Cannabis Store Virtual Inspections Keep Ontario Stores Opening
AGCO Creates Online-Based Cannabis Store Virtual Inspection System – LPC
Ever wonder how new cannabis stores keep opening up in Ontario amid COVID-19? It’s thanks to a new cannabis store virtual inspections system that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) rolled out to help meet demand. Now, businesses like Star Buds in Alliston, Ont. and elsewhere can still move forward.
The AGCO has conducted 210 pre-inspection activities virtually as of May 14. These include education and preauthorization inspections.
As of May 14, the AGCO had carried out. That includes “educational sessions” – one of the licensing steps – as well as preauthorization inspections. It has also conducted 17 pre-opening inspections to that date.
Chris Jones of Star Buds said his first cannabis store virtual inspection was difficult, but successful.
“The first one was a little bit rocky because we didn’t know what to expect since our compliance official was not physically present in the store,” Jones said. Besides the new Alliston store, he has one in Bradford and three in Barrie opening by the end of the month, he said.
Kudos to the AGCO for keeping the licences coming, especially after Ontario’s retail cannabis market opened up. Although 2020 may not be the banner year many cannabis stores had hoped, cannabis store virtual inspections certainly help stem the tide during difficult times.
This editorial content from the LPC News Team provides analysis, insight, and perspective on current news articles. To read the source article this commentary is based upon, please click on the link below.