Promotion of cannabis: Prohibitions and permissions in the Cannabis Act and Regulations
On this page
- Foreword and disclaimer
- Definition of promote
- When the promotion prohibitions are not applicable
- Promotion prohibitions under the Cannabis Act
- Promotion prohibitions under the Cannabis Regulations
- Permitted promotions
- Publishing, broadcasting and billboards
- Other related non-promotional prohibitions
- Other information
- Contact us
This page provides information to anyone planning promotional activities related to cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis in Canada. This includes those who:
- produce, sell or distribute cannabis
- sell or distribute cannabis accessories
- provide cannabis-related services
- publish, broadcast or disseminate promotion on behalf of other persons (such as radio and TV broadcasters and print or online publishers)
Foreword and disclaimer
Foreword
The purpose of this page is to provide information and clarity on promotional activities, including permissions and restrictions, under the Cannabis Act (the Act) and Cannabis Regulations (the Regulations).
The Act generally prohibits the promotion of cannabis, cannabis accessories and services related to cannabis, except in limited circumstances. These prohibitions support the Government's objective to protect public health and public safety, including protecting young persons and others from inducements to use cannabis.
The Act does permit promotion under specific restrictions to help adult consumers make informed decisions about cannabis. For example, by allowing for informational promotion such as price and availability, as well as brand-preference promotion, but subject to a number of conditions and restrictions including that young persons cannot access the promotion.
It remains the responsibility of those engaging in activities related to cannabis, cannabis accessories and services related to cannabis to understand and comply with all of the requirements of the Act and its regulations and any other federal and provincial or territorial legislation that may apply.
Disclaimer
You need to read these pages along with the Act and the Regulations. If there are differences, the Act and its Regulations are correct.
Definition of promote
As a first step, a regulated party can evaluate if their activities meet the definition of promotion as noted below.
The Act provides the following definition of "promote":
Promote, in respect of a thing or service, means to make, for the purpose of selling the thing or service, a representation - other than a representation on a package or label - about the thing or service by any means, whether directly or indirectly, that is likely to influence and shape attitudes, beliefs and behaviours about the thing or service.
This definition includes three key factors that must all be present:
- 1. for the purpose of selling the thing or service
In this case, "sell" includes, but is not limited to, offer for sale, expose for sale and have in possession for sale as defined in the Act.
- 2. a representation about cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis (directly or indirectly)
These representations can be made through various forms of communications, including but not limited to:
- signage
- broadcasts
- media releases
- printed publications
- online materials including websites, social media (such as, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)or content accessed through a QR code
- 3. That is likely to influence and shape attitudes, beliefs and behaviours
Influence can include direct influences such as representation resulting in:
- a decision to visit a retailer or licence holder's website
- an opinion on a particular brand image, among others
Influence can also be broader or more indirect, such as those pertaining to perceptions on risk or the normalization and social acceptability of cannabis.
When assessing whether your activity meets the definition of promote, you should consider the intended audience and the purpose, content and context of a communication as a whole.
The promotion prohibitions do not include representation about cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis on a package or label, as those are subject to other similar provisions on packaging and labelling under the Act and the Regulations. Please refer to the Packaging and labelling guide for cannabis products for more information.
When the promotion prohibitions are not applicable
The Act includes some situations where the promotion prohibitions do not apply. Section 16 of the Act provides that, subject to the regulations, the provisions of sections 17 to 24 do not apply:
- to a literary, dramatic, musical, cinematographic, scientific, educational or artistic work, production or performance that uses or depicts cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis, or a brand element of any of those things, whatever the mode or form of its expression, if no consideration is given, directly or indirectly, for that use or depiction in the work, production or performance
- to a report, commentary or opinion in respect of cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis or a brand element of any of those things, if no consideration is given, directly or indirectly, for the reference to the cannabis, cannabis accessory, service or brand element in that report, commentary or opinion
- to specific categories of intra-industry promotion, provided that the promotion is not directed, either directly or indirectly, at consumers
These exemptions are aimed at excluding works that use or depict cannabis or a brand element of cannabis for which the relevant cannabis company is not responsible for, or is not actively involved in (such as, a display of a particular product in a film, opinion pieces or educational campaigns that promote responsible use or legal products).
Note that under section 16 of the Act, "consideration" is not limited to monetary exchanges. For example, it can also include providing something non-monetary in exchange, such as granting legal rights or benefits.
