Cannabis Store Opening Checklist for Ontario: What You Need Before Day One

Quick answer: Before an Ontario cannabis store can open, it needs AGCO licences (operator, store and manager), a location at least 150 metres from schools, a secure build-out that meets the Registrar's Standards, a POS and payment processor, an OCS wholesale account and opening order, staff who have passed AGCO-approved training, and a way for customers to find and order from you online. Use the checklist below to track each item.

Licensing and compliance

• Retail Operator Licence issued by the AGCO ($6,000, 2-year term)
• Retail Store Authorization for this location ($4,000, 2-year term)
• Cannabis Retail Manager Licence for your store manager ($750), unless you are a sole proprietor managing the store
• Tax compliance confirmed for every owner
• Renewal dates in your calendar for all three approvals
• A copy of the AGCO's Registrar's Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores, read by the owner and manager

For the full licensing process, see How to Open a Cannabis Store in Ontario.

Location and build-out

• Municipality allows cannabis retail
• At least 150 metres from any public or private school
• Lease signed, ideally conditional on AGCO approval
• 15-day public notice completed at the location
• Security cameras, alarm and secure storage for product
• Store layout that keeps product secure and behind the counter where required
• Clear signage confirming the 19+ age limit at the entrance
• Accessible entrance and checkout

Systems and technology

• Point of sale (POS): a cannabis-specific system such as Greenline or Cova that handles OCS inventory, compliance reporting and purchase limits
• Payments: a processor that accepts cannabis merchants, such as Moneris, Merrco, Blaze Pay or Cova Pay
• E-commerce: an online menu with live stock, plus pickup and delivery ordering
• ID scanning at the door or checkout
• Internet and backup connection so the POS never goes down at peak hours

Inventory and supply

• OCS wholesale account set up
• Opening order placed, with lead time built in before opening day
• A product mix that covers flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and beverages for your neighbourhood
• Reorder rules in your POS so fast sellers never run out
• Product photos and descriptions ready for your online menu

People and training

• Every staff member has passed AGCO-approved training (CannSell or CTC 1) before their first shift, including delivery drivers and security
• Licensed store manager scheduled for opening week
• Written procedures for ID checks, refusals, cash handling and opening and closing
• Staff trained on your POS and online order workflow

Marketing and demand

• Google Business Profile claimed, with hours, photos and phone number
• Website live with your menu, hours and address
• Listed on a cannabis marketplace where shoppers search by product
• A plan for new customers beyond walk-in traffic
• Promotions reviewed against federal and AGCO marketing rules

Most of these can be covered in one step. Poof gives Ontario retailers an e-commerce site on their own domain with a live menu from Greenline or Cova, a free listing on the poof.ca marketplace (20,000 to 30,000 monthly views), and orders from brand campaigns routed to the nearest store with stock. Poof takes no margin on those orders, and checkout runs on your own merchant account. Brands upload their own product photos and descriptions, so your menu looks complete from day one.

Opening week

• Final AGCO approval received before any sale
• Test transactions run on POS and payments
• Online ordering tested end to end, including pickup and delivery
• Opening hours set between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., the window Ontario allows
• Staff schedule covers peak evenings and weekends
• Day-one stock counted and matched to the POS

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to open a cannabis store in Ontario?

You need an AGCO Retail Operator Licence, a Retail Store Authorization for the location, and a licensed store manager. You also need a compliant location, a secure build-out, an OCS wholesale account, trained staff and a POS system.

What POS systems do Ontario cannabis stores use?

Greenline (Blaze) and Cova are two of the most widely used cannabis POS systems in Ontario. Both handle cannabis inventory, OCS product data and compliance reporting.

Do all cannabis store employees need training in Ontario?

Yes. Every employee, manager, store authorization holder, delivery driver and security worker must pass AGCO-approved training (CannSell or CTC 1) before their first day of work.

How do new cannabis stores get online orders?

They need an online menu with live stock and prices, and a place where shoppers already search. Poof provides both: an e-commerce site on the store's own domain and a free listing on the poof.ca marketplace, plus orders routed from brand campaigns.