Ontario’s regulator is warning cannabis stores in the province against selling unregulated products.
In a note emailed to retailers on Monday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario reminded them that selling products that don’t originate from the provincial wholesaler, the Ontario Cannabis Store, is illegal.
“That is why the AGCO maintains a rigorous licensing and eligibility review process for retailers,” reads the statement.
“The AGCO has learned that some cannabis licensees are offering and selling cannabis-based products, like, lotions, edibles, topicals, etc., that have not been purchased from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS).”
The agency has also become aware that some retailers are selling cannabis products in non-original packaging.
The AGCO says it’s directly addressed these issues with licensees as they’ve come to light. Any selling of non-regulated product is prohibited under Ontario’s Cannabis Licence Act.
“Selling illegal products can put your cannabis licence in jeopardy,” the statement continues. “AGCO compliance officials will continue to inspect cannabis retail stores and will take appropriate regulatory action or, report illegal activity to our law enforcement partners.”
The agency advises any retailers selling unregulated product to immediately stop and remove it from their stores.
Earlier in December, the AGCO said it was simplifying the inspection process for new cannabis stores.
Read more: Ontario reduces cannabis retail applicant inspection process
Read more: Ontario’s cannabis distributor lacks transparency: auditor general report
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