Shopify inks deal with Ontario-run liquor board to push sales of cannabis online

The Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC), a subsidiary of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, will use the Ottawa-based company’s online store software for its online and mobile sales portal.“Our top priority is fulfilling the province’s framework for the safe and sensible retailing of recreational cannabis for when it is legalized by the federal government,” said George Soleas, president and CEO of the LCBO.READ MORE: Ontario asks for public’s opinion on allowing cannabis lounges as legalization looms“We look forward to combining our expertise as a socially responsible retailer with Shopify’s world-class commerce solutions to deliver the safe, informed and reliable shopping experience that our new customers will expect.”Shopify’s technology will also be used inside brick-and-mortar stores to process transactions on iPads and for digital screens displaying product and health information.The OCRC said Ontarians will have access to the same product information, use guidelines and social responsibility information –that adhere to federal marketing provisions — both in-store and online.VIDEO: Trudeau on amnesty for marijuana possession The public consultation for Health Canada’s proposed guidelines for cannabis regulation — which include limits on branding elements on packaging, as well as restrictions on marketing similar to tobacco — finished on Jan. 20, with a finalized version yet to be delivered.The agency selected the tech darling to provide point-of-sale systems for in-store and online sales in late 2017.“Bringing this differentiator to the LCBO on this historic project to consumers of legal age across Ontario, is a great example of a made-in-Canada innovation, which we are proud to be a part of,” said Loren Padelford, vice-president of Shopify Plus, the division that focuses on big clients.READ MORE: Ontario government outlines first 14 cities to host cannabis shopsThe OCRC is in the process of determining the design for the user experience, with the aim of having operations installed in time for the proposed federal marijuana legalization launch in July 2018, the agency said.In addition to online sales, Ontario will roll out an initial wave of 40 stores which are expected to grow in number to 150 by the end of 2020The government agency will also use Shopify’s platform to manage inventory, accounting and human resources operations.Sales of the drug in Ontario will only be available through government-run online or in standalone stores,, while some other provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia are allowing for some private sales of cannabis.VIDEO: Ontario plan for legal marijuana leaves many questions unanswered