The Saskatchewan Government has determined how marijuana will be sold in the province.
The province will have private retailers selling with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Association overseeing the process. To start 60 cannabis distribution permits in total will be given to 40 eligible cities and towns with a population over 2,500. Larger cities will be given more distribution permits.
All retailers who receive the cannabis permits must be standalone, selling only cannabis products and accessories. Retailers will also be able to sell online as well. A two phase process will be used to determine which retailers will be given the permits. The first phase will screen for the financial capacity and ability to track and report inventory movement through a cannabis supply chain. The second phase of the process will be a lottery or random determination from the selected applicants. The application process will begin in the spring.
Lloydminster is set to receive two distribution licenses. Other towns in the area set to have permits are North Battleford, Battleford and Onion Lake First Nation. First Nations and municipalities have the ability to opt out of having a retail cannabis store in their town should they choose. The SLGA will begin discussions with these communities this week.
The Government of Saskatchewan plans to review this model when it is put into place, and possibly allow for more cannabis licenses one year to 18 months after legalization.