A practical checklist for licensed cannabis producers preparing to move product. Use this as a starting point for your SOP review before every shipment.
Cannabis transportation under Canada's regulatory framework requires careful preparation at every stage of the process. A missed step — a gap in documentation, an unvetted carrier, or a communication breakdown with the receiver — can create compliance exposure and operational disruption. This checklist is a starting point, not a substitute for your facility's SOPs or legal counsel.
Before Booking the Shipment
- Confirm the receiving party is a licensed cannabis entity (LP, provincial board, retailer as applicable)
- Verify the quantity and product type against your site licence conditions
- Confirm your freight broker has experience with regulated cannabis freight
- Specify temperature requirements if the product is temperature-sensitive
- Determine whether GPS tracking is required by your SOP or by the receiver
Documentation to Prepare
- Cannabis tracking report (CTR) or equivalent Health Canada reporting entry
- Bill of lading with accurate product description, quantity, and consignee
- Manifest with product codes, batch numbers, and weight
- Pre-arrival notification to the receiver per their intake requirements
- Any provincial board transfer documentation required for the destination
Carrier Requirements
- Carrier has been vetted for cannabis handling by your broker
- Driver understands chain-of-custody expectations and your facility's entry/exit protocols
- Vehicle meets your SOP requirements (e.g., enclosed, sealed, GPS-equipped)
- Temperature-controlled equipment pre-cooled and inspected if required
- Emergency contact numbers exchanged between your team and the driver
At Delivery
- Receiver confirms product received matches manifest
- Signed POD (proof of delivery) returned to your records
- Temperature logs retrieved if reefer transport was used
- Any discrepancies reported immediately to your compliance team
OTR Logistics Solutions works exclusively with licensed cannabis businesses across Canada. Our team understands chain-of-custody expectations and coordinates cannabis freight from booking through delivery confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chain-of-custody in cannabis transportation?
Chain of custody requires every transfer of cannabis product to be fully documented — who took possession, when, what quantity, and in what condition. Any gap in this documentation creates compliance exposure under Health Canada regulations, regardless of the physical security of the shipment.
Does a cannabis carrier need to be licensed under the Cannabis Act?
Carriers transporting cannabis do not require a separate carrier licence, but shipments must move between licensed entities. The licensed producer retains accountability for carrier selection and ensuring documentation is complete throughout transit.
How should quantity or condition discrepancies at delivery be handled?
Any discrepancy should be noted on the proof of delivery before the receiver signs off, with photographs where appropriate. Notify your compliance team immediately and initiate a formal claim process with the carrier through your freight broker.
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