Bulletin 26-02: Risk-based screening for cannabis applicants

Who's impacted

This change applies to the following application:

• New Cannabis Retail Store (CRS) or Producer Retail Store (PRS)
• Changes to associates for existing CRS or PRS licences

What's changing

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is introducing a risk based approach to cannabis security screening Effective May 21, 2026, this change applies to all new cannabis applications submitted on or after this date.

This change means that new cannabis applicants will now undergo baseline security screening, including completion of the Cannabis Screening Form and submitting a Police Information Check (PIC) or a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check. 

This security screening process applies when applying for a new cannabis licence, when adding or changing associates who require screening, and when an individual is identified who may directly or indirectly influence the applicant or licensee, affect activities under the licence, or have connections to an associate of the applicant or licensee.

Associates include individuals who may directly or indirectly influence the applicant or licensee, affect the activities proposed under the licence, or have connections to an associate of an applicant.

This risk-based approach aligns cannabis screening with the liquor licensing model. It reduces unnecessary delays for low-risk applicants, applies investigative resources where they matter most, reduces processing timelines, and maintains public-safety and market integrity standards. 

Helpful information

Only applications that present identified risk indicators will be referred for a comprehensive fit and proper assessment. Risk indicators may include, but are not limited to:

• significant criminal history
• potential associations with organized crime
• complex, unclear, or difficult-to-verify ownership structures or other information identified through LCRB review, including relevant information from police or other agencies.

If further review is needed, the assessment may include additional security screening and a more detailed review of financial information.

These changes are reflected in the updated:

• Cannabis Retail Store Licence Handbook (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Producer Retail Store Licence Handbook (PDF, 1.4MB)