When it comes to displaying cannabis and accessories in retail stores, it's important to ensure that young people cannot see them, even from outside the store. This is in accordance with the Cannabis Act and its regulations, which include additional prohibitions that apply to promotions. For example, it is not allowed to sell or distribute cannabis or a cannabis accessory through a self-service screen or dispensing device. Furthermore, the Cannabis Exemption Regulation (Food and Drug Act) exempts cannabis from the Food and Drug Act, subject to certain conditions.
These rules provide clarity on what type of advertising and promotion is allowed inside and outside cannabis retail stores. It is not allowed to offer benefits to members of a loyalty program as an incentive to purchase cannabis or a cannabis accessory. Additionally, the entire interior of the store must not be visible from outside the building. In terms of signage, branding and marketing restrictions that apply to cannabis companies, contact the Field Law Cannabis Industry Group for more information.
The Cannabis Act does allow promotion under specific restrictions to help adult consumers make informed decisions about cannabis. This does not include packaging or labeling, as they are included in other provisions of the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations. Moreover, all cannabis accessories that are not displayed in the customer area must be stored in a locked warehouse that can only be accessed by authorized personnel. A person authorized to produce, sell or distribute cannabis is limited to a holder of a federal license, a provincial or private retailer authorized under subsection 69 (of the Cannabis Act), or a person who has been granted a legislative or regulatory exemption. If there is any suspicion of non-compliance with the Cannabis Act or its regulations, individuals can report it to Health Canada through the cannabis notification form.
For more information on the structural requirements of retail cannabis stores, contact the Field Law Cannabis Industry Group.
