Advocacy

RCCO challenged Ontario's requirement that cannabis retailers obscure their store interiors and products from public view. Retailers raised serious concerns that the restrictions created unnecessary safety and security risks by limiting visibility into stores, particularly during robberies and other incidents.

RCCO made the issue a priority — participating in industry letter-writing campaigns, submitting a white paper, and raising the issue directly with the AGCO. RCCO argued that the requirement was unnecessarily restrictive, created a stigma around legal cannabis retail, and placed licensed retailers at a disadvantage compared with other forms of retail.

RCCO continued to push the issue with regulators until the AGCO moved toward removing the requirement. In 2025, Ontario announced that licensed cannabis retailers would be permitted to remove their front window coverings as part of changes intended to improve retailer comfort, security and safety.

RCCO advocated for licensed cannabis retailers' ability to use the word "dispensary" when identifying and promoting their businesses.

The issue arose when retailers faced questions and concerns about using the term on websites, signage and other business communications. RCCO challenged the need for licensed retailers to change established business names or digital materials when they were operating legally within Ontario's regulated cannabis system.

RCCO raised the issue directly with the AGCO and advocated for a practical and consistent approach that would allow licensed retailers to clearly identify their businesses without unnecessary regulatory or legal complications.

RCCO continues to advocate for fair, reliable and sustainable payment options for Ontario's licensed cannabis retailers.

Payment processing has become an increasingly important issue for retailers, particularly as businesses face higher processing and interchange-related costs while operating within an already highly regulated and competitive marketplace.

RCCO has raised concerns around payment access, credit card acceptance, processing fees and the impact that increased payment costs have on independent retailers. We continue to engage with financial institutions, payment providers and industry stakeholders to identify practical solutions and ensure that licensed cannabis retailers are not placed at an unnecessary disadvantage.

This remains an ongoing advocacy file, with RCCO continuing to push for greater transparency, fairer fees and payment systems that work for both retailers and consumers.

Ontario's illicit cannabis market has been one of RCCO's longstanding advocacy priorities. Licensed retailers operate under significant regulatory, tax and compliance requirements while illegal storefronts and online operators continue to compete directly with them.

RCCO has consistently pushed government and law enforcement for stronger enforcement and greater resources to address illegal cannabis operations. RCCO also developed a member-generated map of unlicensed cannabis stores, which has been shared with regulators, the OPP and the Ministry of Finance to support enforcement efforts.

Our continued advocacy helped keep the issue of illicit cannabis retail and the need for meaningful enforcement resources in front of government and regulators. In 2024, Ontario announced $31 million over three years for the Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Teams to strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis operations, including online operators and illegal production, sale and distribution.