ONLINE PURCHASING ACCOUNT
Once you receive your RSA from the AGCO, please contact the OCS Onboarding Team at 1-877-627-1627 and a Senior Customer Service Representative will send you an invitation to set up your OCS B2B Portal account. To complete your account, you will need the following six documents:
- ROL
- RSA
- Pre-Authorized Debit Form
- Void Cheque or Direct Deposit Form
- Certificate of Insurance
- Store Logo
You will also receive a Store Locator Form and a Retailer Agreement Form in your OCS B2B Portal invite. Please ensure you complete both forms before setting up your Portal account. Your initial order date is usually scheduled a minimum of 10 business days after you begin your onboarding process with the OCS. This timeline is dependent on the complete accuracy of your application and documentation.
Please note: Authorized Retailers must provide the OCS with all required documentation listed in this article. If you need assistance, please submit all questions here.
ACCESS THE OCS B2B PORTAL
You can access the OCS B2B portal once your Portal account has been approved. You will be able to browse the OCS Catalogue and set up additional Retail Users under your account.
PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST ORDER
Next, you’ll receive a request from your Customer Relationship Manager to set up a meeting to help you prepare for your initial order.
Your Customer Relationship Manager will be able to provide data insights and advise on operational support. They will schedule training to help you place your initial order and answer any questions you have about our product catalogue.
GET READY FOR OPENING DAY
You’re all set! After you’ve opened your store, consider signing up for the Store Locator page on OCS.ca. This page features Authorized Retail Stores, making it easier for consumers to find you.
As an Authorized Retailer dealing directly with consumers, it is your responsibility to comply with the laws that apply to your business and to do your part in supporting the safety of the public.
Retailer Handbook
The ultimate resource for owning and running an Authorized Cannabis Store in Ontario
VIEW RETAILER HANDBOOK
Updated: March 1, 2024
Store Locator
Connect to more customers through the OCS Store Locator
By signing up for the Store Locator page, consumers visiting OCS.ca will have your retail hours, contact information and access to your website right at their fingertips.
COMPLETE STORE LOCATOR FORM
Omni-Channel Customer Service Centre
The Omni-Channel Customer Service Centre is your touchpoint if you’re experiencing issues while submitting an order, have questions about Quality Assurance Claims, Insurance or Retailer Agreement renewals, or have concerns about shipping and delivery.
A Senior Customer Service Representative will help you with your initial setup, collect your banking information, insurance documents, ROL, RSA and (if needed) Retail Manager License.
Find the best way to get in touch with an OCS representative.
VIEW CONTACT OPTIONS
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
Who Does What?
Regulates the production and promotion of cannabis. Licensed Retailers should be familiar with the Federal Cannabis Act (Canada) and the applicable regulations canada.ca/cannabis.
Establishes the provincial rules for possession, consumption, and sale of cannabis.
Establishes the rules for licensing, regulating and governing the sale of cannabis through Authorized Retailers in Ontario. Sets operational standards for Authorized Retailers to adhere to in the Cannabis Retail Regulation Guide.
Responsible for the wholesale distribution of cannabis products. The exclusive source for cannabis products and offer retail support to all Licensed Retailers in Ontario.
