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Ontario Emergency Rules and Retail Solutions for Cannabis Curbside Pickup & Delivery

Cova in OntarioNovember 24, 2020 Update -- With the rise in Covid-19 cases in the province, and some regions back in lockdown, the AGCO has again issued emergency orders authorizing curbside pickup and delivery for affected stores.

You can read the official AGCO bulletin for full details. Much of the information in this blog, provided during the first Covid-19 lockdown, remains relevant for Ontario cannabis retailers who need to set up online ordering for pickup or delivery workflows. 

You can contact Cova using the link at the end of this article to set up e-commerce at your store.

Since April 7th, Cova has been working with authorized cannabis stores and retailers in Ontario to go to market with an e-commerce solution. Cannabis retail businesses can commence selling through online channels using Cova’s preferred partner network including: Dutchie, Super, Buddi, Shopify, and Leafly.

The emergency order from AGCO will temporarily allow authorized cannabis retail stores to offer delivery and curbside pickup services.

“Cannabis retailers across Ontario welcome the emergency order by the Ontario government allowing for temporary curbside pickup and direct delivery services to be made available to consumers so long as licensed cannabis storefronts remain closed due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The move comes after a coalition of concerned retailers was organized by COVA Software and Leafly to ensure the continued viability of Ontario's legal cannabis businesses."

- Omar Khan, Hill+Knowlton Strategies

The new method of doing business will require each retailer to implement Standard Operating Procedures that follow the AGCO Registrar’s Standards and laws under ONTARIO REGULATION 128/20. To summarize, here are rules and regs to follow as cannabis retail business moves to e-commerce with pickup and delivery services.

  • AGCO encourages licensees to continue practicing social distancing.
  • Customers are not allowed in stores.
  • The order will last for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension if the government’s Emergency Order on business closures is extended. The order will allow for the following:

Pick Up of Cannabis Available 

Customers are permitted to pick up cannabis and other products that are permitted for sale at a cannabis retail store, subject to the following conditions:

  • Stores must receive payment, online or by telephone, for the cannabis and other products before they are picked up.
    • Solutions for retailers:
      • Merrco Payment Processing – API credentials are required (see below)
      • Connect with Dutchie, Super, or Shopify for online payments
      • Leafly and Buddi for phone orders
  • Pickup must be in an outdoor area in close proximity to the retail store.
  • An employee, certified by CannSell, must inspect an ID before providing cannabis to a customer.
  • The individual to whom cannabis is provided must be the same individual who purchased the cannabis.
  • Cannabis must be sold in its original packaging and in such a manner as to ensure the contents are not visible to minors.
  • Product must be sold or picked up between 9 AM and 11 PM.
  • The transaction must be captured by the store’s security cameras.

Delivery of Cannabis (delivery auto-insurance requirements)

Retail store authorization is authorized to operate a cannabis store for the purposes of delivering cannabis and other products that are permitted for sale at a cannabis retail store, subject to the following conditions:

  • Stores must receive payment, online or by telephone, for the cannabis and other products before they are delivered.
    • Solutions for retailers:
      • Merrco Payment Processing – API credentials required (see below)
      • Connect with Dutchie, Super or Shopify for online payments
      • Leafly and Buddi for phone orders
  • Retailers may use the services of a third-party for the purpose of delivery provided the cannabis is in the secure possession of the delivery employee at all times.
  • Retailers are permitted to charge a fee for delivery.
  • An employee certified by CannSell must deliver the cannabis and other products to the residential address specified in the order.
  • Products must be delivered to the purchaser or another person who resides at the place of delivery and who is at least nineteen years of age.
  • An employee must inspect an item of identification before providing cannabis.
  • Cannabis must be sold in its original packaging and in such a manner as to ensure the contents are not visible to minors.
  • Cannabis can only be sold or delivered between 9 AM and 11 PM
  • Product is to remain secure up until the point of distribution to a customer. For instance, the storing of undelivered cannabis and/or accessories overnight in a vehicle will not satisfy the AGCO’s requirements for secure storage.
  • Retailers must record and retain the name and address of the purchaser and the residential address where any cannabis is delivered.
    • Note: Cova keeps records and tracks this information through our e-comm and payment processing partners.

Payment Processing with Merrco

For online payment, Merrco Payment Processing credentials are required. Here is what information is required and where to find it:

  • Single Use token username
  • Single Use token Password
  • API Key Username
  • API Key Password
  • Account Number
  1. Login: https://login.netbanx.com
  2. To find this information, click on Account Statement:

  3. Then, click on settings to capture the API credentials:

Cova’s award-winning cannabis retail platform is the most trusted POS in Ontario, used by 90% of stores in the province. Whether you’re an existing Cova customer looking to turn on curbside pickup and delivery asap, or planning to open your first store and looking for a reliable tech partner, we can help.

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