Cannabis Retail Store Security Course 2026
For security guards who work at the door or on the floor of a licensed cannabis store. The lessons cover the federal and provincial rules that shape the job, ID checks, intoxicated customers, store security systems, theft and robbery, and opening and closing. Alberta and Ontario are used as examples.
Quick answer
This free course has about 25 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain the main federal and provincial cannabis rules a guard must know
- Check ID correctly and keep minors out of the store
- Refuse intoxicated customers safely and respond if they drive
- Use store alarms, cameras and storage rules properly
- Respond safely to theft, robbery and forced entry
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: B. Up to 30 grams
The federal limit for adults in public is 30 grams of legal dried cannabis or the equivalent.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. 18
Alberta's minimum age is 18. Most provinces and territories use 19, and Quebec uses 21.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: B. 21
Quebec has set its minimum age at 21. Provinces may raise the federal minimum of 18 but not lower it.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. Anyone under 19
The AGCO says there is no entrance for people under 19 at authorized cannabis stores in Ontario.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: B. 25
Both the AGLC and the AGCO require ID checks for anyone who appears to be under 25.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. An original, unexpired government-issued photo ID with name and date of birth
AGLC rules say primary ID must be government issued, show a photo, name, date of birth and a unique number, be unexpired, and be an original.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. Ask for a second piece of government-issued ID
When ID seems not genuine or is unfamiliar, AGLC rules say to ask for a second piece of government-issued ID.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. The minor may not enter the store
Under Alberta law, no minor may enter a licensed retail cannabis store, even with a parent.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: B. Staff must not sell cannabis to a person who appears intoxicated
Selling to a person who appears intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is not allowed in Alberta and Ontario stores.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: C. Suggest a taxi and offer to call one
AGLC guidance is to suggest a taxi and offer to call one when an intoxicated person has driven to the store.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. Note the plate, vehicle model, colour and direction, and notify police right away
AGLC guidance says to record the vehicle details and direction of travel and notify police immediately.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: A. Yes, security staff need it, whether directly employed or contracted
AGLC lists security staff, directly employed or contracted, among the people who must hold SellSafe certification.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. Everyone working in the store, including people providing security services
The AGCO requires everyone working in a cannabis retail store, including people providing security, to complete approved training first.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: C. At least 60 days
AGLC requires a minimum of 60 days of recording retention, and footage must be kept if an investigation is pending.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. At every point-of-sale position
AGLC requires panic or robbery buttons at all point-of-sale positions, as part of a professionally monitored alarm.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: D. Stay calm, explain the rule briefly and give them a way to leave with dignity
Calm, short explanations and a way out help tension come down. Serving them would break the rules.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: B. In a locked showcase or a locked storage room that only authorized staff can open
AGLC rules say that after hours all cannabis must be in a locked showcase or a locked storage room for authorized staff only.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. Only staff
The AGCO says cannabis is stored securely and only staff may handle it before it has been purchased.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: C. The sale must not be completed
AGLC rules limit purchases to 30 grams or equivalent per person per visit; a sale over that limit must not be completed.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. a serious offence that can bring up to 14 years in prison
Section 10 of the Cannabis Act makes selling to a person under 18 an offence; on indictment the maximum is 14 years.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. Stay calm, do what they ask and do not resist or chase them
Products can be replaced; people cannot. Comply, stay calm and focus on remembering details.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: C. Call 911, protect the scene and ask witnesses to stay
Call 911 first, lock the doors if safe, keep the scene untouched and ask witnesses to wait for police.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Only when it is safe to do so without the robber noticing
Pressing a button in view of an armed robber can put people in danger. Activate it when it is safe.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. Do not go in; move to a safe place and call police
An intruder may still be inside, and the scene is evidence. Stay out and call police.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: A. The nearest AGLC office
AGLC rules say licensees and staff with information about illegal or stolen cannabis must contact the nearest AGLC office.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Adults may possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis or equivalent in public. The federal minimum age is 18, and provinces may raise it.
- The minimum age is 18 in Alberta, 21 in Quebec and 19 in the other provinces and territories.
- Alberta and Ontario cannabis stores must check the ID of anyone who appears to be under 25.
- In Alberta, security staff, whether employed by the store or contracted, must hold SellSafe certification.
- In Ontario, everyone working in a cannabis store, including people providing security, must complete AGCO-approved training such as CannSell before their first day.
- Alberta stores need a monitored alarm with panic buttons at every point of sale, and must keep video recordings for at least 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
Can a minor come into a cannabis store with a parent?
No. In Alberta no minor may enter a licensed cannabis store, and in Ontario there is no entry for people under 19. A parent and child would need to shop separately.
What ID should I accept at a cannabis store?
Follow your province's rules and store policy. In Alberta, primary ID must be an original, unexpired, government-issued photo ID with name and date of birth. If ID seems fake or is unfamiliar, ask for a second piece.
Do the rules differ between provinces?
Yes. Each province sets its own minimum age and store rules through its regulator, such as the AGLC in Alberta and the AGCO in Ontario. Learn the rules where you work.
What should I do if the store is robbed?
Stay calm, do what the robber asks and do not resist or chase. When it is safe, press the panic button or call 911, then protect the scene and ask witnesses to stay.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.
Sources
- Cannabis legalization and regulation (Department of Justice Canada)
- Cannabis in the provinces and territories (Health Canada)
- Cannabis Act, sections 8 to 10 (Justice Laws)
- Retail Cannabis Store Handbook (AGLC)
- Retail Cannabis Store Handbook, February 2025 edition (AGLC, PDF)
- Authorized cannabis retail stores: what customers can expect (AGCO)
- Educational requirements for cannabis retail (AGCO)
- Cannabis retail conditions (AGCO)
- Criminal Code, section 494 (Justice Laws)