More details on direct delivery for private retailers in Alberta

| Staff

In a memo sent out to licence holders today, the AGLC says that new rules moving online sales to private cannabis stores will come into force on March 8, 2022.

The one-page memo provides more details on the policy changes first announced via StratCann last week. For example, licensees will be able to use “common carriers”, such as “bona fide commercial shipping companies” like Canada Post, but not third-party services like Uber or Skip the Dishes.

Retailers will also be required to put in place an age-gate system that goes beyond just simple self-attestation. Retailers will be allowed to charge a delivery fee. 

CANNABIS ONLINE SALES

  • All licensees must act in accordance with all legislation, including the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, federal Cannabis Act and the Personal Information Protection Act.
  • Retail cannabis store licensees will be permitted to conduct online sales.
  • Contact Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to obtain an endorsement on your licence before you may begin online sales.
  • Licensed retailers that sell online will have criteria to include on their websites so that consumers can verify that the website is associated with a valid licensee. 
  • Appropriate age-gating needs to be in place; self-attestation by entering age or a drop-down selection of date of birth is insufficient. 
  • Websites are considered point of sale; as such, price and availability may be displayed prior to age-verification similar to what Alberta Cannabis.org does currently. AGLC inspectors will regularly inspect websites to ensure compliance.

CANNABIS DELIVERY

  • Licensed retailers will be authorized to deliver via staff contracted or directly employed by the licensee; common carriers may also be used. Other delivery services such as third-party vendor delivery services or other local delivery services will not be included at this time.
  • Cannabis can be delivered only in Alberta and where possession is legal. 
  • Individual orders cannot exceed 30 grams; however, more than one order may be delivered at a time. Therefore, delivery personnel can be in possession of more than 30 grams.
  • Cannabis cannot be delivered to minors or intoxicated patrons. This will include curbside delivery (outside of the motor vehicle). 
  • Retailers can charge a fee for delivery service.

More

  • All sales made online must be placed by a customer directly with the licensee. Licensees are only allowed to accept online orders through the online store owned and operated by the licensee. Licensees are not allowed to process orders initially placed through third-party websites or apps not operated by the licensee. These restrictions are not intended to prohibit licensees from using services provided by companies to facilitate their own e-commerce, inventory management and regulatory compliance;
  • Delivery person must be at least 18 and have SellSafe certification;
  • Online cannabis purchases must be completed, including payment, by the customer directly through a licensed retail cannabis store prior to being delivered.

For more information or questions, retailers can contact their AGLC inspector.