‘We have to have a clear understanding that this is as viable and sustainable as possible’

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Some Alberta cannabis retailers are seeking a delay in launching online sales, citing what they call drawbacks in delivery and age certification requirements.

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Strict age attestation rules that go beyond submitting a date of birth and a ban on third-party delivery which poses higher insurance costs — measures not demanded in many other provinces — should be dropped, industry insiders say.

“They’re asking for your credit score to access (online sales),” said Nathan Mison, a one-time retailer and industry consultant.

That, and a ban on using a third-party cannabis courier — such as a service similar to Skip the Dishes — puts the legal cannabis sector at a disadvantage with illicit operators who are widely believed to still control nearly 50 per cent of the market, said Mison.

“It’s a pretty high bar when the illicits don’t face that,” he said.

“We’re asking for 30 to 45 days more to iron this out.”