The Ontario government may extend permissible retailing hours for licensed cannabis stores to help them compete with the illicit market. A newly launched public consultation asks for feedback on allowing retailers to open for sales at 7 a.m.. Licensed beer, wine and cider retailers already have that flexibility in Ontario.

Currently, licensed cannabis retailers can operate from their storefronts between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. and provide delivery service during the same hours. As proposed, delivery service would continue to begin at 9 a.m., which is also the same start-time to which alcohol retailers must adhere.

“Expanded retail store hours may help legal retailers capture sales currently diverted to the illicit market, thereby supporting the government’s efforts to combat illegal cannabis activity,” states the accompanying explanation on the provincial regulatory registry.

It’s also suggested that expanded retail hours “could create operational efficiencies” for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission’s inspectors who could be beginning their workdays at 7 a.m. to attend at the premises of alcohol retailers. However, cannabis retailers will have the option to choose their own operational hours within that longer 16-hour window.

The public can comment on the proposal until April 24, 2026.