Update From The OCS On The Launch Of Online Sales - October 19, 2018

The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is pleased to share that the response from Ontarians to the launch of legal online sales of recreational cannabis in the province was remarkable. In the first 24 hours of operation, the OCS online store received over 1.3 million unique visits. During this same period, the OCS received approximately 100,000 orders from customers, with 12,000 of those orders being received in the first hour after legalization. With the support of Ottawa-based Shopify, OCS.ca has been available to customers since launch without any interruptions. Clearly Ontarians who choose to consume cannabis are embracing the option to purchase legal Health Canada-regulated recreational cannabis from a trusted, responsible source.

“The OCS has been truly amazed by the volume of sales,” said OCS President Patrick Ford. “It’s way beyond what we anticipated and we appreciate customers’ patience as this exciting new business gets off the ground.”

Customers have started to receive their initial orders as of October 18 and the OCS anticipates that moving forward, thousands of customers will continue to receive their initial orders through Canada Post each business day. The OCS appreciates that many customers are excited about the opportunity to purchase cannabis through this legal channel and is committed to continuing to communicate updates on its progress in the coming days. New shipments are being received several times a week and the OCS has reached out to federally licensed producers to seek additional supply for sold-out products.

About the OCS

The Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC), operating as the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), is a crown corporation of the Government of Ontario. As the only legal retailer of recreational cannabis in Ontario, the OCS is focused on providing safe and responsible access to cannabis through its online store OCS.ca. Through its distribution network, the OCS will be the exclusive wholesale supplier of recreational cannabis to private stores that will open in Ontario this spring.