Saskatchewan’s new business-friendly framework for recreational cannabis sales calls for the establishment of 51 privately owned stores no later than 12 months after legalization.
Retail applicants in Saskatchewan must complete a two-part process that will include initial screening and entry into a lottery of qualified applicants.
The number of retail sales licenses will be capped at 51 for the first three years of legalization.
The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act was introduced in the province’s Legislative Assembly on March 14, and the government plans to pass the bill this spring.
Western Canada could be a hotbed for cannabis entrepreneurs come legalization late this summer.
British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba will carve out space for hundreds of privately owned cannabis stores.
By contrast, Canada’s two most populous provinces – Ontario and Quebec – will rely on 60 government-owned outlets to sell cannabis in the first year of legalization.
What you need to know about Saskatchewan’s proposed rules:
- The minimum age for recreational consumption will be 19.
- Consuming cannabis in public spaces will be prohibited, which means lounges are not in the cards.
- Saskatchewanians will be allowed to grow four plants per household.
- The Liquor and Gaming Authority will establish a licensing regime for wholesalers and retailers.
