Taylor Caldwell, the general manager of Kindling Cannabis Leaside, has been accustomed to receiving cannabis deliveries regularly. Typically, she receives a notification about the expected delivery time, signs off on the paperwork upon arrival, and adds the products to the store’s inventory.
However, Caldwell’s experience on December 28, 2024, was far from ordinary. Despite being informed that the delivery would arrive by noon, the shipment failed to reach the shop located near Eglinton Ave E. and Laird Dr., as Caldwell recounted to CBC Toronto.
After unsuccessful attempts to reach the delivery driver, Caldwell was surprised to learn from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) that the shipment had been delivered and signed for by a neighboring shop, which then left the boxes in her store’s back alley.
Reviewing security camera footage, Caldwell observed an individual dropping off boxes in the alley after the store closed, followed shortly by someone else who started stealing the packages.
Although OCS compensated Kindling Leaside for the order, Caldwell expressed frustration over what she perceived as inadequate action by regulatory bodies, including the OCS and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Caldwell highlighted the failure to follow established policies by signing for and leaving the shipment at the wrong location. OCS confirmed that the incident is under investigation by Toronto police and the AGCO.
‘Policies were not followed,’ OCS says
The OCS emphasized that protocols dictate retailers to contact them immediately if they receive an incorrect shipment, which was not adhered to in this case.
The circumstances surrounding the unauthorized signing and delivery of the packages remain unclear, raising questions about accountability and the handling of such incidents.
Kindling Leaside faced stock shortages due to the incident, impacting their business during a high-demand period like New Year’s Eve.
Calls for more consistent enforcement
Caldwell and others are advocating for more consistent enforcement of regulations in the cannabis retail sector to ensure compliance and accountability.
Matt Maurer, a cannabis law expert, highlighted the need for uniform enforcement and clearer delineation of responsibilities among regulatory bodies.
Both proactive and complaint-driven enforcement mechanisms are in place, but there are concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of enforcement actions.
The AGCO assured that the theft incident is being thoroughly investigated, with a specialized unit handling the case to ensure compliance with regulations.