Promotion prohibitions under the Cannabis Act
Sections 17 to 24 of the Act contain a number of provisions relating to prohibitions on the promotion of cannabis, cannabis accessories and services related to cannabis.
These prohibitions help meet the purpose of the Act in protecting public health and public safety. In particular, it is a priority for Health Canada to help protect young persons and others from inducements to use cannabis, as outlined in subsection 7(b) of the Act.
General prohibition on the promotion of cannabis
Unless otherwise authorized under the Act, it is generally prohibited to promote cannabis, a cannabis accessory or any service related to cannabis. This includes:
- communicating information about its price or distribution
- promoting in a manner that there are reasonable grounds to believe could be appealing to young persons
- using a testimonial or endorsement, however displayed or communicated
- using the depiction of a person, character or animal, whether real or fictional
- presenting it or any of its brand elements in a manner that associates it or the brand element with, or evokes a positive or negative emotion about or image of, a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring
For more information on the general prohibition on the promotion of cannabis, refer to subsection 17(1) of the Act.
Appeal to young persons
Protecting the health and safety of youth is a top priority for Health Canada. For this reason, under the Act:
- the promotion of cannabis, a cannabis accessory or any service related to cannabis in a manner that there are reasonable grounds to believe could be appealing to young persons is prohibited
The Act has similar prohibitions related to:
- the sale of cannabis or a cannabis accessory in a package or with a label if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the package or label could be appealing to young persons
- the sale of cannabis or a cannabis accessory that has an appearance, shape, or other sensory attribute or a function that there are reasonable grounds to believe could be appealing to young persons
For additional information on compliance with prohibitions referring to appeal to young persons, refer to:
- paragraphs 17(1)(b), 26(a) and 27(a) and section 31 of the Act
- the Policy statement on Cannabis Act prohibitions referring to appeal to young persons
Celebrity-affiliated promotions
Any association made between a cannabis product or brand and a celebrity may be non-compliant with promotion, packaging and labelling prohibitions. This is because these associations could:
- appear as an endorsement
- be appealing to young persons
- depict real or fictional persons through reference
- evoke emotions or images of a way of life that could include glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring
All of these are prohibited under the Act.
Regulated parties should ensure that they do not have any celebrity associations that can be made with cannabis, cannabis accessories, or services related to cannabis to ensure compliance with these parts.
For more information on prohibitions related to celebrity-affiliated promotions, refer to paragraphs 17(1)(b)(c)(d)(e) and 26(a)(b)(c)(d) of the Act.
Other promotion prohibitions
False or misleading promotion
You cannot promote cannabis and cannabis accessories in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive. This includes promotion that is likely to create an erroneous impression about its:
- characteristics, value, quantity, composition
- design, construction, performance or intended use
- strength, concentration, potency
- purity, quality, merit, safety
- health effects, health risks
For more information on prohibitions related to false promotion, refer to subsections 18(1) and (2) of the Act.
Promotion using foreign media
You cannot promote, in any way that is prohibited by Part 1 of the Act, cannabis, a cannabis accessory, a service related to cannabis or a brand element of any of those things in any communication that originates outside Canada. This includes publications published outside Canada and broadcasts that originate outside Canada. For example, purchasing an advertisement space during a popular sporting event that is broadcasted from outside Canada.
For more information on prohibitions related to promotion using foreign media, refer to section 20 of the Act.
Sponsorship
You cannot display, refer to or otherwise use, directly or indirectly in a promotion that is used in the sponsorship of a person, entity, event, activity or facility, any of the following:
- a brand element of cannabis, of a cannabis accessory or of a service related to cannabis
- the name of a person that:
- produces, sells or distributes cannabis
- sells or distributes a cannabis accessory
- provides a service related to cannabis
The Act does not prohibit sponsorship itself but rather the promotion of the sponsorship. Some regulated parties may wish to sponsor charity events or activities, but the display, reference or usage of the items above are prohibited. In these cases, regulated parties should ensure that any promotions are compliant with this part. Regulated parties are encouraged to inform their sponsoring organization of these prohibitions to ensure compliance with any promotions they may develop.
For more information on prohibitions related to promotion used in the sponsorship, refer to section 21 of the Act.
Name of facility
You cannot display any of the following on a facility used for a sports or cultural event or activity:
- a brand element of cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis
- the name of a person that
- produces, sells or distributes cannabis
- sells or distributes a cannabis accessory
- provides a service related to cannabis
This includes displays as part of the name of the facility or otherwise.
