Which Documents Are Required at Cannabis Retail Stores in Ontario?

Close-up image of an Ontario driver's licence placed on top of various cannabis-related documents, including a “Cannabis Retail License” and signage indicating required documents for authorized cannabis stores in Ontario.

When you walk into a cannabis dispensary in Ontario, you’re not just stepping into a shop—you’re entering a legally regulated environment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular at your weed dispensary in Scarborough, knowing what documents a cannabis store must display (and what you need to show) isn’t just useful—it’s required by law.

In this post, we’ll break down everything about required documents, the role of AGCO, customer ID verification, and what this means for you as a consumer shopping at a cannabis dispensary near Scarborough or anywhere across Ontario.

Why Documentation Matters in Ontario Cannabis Retail

Ontario’s cannabis industry is tightly regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) under the authority of the Cannabis Licence Act. The purpose is simple: to keep cannabis out of the hands of minors, eliminate the illegal market, and protect public health.

To ensure these objectives, licensed dispensaries must maintain and display certain legal documents transparently and visibly.

Which Document Must Be Available in All Cannabis Retail Stores?

A comparison chart outlining display requirements for cannabis retail store documents. It contrasts "Retail Store Authorization" and "Cannabis Retail Seal" across four characteristics: purpose, content, display location, and visibility, indicating how each must be shown and what information they contain.

Here’s the answer upfront: Every cannabis store in Ontario must display the Retail Store Authorization (RSA) and the Cannabis Retail Seal. Let’s break that down:

1. Retail Store Authorization (RSA)

This is the most critical document. The RSA confirms the store is legally approved to operate under Ontario law. It includes the:

  • Store name and number

  • Business address

  • Expiry and approval dates

  • AGCO identification

Where should it be displayed? Right at the entrance. Customers and inspectors must see it clearly as they walk in.

2. Cannabis Retail Seal

This is the official decal issued by the AGCO. It must be:

  • Clearly visible from outside the store

  • Displayed near all public entrances

  • Presented before entry is allowed

This seal helps customers instantly recognize whether they’re entering a licensed shop.

Not sure how to check this on your own? Read our quick guide to licensed cannabis stores.

Other Required In-Store Documentation

In addition to the two primary documents above, stores must also maintain:

  • Cannabis Retail Manager Licences (if applicable)

  • Training certification for all employees handling cannabis

  • Security system compliance records

  • Inventory records for Health Canada audits

None of these need to be displayed publicly, but they must be kept onsite and presented during inspections.

What You, the Customer, Need to Show

Just as stores must post their authorization, you as a buyer must present a valid form of ID to enter or purchase cannabis. This applies to both in-store visits and delivery verification.

Acceptable ID must be:

  • Government-issued

  • Includes a photo

  • Shows your date of birth

  • Not expired

Commonly accepted IDs:

  • Ontario Driver’s Licence

  • Canadian Passport

  • Ontario Photo Card

  • Health Card (only if photo is visible and used with secondary ID)

Want to know more about shopping requirements? Check our blog on things to know before visiting a cannabis store.

Penalties for Stores That Don’t Comply

Dispensaries that fail to display their RSA or Cannabis Retail Seal can face:

  • Immediate suspension of operations

  • Fines from AGCO

  • Revocation of license

As a customer, never buy from a store that lacks these required documents. It’s risky, unregulated, and potentially illegal.

If you’re in the GTA and want to be 100% sure, visit our verified location:
📍 Google Maps – Cannabuds Scarborough

Why Customers Should Care

Flat lay image showing cannabis compliance materials including regulatory requirement forms, a license sheet, log forms, a dropper bottle, and a glass jar with cannabis buds on a wooden surface—highlighting the importance of documentation in cannabis retail.

It’s not just about law—it’s about trust.

Buying from a store that openly displays its credentials ensures:

  • The products are tested and safe

  • Your data and purchases are protected

  • You’re supporting the legal market, not organized crime

  • You’re shopping somewhere that follows Health Canada standards

At Cannabuds Scarborough, we pride ourselves on being transparent, AGCO-compliant, and customer-friendly. Whether you’re shopping online or in-person, you’ll find the right products backed by proper paperwork.

Staying Local: Verified Weed Dispensary in Scarborough

Looking for a trusted cannabis dispensary near Scarborough? Visit Cannabuds—Scarborough’s favourite legal weed shop.

Why locals choose us:

Explore our full product range here, or walk into our storefront today to experience the difference.

Related Blogs You May Like

If you found this helpful, check out these other posts to grow your cannabis knowledge:

Final Word

So, which document must be available in all cannabis retail stores?
The Retail Store Authorization and the Cannabis Retail Seal—both are non-negotiables.

Next time you shop for cannabis in Ontario, take a second to look for them. It’s your guarantee that you’re buying from a safe, trusted source.

And if you’re looking for a weed dispensary in Scarborough that follows every rule in the book?
You already know: Cannabuds is the name to trust.