CannSell Standard
The CannSell Standard Certification is the most well-known and widely used official cannabis retail training program in Ontario, approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Additional Course Information
If you want to become a budtender and work in a legal cannabis store, or need a certification for cannabis retail, this is the course that is required before your first day of work.This 4-hour foundational course provides everything you need to know to safely sell cannabis, follow Ontario regulations, and deliver a responsible customer experience.
Why Choose the CannSell Standard Training Program?
The course is an essential foundational training program for new cannabis professionals. It includes:
Cannabis basics,science and safety
Product categories and forms of ingestion
In-depth information on edibles, oils and concentrates
How products affect the body, including onsets and durations
Risk education & safety protocols
Cannabis laws across Canada and in Ontario
Built for retail environments, course modules include:
Retail operations
AGCO store compliance
Navigating diverse customer interactions
Recognizing impairment
Refusal-of-sale procedures
Key Course Highlights
AGCO-approved training
Valid certification for ALL Ontario cannabis retail store employees
Self-paced online format (mobile, laptop, tablet or desktop)
Digital certificate + verifiable badge
4 hours of content + exam
25-question final exam (score of 80% or higher required to pass)
Includes cannabis laws, safety, product knowledge & responsible sales
Who Needs the CannSell Standard Course?
Becoming a budtender in Ontario
Applying for any cannabis retail job
Opening or managing a cannabis store
Seeking a certification to sell cannabis for other job placements
Syllabus
Module 1: Cannabis Biology & Product Education
Module 2: Cannabis Effects, Risks & Impairment
Module 3: Cannabis Laws in Ontario and across Canada
Module 4: Responsible Cannabis Retail Practices
Module 5: Cannabis Retail Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Every employee, manager, and license holder in an Ontario cannabis retail store must complete an approved training program recognized by AGCO before starting work. CannSell by WKT is an approved training provider in Ontario, offering the CannSell Standard course as AGCO-approved foundational training.
Does this course give me a cannabis license?
Completing this course provides you with a certification to legally work in cannabis retail in Ontario. CannSell does not offer licensing for stores or producers. Notably some people refer to the CannSell Standard certification as the "weed license to work".
Do I need to take CannSell Standard if I am planning to work as a brand representative for a Licensed Producer?
Although work outside of cannabis retail does not require the Standard certification, it is highly recommended as foundational material to ensure you have a good understanding of cannabis basics and the retail climate in Ontario before starting your position.
How long does the course take to complete?
CannSell Standard takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace. The course can be completed all at once or in multiple sessions on any device with internet access.
Is CannSell Standard AGCO-approved?
Yes. CannSell Standard is fully approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and is the preferred and most reputable training option for cannabis retail staff across the industry.
What is the passing score?
You must score 80% or higher on the final exam to receive your certificate.
What happens if I don't pass the exam on the first try?
Contact our team and we'll grant you one retake attempt. If you do not pass the exam after two attempts total, you will be required to pay a $50 fee for another two attempts at passing the final exam.
Does this certification expire?
CannSell Standard does not expire, but employees must stay up-to-date on AGCO rules if/when they change over time.
Does this course cover cannabis laws and safety?
Yes, it includes federal Cannabis Act rules, provincial laws, safety guidelines, risk education, best practices in customer interactions, and responsible sales.
Is CannSell Standard certification valid outside Ontario?
No, this course is designed specifically for Ontario's AGCO regulations.
Note: Our course modules work best on the latest version of Google Chrome. If your course is not loading, update your browser and/or check your internet connectivity as a first step.