For more information on prohibitions related to the name of a facility, refer to section 22 of the Act.
Inducements
Unless authorized under the Act, it is prohibited for a person that sells cannabis or a cannabis accessory:
- to provide or offer to provide cannabis or a cannabis accessory if it is provided or offered to be provided without monetary consideration or in consideration of the purchase of any thing or service or the provision of any service
- to provide or offer to provide any thing that is not cannabis or a cannabis accessory, including a right to participate in a game, draw, lottery or contest, if it is provided or offered to be provided as an inducement for the purchase of cannabis or a cannabis accessory
- to provide or offer to provide any service if it is provided or offered to be provided as an inducement for the purchase of cannabis or a cannabis accessory
A person that sells cannabis or a cannabis accessory must not provide inducements that might encourage:
- non-users to begin using cannabis
- users or non-users to engage in excessive or heavy consumption
Note that it is not necessary to meet the definition of promote under the Act to be non-compliant with section 24.
Below are some examples of activities that may be considered inducements, depending on the circumstances:
Free samples of products or accessories
A person that sells cannabis or cannabis accessories cannot provide or offer to provide cannabis or a cannabis accessory without monetary consideration or in consideration of a purchase.
For example, a free accessory for the purchase of cannabis or cannabis as bonus with any purchase. This can include:
- "Free 1 g pre-roll samples"
- "Buy one and get one free"
- "Free rolling papers with purchase of cannabis product X"
A very low sale price may be considered an inducement and non-compliant with paragraph 24(1)(a) of the Act.
Gifts and contests
The right to participate in a game, draw, lottery or contests and eligibility to receive gifts cannot be provided or offered to be provided as an inducement for the purchase of cannabis or a cannabis accessory.
For example:
- "Win tickets to concert with purchase of cannabis product"
- "Free t-shirt with purchase of rolling papers"
Discounts, rebates, premiums and bonuses
It is the responsibility of the person that sells cannabis to ensure the price of cannabis or a cannabis accessory is not an inducement, prohibited under the Act.
Factors to consider as to whether an inducement has been provided or offered to be provided include:
- the value of any discount or rebate
- the context and nature of any associated promotion
- the expiry of a discount or rebate (such as "for a limited time")
- the location where a discount or rebate is displayed (such as inside or outside the store)
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs (such as stamp cards, email sign ups, memberships) are not inducements on their own. However, the benefits obtained through such a program could be.
You cannot provide benefits to members of a loyalty program as an inducement for the purchase of cannabis or a cannabis accessory.
For example, the following would likely be considered inducements:
- free pre-roll for becoming a member
- a stamp card based on visits or purchases resulting in a free cannabis product, or a chance to win something
- a program that allows for the exchange of points for cannabis products and accessories
Loyalty programs that are strictly focused on information sharing, such as mailing lists that provide information on upcoming product releases, would generally not be considered inducements, but they continue to be subject to the other promotion provisions.
Delivery service and shipping
A person that sells cannabis or cannabis accessories may offer a delivery service to its customers, subject to provincial or territorial legislation applicable in their respective jurisdictions. The delivery service may not be provided or offer to be provided as an inducement for the purchase of cannabis or a cannabis accessory.
Regulated parties are reminded that under the Act, and subject to provincial age-verification requirements, sellers of cannabis, cannabis accessories, and services related to cannabis must take reasonable steps to ascertain an individual's age, such as upon the delivery of cannabis or cannabis accessories.
For more information on inducements, refer to subsection 24(1) of the Act.
Exemption: Intra-industry samples
The prohibitions above do not apply to licence holders that provide any thing, including cannabis to a person authorized to produce, sell or distribute cannabis, such as a provincially or territorially authorized retailer or their employees provided it is done in a manner that is consistent with the federal legislation. Cannabis samples must comply with the other applicable rules in the Act and Regulations, including those on packaging and labelling, and good production practices. In addition, employees of a licence holder or authorized retailer can only possess and distribute cannabis as part of their employment duties and functions, and in a manner that is consistent with the conditions that apply to their employers' authorizations.
Each province or territory may have additional legislation that could apply to this type of activity so regulated parties should be familiar with all relevant legislation and consult with provincial and territorial authorities as applicable.
For more information on intra-industry samples, refer to subsections 24(2) and 24(3) of the Act.
Promotion prohibitions under the Cannabis Regulations
Part 6.1 of the Regulations include additional prohibitions that apply to promotions. Some of these apply to only certain classes of cannabis while others apply to all classes of cannabis.
