Manitoba has been accepting applications for retailers to open outlets to sell marijuana after its decision on how to handle sales of pot when it becomes legal across Canada this summer.
The province has decided to go with a hybrid model for sales.
The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corp. will secure the marijuana and track it in Manitoba, but private retail stores will be allowed to sell it.
Pot won’t be sold where alcohol is sold, which means the province won’t have to pay for new storefronts, Premier Brian Pallister told a news conference.
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries will deal with supply chains and orders from retailers. Retail stores could open as early as July 2.
“This is a step-by-step process,” said Pallister, who did not reveal at what age people will be able to legally purchase pot.
Pallister also did not say how many stores will be allowed.
“We’ll wait and see what the request for proposal allows as a response, I suppose. We remain anticipating we’ll have a great response,” said Pallister.
Deadline for retail applications were December 22.
