It may be a bit longer before more pot shops open in Lloydminster. Alberta says no more licenses will be issued, due to a shortage in product.
“Since October 17, 2018, cannabis supply levels have remained a concern for licence applicants, retailers and consumers alike. This has been the case in Alberta and across Canada,” says Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis President & CEO Alain Maisonneuve. “AGLC ordered enough product to support up to 250 retail stores in the first six months of legalization; however, as of November 17, we have only received approximately 20 per cent of what we had ordered. ”
Within the first couple weeks of legalization Maisonneuve says they tried obtaining more product from producers with no success. The AGLC is trying to support private retailers with a minimal supply.
“All applicants in various stages of the licensing process will receive a full refund of all licensing fees should they wish to withdraw from the licensing application process.”
For the time being, new applications and additional cannabis retail licences will be temporarily suspended until further notice. Lloydminster currently has one store opened on the Alberta side and a second, House of Hybrids, opening on November 24th. As of last week around seven total licenses were processing in Lloydminster.
On the Saskatchewan side of the city, two shops have won the permit lottery, Beleave Inc. and Kolab Project Inc. looked to open within the next couple months. With the cannabis supplies scarce across the country their timetable is unknown at this time.