Health and cosmetic benefits
You cannot promote cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis if it could create the impression that the product or service could have health or cosmetic benefits.
Examples of health claims may include but are not limited to:
- sleep aid
- reducing pain
- reducing anxiety
- reducing inflammation
Examples of cosmetic claims may include but are not limited to:
- soothes dry skin
- skin brightening
- smooths wrinkles
- reduces signs of aging
- improves skin elasticity
In Addition to the Act and Regulations, the Food and Drugs Act applies if the cannabis is manufactured, sold or represented for use in:
- modifying organic functions in human beings or animals
- restoring or correcting organic functions, in human beings or animals
- the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease, disorder or abnormal physical state, or its symptoms
Under the Food and Drugs Act, health products containing cannabis or for use with cannabis are subject to premarket authorization by Health Canada. All health products are reviewed for safety, efficacy and quality prior to receiving a market authorization and are also subject to a number of other requirements such as establishment licensing.
Promotions that include health claims are considered a compliance and enforcement priority for Health Canada. In particular, health claims that are made for serious diseases such as depression, addiction, cancer, among others, as referenced in Schedule A.1 of the Food and Drugs Act, are of highest risk and strictly prohibited.
For more information on the regulatory framework for health products containing cannabis or for use with cannabis, refer to the Health products containing cannabis or for use with cannabis.
For more information on prohibitions related to health and cosmetic benefits, refer to section 104.12 of the Regulations.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and vaping products
You cannot promote cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the promotion could associate it with:
- an alcoholic beverage (for example, beer, wine, spirits or cocktails)
- a tobacco product, as defined in section 2 of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
- a vaping product, as defined in section 2 of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
For example, an edible gummy that is being promoted as "mojito" flavoured with association to a mojito cocktail, or a pre-roll being promoted as a "cannabis cigarette" with association to tobacco products are prohibited.
For more information on prohibitions related to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and vaping products, refer to sections 104.15 and 104.16 of the Regulations.
Flavours (cannabis extracts)
You cannot promote a cannabis extract or a cannabis accessory that contains a cannabis extract in a manner that could cause a person to believe it has the flavour of a(n):
- energy drink
- confectionery (such as candies or gum)
- dessert (such as ice cream, cookies or chocolate)
- soft drink (such as cola, orange soda or root beer)
This includes associations either with a product category itself (for example, candy) or a known brand. Abbreviated, truncated or phonetically similar names that could still give an association with any of these prohibited categories may also be non-compliant. For example, "Gummi brz" may be phonetically similar to "Gummy bears", "Peech ringz" may be phonetically similar to "Peach rings" which are commonly known as candies.
Note that these types of promotions may also be considered appealing to young persons.
For more information on prohibitions related to flavours, refer to section 104.11 of the Regulations.
Energy value, amount of nutrient and dietary requirements (edible cannabis)
The nutrition facts table that is required to be included on the label of edible cannabis (or a cannabis accessory that contains edible cannabis), may be reproduced in promotions.
However, you cannot promote by communicating information about the energy value or amounts of nutrients, including calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, protein, potassium, calcium and iron, as well as additional nutrients such as other vitamins and minerals. For example, promotions containing claims such as "sugar free" or "low in calories" are prohibited.
You cannot promote edible cannabis or a cannabis accessory that contains edible cannabis under subsections 17(2) to (6) of the Act if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the promotion could create the impression that the edible cannabis or accessory is intended:
- to meet the particular dietary requirements of an individual
- who has a physical or physiological condition as a result of a disease, disorder or injury
- for whom a particular effect, including weight loss, is to be obtained by a controlled intake of food
- to meet the dietary requirements of young persons
For example, promotions including claims such as "suitable for diabetics" or "can be tolerated by those with celiac conditions" are prohibited.
For more information on prohibitions related to energy value, amount of nutrient and dietary requirements in edible cannabis, refer to:
- subsections 104.13(1) and 104.13(2) of the Regulations
- section 104.14 of the Regulations
- subsections 17(2) to (6) of the Act
Permitted promotions
Persons authorized to promote
The Act permits limited promotion by allowing persons authorized to produce, sell or distribute cannabis, and persons promoting cannabis accessories or a service related to cannabis, to promote by means of informational and brand-preference promotion, which are both defined in the Act and detailed below.
A person authorized to produce, sell or distribute cannabis is limited to a federal licence holder or a provincial or private retailer authorized under subsection 69(1) of the Act.
