Health Canada has confirmed that cannabis licence applicants can now submit their site evidence packages electronically.

Applicants will be able to submit this information electronically using a secure file transfer and sharing software, LiquidFiles, that the regulatory agency says uses strong cryptographic encryption for large file transfers. Previously, applicants had to send USB keys by mail. 

All new applicants who have submitted their applications through the Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System (CTLS) after February 15, 2021, will receive a secured link and a set of instructions on how to upload and send their site evidence packages to Health Canada electronically. 

Jeff Hannah, the founder of JH & Associates, a Canadian Security, Risk Management, and Technical consulting group, says he first became aware of the change via the application process for a few of his company’s clients.

“I was fortunate to have a few of my clients selected to test the new online submission process,” says Hannah.” I generally mail the USB evidence package on their behalf so I was more than happy to assist with the new process as well. The email that Health Canada sends to applicants explaining the LiquidFiles system is fully customized and very detailed. They include step-by-step instructions with screen shots of the interface.” 

The change should help applicants save time, he says. 

“I had the opportunity to have a conference call with two Health Canada reviewers who worked on the initiative. They were both really interested in receiving feedback and very committed to improving the system even more. Overall, the new method will save me a lot of time. I’m glad Health Canada is still looking for ways to make the application process simpler and more user-friendly.