We use cookies for certain features and to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more

Leafly

Shop legal, local weed.

Open
advertise on Leafly
ShopDeliveryDispensariesDealsStrainsBrandsProductsCBDDoctorsCannabis 101Social impact
  • Sign in
  • Create account
  • Strains
  • Shop
  • Shop
  • Delivery
  • Deals
  • Dispensaries
  • CBD Stores
  • Brands
  • Products
  • Learn
  • Cannabis 101
  • News
  • Leafly Learn
  • Science of cannabis
  • Doctors
  • Social impact
  • Lab partners
  • Download the Leafly App
  • Advertise on Leafly
    • Leafly.comUSA flag
    • Leafly.caCanadian flag
    • Leafly.deGerman flag
  • Help
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Strains & products
  • Industry
  • Growing
  • Health
  • Science & tech
  • Leafly USA
  • Podcasts
  • Learn
CanadaIndustryPolitics

Ontario opens door for more cannabis stores in 2020

Harrison JordanPublished on December 16, 2019 · Last updated July 28, 2020
ontario authorization sticker
Jesse Milns/Leafly

It took a while, but the wait is finally over.

After two lottery systems and a number of delayed retail openings, Ontario has finally thrown in the towel and announced that, yes, the province will be officially moving to an open market system that removes the cap placed on cannabis licenses.

Instead, the new licensing system may permit an unlimited amount of stores to get licensed over time.

The details have yet to be announced in full.

Last week, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) did reveal that they will begin accepting applications for Retail Operator Licences (ROLs) on Jan. 6, 2020.

Thereafter, they will accept applications for Retail Store Authorizations (RSAs) on Mar. 2, 2020.

A representative from the AGCO indicated that ROL applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis starting Jan. 2, 2020, and that RSA applications will be reviewed similarly. However, not every application will get the green light.

All applications are subject to review, and each application could vary in processing time depending on the complexity of the application. Factors could include the number of shareholders or directors that a company has.

That could mean that due to its lack of complexity, an application for a simple sole proprietorship may be reviewed faster than a corporate applicant.

Over the phone, the AGCO confirmed that while ROL applications would be reviewed starting Jan. 6, anyone can submit an RSA application starting Mar. 2, 2020 as long as they have previously submitted a retail operator licence application–even if their ROL is not actually granted by that time.

Before you get your hopes and dreams up, know that the government only intends to license up to 20 stores per month, starting in April.

Curiously, while both the Ontario government and the AGCO announced the new regulations, and invited users to see the amended Cannabis Act regulations, there was just one problem: the link to the regulations shows it has yet to be updated.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • See all dispensaries
See all dispensaries

The provincial government announced that in addition to allowing click-and-collect services, it would also permit existing and new cannabis stores to sell cannabis magazines and cookbooks.

Because the amendments have yet to be published, it’s unclear just how far that new provision goes.

Thinking of applying? The application process can be found here.

Watch Leafly TV

Click here to discover more videos on Leafly TV.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • See all dispensaries
See all dispensaries
CanadalicensingOntarioretailretail stores
Harrison Jordan
Harrison Jordan
Harrison Jordan is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and enjoys reading and writing about the regulatory affairs of cannabis in Canada and around the world.
View Harrison Jordan's articles

The latest in Canada

  • Vancouver weed visitor’s guide 2024 image
    Vancouver weed visitor’s guide 2024
    Amelia Williams
  • A history of cannabis prohibition in Canada image
    A history of cannabis prohibition in Canada
    Emma Spears
  • Are psychedelics legal in Canada? image
    Are psychedelics legal in Canada?
    Colleen Fisher Tully
  • D8, Eh? What Canadians need to know about Delta-8 cannabis products image
    D8, Eh? What Canadians need to know about Delta-8 cannabis products
    Adam Greenblatt
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

Something went wrong, please try again.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App StoreDownload Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play

Business Solutions
  • List your store
  • List your CBD store
  • List your brand
  • List your practice
  • Business log in

About Leafly
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Investor relations
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Accessibility

Dispensaries in
  • Los Angeles
  • Seattle
  • Portland
  • San Francisco
  • Toronto
  • Detroit

Privacy & Terms
  • Terms of use
  • Commercial terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • Do not sell my personal information

* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2025 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.