Content Calls

Including Authorized Retailers in OCS Editorial Content

This curatorial process is designed to provide fair and equal opportunities for Authorized Retailers to be featured in OCS consumer-focused content. It offers Retailers the opportunity for inclusion in our monthly editorial calendar.

Including a wide range of Retailers in OCS content not only makes it richer but also provides the diverse viewpoints needed to tell the full story of cannabis in Ontario. This is a valuable opportunity for Retailers to join the conversation and help educate consumers about their brands.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The OCS will post seasonal open calls for submissions. Authorized Retailers can opt in to a pool to be considered for inclusion in our monthly content within the season. Each call is posted three months out from the first month of inclusion and will outline set editorial themes for the season.

On behalf of the store, an owner-operator or Budtender must submit the Content Call form before the call deadline and provide the following information:

• Details about the owner-operator or Budtender and the store they would like to feature​ (note: the Budtender must be working for the store and the store must be open by date of publication)
• Rationale as to why the owner-operator or Budtender has specific expertise to speak to this topic (e.g., special certifications etc.)
• Confirmation that the Authorized Retailer or Budtender can provide requested assets (e.g., images of store and Budtender) ​​
• Confirmation that the Authorized Retailer can provide opportunities to link to content on OCS

Note: We may occasionally reach out to Retailers for content opportunities that they have not submitted a request for, but we will always consider prior submissions first, with an eye to featuring a range of Retailers.

CONTENT CALL SCHEDULE

Each brand submission will be considered for inclusion in a limit of one of the following months per season (although you may submit forms for multiple months). Our goal is to include a range of Retailers, so inclusion will be spread out as much as possible throughout the year.

Note: All dates and themes are subject to change at the discretion of the OCS Marketing Team.

CONTENT DEPARTMENTS

ASK A BUD is a refreshed approach to “Super Stores” featuring owner-operators or budtenders answering frequently asked consumer questions. This series is designed to shine a light on our Authorized Retailers and the knowledge they have to offer. Bringing budtenders into the conversation to share their stories and experiences makes retail stores more approachable for consumers and accessing legal cannabis easier for Ontarians.

We’ll need to interview a budtender or store owner-operator who has knowledge about the particular theme you’re applying for. We’ll also need one to three high-res images of the person we interview.