The province of Manitoba has outlined how the sale of marijuana will be undertaken once it is legalized in Jul7 2018.
In a media conference on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, the province outlined parts of its cannabis plans. The Liquor and Gaming authority will be responsible to regulate the purchase, storage, distribution and retail of cannabis while Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries will secure and track the supply of the drug sold in Manitoba. Private sector business will own and operate all retail outlets.
[jaw_quote author=”Brian Pallister – Premier, Manitoba” ]Legalization of cannabis is a major shift in public policy and safety remains our top priority.[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]
The government says that they decided to have privately owned stores selling cannabis because they did not want to have the drug sold alongside alcohol. They say that by using the private retail model they eliminated the need for immediate public investment in new storefronts. The tories also say that different retail outlets will give consumers choice through different retail experiences.
“MBLL oversight of supply and distribution will ensure safety, and retail by the private sector will ensure competitiveness and accessibility which will help achieve our goal of getting gangs out of the cannabis business” said Premier Brian Pallister.
“This approach is designed to meet our objectives of eliminating the black market, keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and creating new opportunities in the marketplace,” said Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen.
The Premier said that Manitoba will be issuing a request for proposals from qualified applicants who want to operate retail outlets. Applicants will have until December 22 to submit proposals, with stores selling cannabis opening July 2, 2018.
The province says that all cannabis that will be sold in retail outlets must be purchased from Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.
-News 4-
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