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Cannabis-Related Blog Posts
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Health Canada Signals Proposes Reforms to Industrial Hemp Regulations
On May 15, 2026, Health Canada published a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I, launching a public consultation on potential amendments to the Industrial Hemp Regulations (“IHR”). The consultation signals that the federal government may be preparing to significantly modernize and streamline Canada’s industrial hemp regulatory framework. The proposed direction appears aimed...
Read The Rest...Cannabis Compliance Services Canada
Substance Law provides cannabis compliance services to licensed producers, processors, distributors, retailers, investors, and cannabis brands operating across Canada. We assist businesses in navigating the complex regulatory framework governing cannabis production, processing, distribution, marketing, retail sales, and ongoing operational compliance. Cannabis businesses in Canada operate in one of the country’s most heavily regulated industries. Federal...
Read The Rest...Ontario Allows Cannabis Stores to Open at 7AM Instead of 9AM
Why the Change? Understanding the AGCO's Decision The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has authorized a significant adjustment to the operating hours for licensed cannabis retail stores. Effective May 1, 2026, these establishments are now permitted to open their doors as early as 7:00 AM, a notable shift from the previous 9:00 AM...
Read The Rest...Cannabis Regulations under The Cannabis Act in Canada
The Cannabis Act is the main piece of legislation in Canada that sets the rules for cannabis. It came into effect in October 2018, changing how cannabis is handled across the country. The law has a few big goals: keeping cannabis away from young people, looking after public health and safety, and trying to cut...
Read The Rest...Accidental Sale of Liquor or Cannabis to Minors in Ontario
What Constitutes an “Underage Sale”? In Ontario, an “underage sale” occurs when a licensed establishment or its employee sells or provides alcohol or cannabis to an individual who is not of legal age. For alcohol, the legal age is 19, while for cannabis, it is also 19. It is the responsibility of the seller to verify...
Read The Rest...AGCO Cannabis Licence Suspensions and Revocations
What's the Difference Between Suspension and Revocation? When the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) takes action against a cannabis licence, it can either suspend it or revoke it. It's important to know the difference because the impact on your business is significant. A suspension means your licence is temporarily taken away. During this period, you...
Read The Rest...Do Cannabis Stores Need to Close on Holidays in Ontario?
Unless Exempted, Cannabis Stores Must Generally Close in Ontario On New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day Yes – Under the Retail Business Holidays Act, retail businesses in Ontario must generally close on the province’s nine public holidays unless subject to an exemption....
Read The Rest...AGCO Adds Monetary Penalty Infraction For Cannabis Retailers
On December 5, 2025, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) updated the Schedule of Monetary Penalties under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 and Ontario Regulation 468/18. These updates—which apply to cannabis retail licence and Retail Store Authorization (RSA) holders—introduce two new infractions with corresponding maximum penalties. The additions reflect regulatory changes to section...
Read The Rest...Cannabis Act Canada: The Guide
Overview Of Canada's Federal Cannabis Act Core Objectives Of The Legislation The Cannabis Act, which came into effect in October 2018, established a new framework for controlling cannabis in Canada. Its primary aims are quite clear: to keep cannabis out of the hands of young people, to safeguard public health and safety, and to reduce...
Read The Rest...Remove AGCO Cannabis Licence Conditions
Why Conditions Are Placed on Licences The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) places conditions on cannabis retail licences, such as a Retail Operator Licence or Retail Store Authorization, for a few key reasons, all centred around public safety and responsible operation. Think of these conditions as specific rules tailored to a particular store, designed to...
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