Ontario considering allowing legal cannabis stores to open earlier

Retail analyst Bruce Winder says expanding the hours could potentially help shift workers and provide consumers with additional options.

Ontario cannabis stores could be allowed to open two hours earlier.

The Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General is asking for public feedback about a proposal that would permit authorized cannabis retail stores to open as early as 7 a.m.

Currently, cannabis stores are allowed to open their doors between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

In its posting, the ministry said the change is intended to give retailers more flexibility in setting their hours of operation. It added that extending the hours would “support increased profitability.”

“Over time, expanded retail store hours may help legal retailers capture sales currently diverted to the illicit market, thereby supporting the government’s efforts to combat illegal cannabis activity and enhance community safety,” read the ministry’s proposal.

The ministry added that the time change would also align operating hours with those of alcohol retailers, resulting in operational efficiencies for inspectors at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Crown agency that regulates the sale of cannabis at stores.

In its post, the ministry noted that permitted delivery hours will remain 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. to align with delivery rules for alcohol retailers.

The public can submit their feedback online until April 24.