Project timeline
Plan the work before the window.
Use this timeline to see how ONTCSA moves qualified projects from fit review into specification lock, samples, packaging coordination, production scheduling, release handoff, and reorder planning.
Timeline route
Follow the stage lane.
The sequence is a planning path, not a fixed lead-time promise. Timing depends on product scope, buyer readiness, sample decisions, packaging proofing, volume, quality review, documents, and production capacity.
Fit Review.
Confirm that the company, market, category, and expected path are appropriate for ONTCSA review before detailed production discussion.
- Company role, decision maker, and destination market.
- Product family, approximate volume, and commercial target.
- Adult-use responsibility and document expectations.
Spec Lock.
Turn the product idea into a reviewable brief with format, size, profile, quantity, packaging direction, sample references, and required records.
- Product category, blend or format notes, and quantity range.
- Packaging direction, labels, bands, carton needs, and branded items.
- Quote assumptions and any market-specific review needs.
Sample Loop.
Use sample review to keep feedback specific, recorded, and connected to final specification decisions before production planning advances.
- Reference samples, requested adjustments, and approval notes.
- Quality checkpoints, retain sample context, and decision status.
- Artwork or packaging proof items that must be resolved.
Release Path.
Prepare the release packet so production, quality, packaging, logistics, buyer responsibility, and reorder planning are clear at handoff.
- Inspection notes, lot references, release timing, and pickup route.
- Packaging provider handoff and branded collateral status.
- Reorder assumptions, forecast signals, and next production window.
Gate checks
Hold the line.
Project timing improves when each stage has a clear decision gate. These gates keep the request from jumping into samples, packaging, production, or logistics before the required information is ready.
Can ONTCSA review it?
Company role, market, category, quantity, and commercial fit are understood.
Can the product be quoted?
Format, target, packaging direction, sample needs, and assumptions are defined.
Can the work advance?
Sample feedback, proof decisions, quality notes, and quote assumptions are settled.
Can the handoff proceed?
Documents, packaging status, release notes, logistics route, and reorder context are ready.
Handoff lanes
Separate the work.
Timeline planning works best when product, quality, packaging, and release responsibilities are not mixed into one unclear request.
Product and quality.
ONTCSA keeps product specification, sample feedback, inspection notes, retain sample context, lot references, and quality documentation connected to the project record.
Packaging and brand items.
Packaging, stickers, cigar bands, labels, cartons, display items, and branded printed items are routed through San Marcos iPrint LLC, ONTCSA's exclusive packaging provider.
Learn more about the provider path on the San Marcos iPrint page.
Planning links
Open the right file.
Use the right support page when the timeline points to qualification, specs, samples, packaging, quality records, or reorder planning.
StartBuyer qualificationConfirm company fit, market, product category, volume range, and timing.OpenFitProduct comparisonChoose the right ONTCSA product lane before building the brief.CompareSpecSpec preparationCapture format, quantity, market, sample notes, and packaging direction.BuildSamplesSample reviewMove from product target into a recorded approval path.ReviewPackagingSan Marcos iPrintReview the exclusive packaging provider path for bands, labels, stickers, and branded items.LearnRepeatReorder planningPrepare repeat-order timing, forecast signals, and next-window assumptions.Plan
Ready for review
Start at the right stage.
Share company role, product category, specification status, sample needs, packaging direction, destination market, quantity range, launch target, and document needs so ONTCSA can route the project clearly.
Project Timeline Discovery Sampling Specification lock Production window Launch handoff phase531-project-timeline-breakpoint-optimizer Buyer journey timeline phase483-launch-timing-board San Marcos iPrint packaging stickers cigar bands branded items buyer-qualification.html product-spec-preparation.html sample-review-process.html quality-documentation-path.html request-quote.html Product availability varies by market adult-use