Licence holders must include their name, as set out in their licence, in all the means by which they identify themselves in relation to cannabis, including in advertising. Advertising is any representation, including promotions found on online platforms such as websites and social media, including those accessed through a QR code.
Licence holders are also responsible for keeping a sample or copy of any promotional materials for at least two years after the day on which the promotion ended.
For more information on promotion-related record keeping, refer to section 43 of the Act and sections 48 and 236 of the Regulations.
Informational promotion or brand-preference promotion
Informational promotion means a promotion by which factual information is provided to the consumer about:
- cannabis or its characteristics
- a cannabis accessory or its characteristics
- a service related to cannabis
- the availability or price of cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis
For example, this can include information on cannabinoid or terpene amounts, ingredients, images of packaged or unpackaged cannabis product and product listings.
Brand-preference promotion means promotion of cannabis by means of its brand characteristics, promotion of a cannabis accessory by means of its brand characteristics or promotion of a service related to cannabis by means of the brand characteristics of the service.
For example, promotion regarding the production environment such as "sun grown", "hand trimmed", "woman owned", "family owned" may be permitted.
Subject to additional requirements further outlined below, this type of informational promotion or brand-preference promotion must be:
- in a communication that is addressed and sent to an individual who is 18 years of age or older and is identified by name
- in a place where young persons are not permitted by law
- in this case, the promotion cannot be audible or visible from outside a place where young persons are not permitted by law (section 104.17 of the Regulations)
- communicated by means of a telecommunication (such as, online content via websites or social media, including those accessed through a QR code), where the person responsible for the content of the promotion has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the promotion cannot be accessed by a young person
- in this case, steps that may be easily circumvented by youth may require additional steps to ensure youth cannot access promotional content. If no reasonable steps are taken to restrict access to young persons, all promotion must be removed from online sources including social media pages (such as, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Websites accessed through a QR code (displayed on a poster or on a product label for example) are subject to the same informational and brand preference promotion restrictions.
For more information on informational or brand-preference promotion, refer to:
- section 104.17 of the Regulations
- subsections 17(2) and (3) of the Act
Point of sale
A person that is authorized to sell cannabis, or a person who sells a cannabis accessory, or a service related to cannabis may promote it at the point of sale if the promotion indicates only its availability, its price or its availability and price.
For more information on promotion at point of sale, refer to subsections 17(4) and (5) of the Act.
Brand element on other things
The Act allows for the display of a brand element of cannabis, of a cannabis accessory or of a service related to cannabis on a thing that is not cannabis or a cannabis accessory with some exemptions and restrictions outlined below.
A brand element is defined under the Act and includes a brand name, trademark, tradename, distinguishing guise, logo, graphic arrangement, design or slogan that is reasonably associated with, or that evokes cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis or a brand of any cannabis, cannabis accessory or service related to cannabis.
Examples of "a thing" include, but are not limited to: signage of any form, merchandise such as hats, apparel, water bottles, mugs, stickers, etc.
The Act, under subsection 17(6), prohibits a brand element on a thing that:
- is associated with young persons
- there are reasonable grounds to believe could be appealing to young persons
- is associated with a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring
Examples of things that could be considered non-compliant include display of brand elements on sports team apparel, skateboards, guitars, colouring books, stuffed animals among others.
The Regulations contain a number of additional restrictions applicable to promotion by displaying a brand element on a thing. More specifically, restrictions on the number, dimension and location of brand elements, outlined below.
Number of brand elements
It is prohibited to promote cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis under subsection 17(6) of the Act in a manner that results:
- in the same brand element being displayed more than once on a thing referred to in that subsection (example of things on which the display of a brand element could be considered non-compliant are described above, under Brand element on other things)
- in more than one brand element being displayed on the thing
For more information on prohibitions related to number of brand elements, refer to section 104.18 of the Regulations.
Dimensions of brand element
A brand element referred to in subsection 17(6) of the Act must meet the following requirements:
- the surface area must be smaller than or equal to 300 cm2
- the height of any letter, character or number must be smaller than or equal to 4 cm
This restriction essentially limits the brand element to less than half of a sheet of standard letter paper size. For example, the representation of a brand element on a t-shirt could potentially meet the restriction depending on its size, but a billboard likely would not.
For more information on requirements related to brand element dimensions, refer to section 104.2 of the Regulations.
