Shipping Cannabis to SQDC: Quebec Delivery Planning for Licensed Producers

Quebec is one of Canada's largest cannabis markets, and the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is the province's sole cannabis retailer and distributor. For licensed producers shipping product into Quebec, that means all inbound freight flows through a single point — the SQDC's distribution network — with specific requirements around appointments, documentation, and carrier coordination. Understanding these requirements before your first shipment avoids costly delays and compliance exposure.

How SQDC Cannabis Distribution Works

The SQDC is both the retailer and distributor of cannabis in Quebec. Licensed producers enter supply agreements directly with the SQDC and ship product into the SQDC's warehouse, from which product is distributed to the SQDC's retail store network across the province. Unlike provinces with private retail, there is no direct-to-retailer shipping in Quebec — everything moves through the SQDC's centralized distribution point.

Appointment Requirements

SQDC inbound deliveries are appointment-driven. Licensed producers must coordinate a confirmed delivery window with the SQDC before dispatching freight. Carriers arriving outside their confirmed appointment window risk refusal or significant delays, which creates cascading problems for your supply program and carrier relationships. Working with a freight broker who understands appointment coordination — and proactively manages transit timing to hit those windows — is essential for consistent SQDC deliveries.

Documentation Requirements for SQDC Shipments

• Bill of lading with accurate product description, lot numbers, and consignee information (SQDC)
• Cannabis tracking report (CTR) or equivalent Health Canada reporting entry completed before shipment departure
• Manifest with product codes, batch numbers, and weights aligned to the SQDC purchase order
• Pre-arrival notification to the SQDC per their intake requirements
• Any SQDC-specific transfer documentation required for the shipment

Carrier Requirements for Quebec Cannabis Freight

Carriers handling cannabis freight into Quebec must follow federal Cannabis Act documentation and handling requirements, including proper chain-of-custody procedures, appropriate vehicle requirements per your facility SOP, and drivers experienced with regulated cargo protocols. Carriers moving cannabis into Quebec from other provinces are operating interprovincially — confirm your carrier is familiar with federal cannabis transportation documentation requirements before the shipment departs.

Transit Times: Ontario and Western Canada to the SQDC

• Ontario to Quebec (SQDC): 1–2 business days by road for most Ontario origins
• Alberta to Quebec: 4–6 business days by road, depending on origin and routing
• British Columbia to Quebec: 5–7 business days by road
• Maritime provinces to Quebec: 1–2 business days by road

Working With a Freight Broker for SQDC Deliveries

A freight broker with experience in cannabis logistics can manage SQDC delivery coordination on your behalf — sourcing carriers, aligning pickup and transit timing with your confirmed appointment window, and providing milestone updates throughout the move. For LPs with ongoing Quebec supply agreements, a broker relationship built around your program volume and delivery cadence is more reliable than managing carrier procurement and scheduling internally for each shipment.