How To Be Sure You’re Purchasing Cannabis from a Legal Source

Last updated March 24, 2026 | Published on June 20, 2022 

When you’re purchasing any consumable product, it’s important to know where it comes from — and this is especially true when it comes to cannabis. Many unregulated stores and MOM websites (short for “mail order marijuana,” a common term for sites that sell unregulated cannabis online) may look legitimate, but purchasing from them is illegal. 

Consuming cannabis from illegal sources is risky

Legal consequences and health risks are just two of the potential harms of purchasing and consuming cannabis from illegal sources. 

Fines and penalties

Fines of $150 (or more) are charged for possession of small quantities of unregulated cannabis. There are also penalties for possessing unregulated cannabis products for the purposes of distribution, from a fine to jailtime. (Learn more about what’s legal and what’s not for Ontario cannabis consumers.)

Health risks

Consuming unregulated cannabis can pose health risks. Unlike regulated cannabis, these products may not be rigorously tested and could contain harmful ingredients. That’s why it’s important to trust your cannabis source.

How to verify a cannabis store is legal

Not all cannabis stores you come across while shopping in person or online are regulated. Here are some tips to help you spot illegal cannabis stores, so you can make informed purchasing decisions and shop safely. 

Check the list of Authorized Cannabis Stores

In Ontario, there are two legal sources of cannabis: Authorized Cannabis Stores and the OCS. Authorized Cannabis Stores have bricks-and-mortar locations and can offer online ordering for delivery or curbside pickup. The OCS sells online only. 

Whether you prefer to shop for cannabis online or in store, you can check the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s official list of Authorized Cannabis Stores. Or use the OCS Store Locator to find a retailer near you. 

Look for the Ontario Authorized retail seal

Authorized Cannabis Stores in Ontario must display the Cannabis Retail Seal in a place that is visible from the exterior of the public entrance. The seal must be at least 17 cm wide and 20 cm long. This helps consumers easily identify a legal retailer’s storefront. The Cannabis Retail Seal must also appear on Authorized Cannabis Stores’ retail websites.

Pay attention to ID and payment methods 

If a website asks you to upload a photo of your driver’s licence or any other form of photo identification, it’s not the website of an Authorized Cannabis Store. 

Your privacy is important. Authorized Cannabis Stores will ask anyone who appears under 25 for identification before you are permitted to enter the store. If you’ve placed an online order, you’ll be asked to provide identification at the time of delivery or curbside pickup. Similarly, you’ll be asked for identification upon delivery of an online order purchased through OCS.ca. 

One more note about purchasing cannabis online: If a website requires you to pay for your order by logging into your bank account and sending an email Interac e-Transfer, and doesn’t accept credit cards, then it's an illegal source. Same goes for sites that accept cryptocurrency as payment. 

Examine the product packaging and information 

You can tell whether a cannabis product is legal or not by its packaging. An unregulated cannabis product from an illegal source will be missing key information and symbols on its label, which means you’re not getting the full scoop on what’s inside the package.  

Check the shipping information 

If an online recreational cannabis store says it can ship across Canada, it’s not a legal source. 

How to spot illegal cannabis products

Here are a few ways you can determine whether a cannabis product is from the illegal market.

• The packaging of cannabis edibles is made to look like a popular brand of non-infused candy.
• There’s no (or little) detail about THC and CBD amounts.
• The package contains more than the equivalent of 30 g of dried cannabis.
• Key stamps and symbols are missing.
• There’s no list of ingredients or required health warnings.
• The packaging is not child-resistant.

Find out more about how to spot unregulated cannabis products.

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