Public place frequented mainly by young persons
You cannot promote cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis under subsection 17(6) of the Act by displaying a brand element of cannabis, of a cannabis accessory or of a service related to cannabis on any thing that is in a school, a public playground, a daycare facility or any other public place frequented mainly by young persons or that is visible from such a place.
For more information on prohibitions related to displaying a brand element on a public place frequented mainly by young persons, refer to section 104.19 of the Regulations.
Publishing, broadcasting and billboards
Newspaper (print or online), radio and billboard, advertisements for cannabis licence holders or authorized retailers generally meet the definition of promote. Their primary purpose is typically to influence people to visit the store or ultimately purchase product.
In order to achieve its objective, the Act also regulates the publication, broadcasting and dissemination of promotional content by third parties. It is prohibited to publish, broadcast or otherwise disseminate, on behalf of another person, with or without consideration, any promotion that is prohibited by any of sections 17 to 22 of the Act.
Publishers and broadcasters and others disseminating promotions (for example, advertising space owners) should be familiar with the prohibitions and limited permitted promotions to ensure that they too are in compliance. Of particular note is that in the limited permitted promotions, reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that the promotion cannot be accessed by a young person. Therefore, a publication, signage or a radio broadcast that includes a promotion authorized under the Act, and is accessible to the general public, may be non-compliant with the Act.
This prohibition does not apply in respect of the distribution for sale of an imported publication, a lawful distribution undertaking in respect of broadcasting as defined under subsection 2(1) of the Broadcasting Act (other than the broadcasting of a promotion that is inserted by the distribution undertaking itself), or to a person that disseminates a promotion if they did not know that it includes a prohibited promotion at the time of the dissemination.
Regulated parties are encouraged to inform any person that may be disseminating promotions on their behalf of these prohibitions to ensure compliance.
For more information related to the publication, broadcast, or dissemination of promotions, refer to section 23 of the Act.
Other related non-promotional prohibitions
Below are additional related requirements beyond promotions:
Display of cannabis or cannabis accessories
The Act prohibits the display of cannabis, or its package or label, by a person authorized to sell it (such as, a provincially or territorially authorized retailer) in a manner that may result in it being seen by a young person, such as when walking by a store window. This provision is intended to protect youth and prevent inducements to use cannabis. A similar provision applies for cannabis accessories.
The Act and its regulations do not prescribe how this is to be done. For example, a retailer may choose to have full window coverings at its retail location or modify their store design and product placement to ensure cannabis and cannabis accessories are not visible. Note that provincial and territorial governments may have additional requirements in place (such as, specific security measures).
For more information on prohibitions related to display of cannabis or cannabis accessories, refer to sections 29 and 30 of the Act.
Self-service display or dispensing devices
You cannot sell or distribute cannabis or a cannabis accessory by means of a display that allows for self-service or by means of a dispensing device. Note that this does not apply to replacement parts of a cannabis accessory (such as, pipe screen), only to cannabis or cannabis accessories themselves.
For more information on prohibitions related to self-service display or dispensing devices, refer to sections 36 and 37 of the Act.
Other information
Health Canada does not review or pre-approve any communications, materials, and activities before they are published, distributed or launched, nor does Health Canada provide advice on legal matters. It remains the responsibility of those engaging in activities relating to cannabis, cannabis accessories, and services related to cannabis, including promotion or its dissemination, to understand and comply with all of the requirements of the Act and its regulations, and any other federal and provincial or territorial legislation that may apply, and to work with their legal counsel to that end if necessary.
For concerns of a suspected non-compliance with the Act or its regulations, individuals may report them to Health Canada through the cannabis reporting form. All reports will be reviewed to determine if they fall within Health Canada's mandate. If so, they will be assessed and prioritized for action according to public health and safety risk. High risk reports will receive priority attention. Health Canada will assess compliance with the provisions of the Act and its regulations relating to promotion on a case-by-case basis. The particular facts of each circumstance will be examined and considered. The purpose, content and context of a communication or message and the intended audience are examples of factors that may be taken into consideration when assessing whether a promotional activity is prohibited. Actions taken will be consistent with Health Canada's compliance and enforcement policy for the Act with the objective of achieving compliance using the most appropriate level of intervention.
Contact us
If you have general questions about the Act and its regulations, you can reach Health Canada by email cannabis@hc-sc.gc.ca
For concerns of a suspected non-compliance with the Act or its regulations, individuals may report them to Health Canada through the cannabis reporting form.
For all other Government of Canada contact information, refer to Cannabis and industrial hemp contact information for licence holders, applicants and industry.
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