A source for the Globe and Mail said that the federal government is poised to drastically speed up the licensing process to increase the number of companies authorized to grow marijuana in Canada. The expedited process should help to meet the expected increase in demand once adult-use legislation becomes a reality in the Great White North.
Further to the producer efforts, another priority for the feds is to ensure a diverse array of large and small businesses growing cannabis.
There are currently 42 companies with permission to cultivate, and many of them are large corporations with sizable facilities and resources. The federal official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said there is “a clear desire on the government’s part to have a mix of big and small producers.”
The legislation to legalize cannabis is reported to be coming on Thursday of this week, providing Canadians with a better idea of how the national system will operate.
The same Globe and Mail source offered some insight as to how each province is expected to execute sales. “It’s going to be similar to the situation with alcohol. In Alberta, it’s in the hands of the private sector, whereas in Quebec and Ontario, it’s run by the state.”
Marijuana.com contacted the Cannabis Friendly Business Association to get their thoughts on state-run marijuana distribution in these areas, and the fear that cannabis may only be sold in government-controlled outlets such as liquor stores. “The Ontario Government is open to creating dedicated storefronts with trained staff,” said spokesperson Lisa Campbell. “While dispensaries, as we know them, may not exist this year, the Ontario Government will be carving out policy for storefront retail distribution with no co-location with alcohol recommended.”
Campbell went on to add that, although liquor stores are already selling hemp-infused products such as Buzz Hemp Lager, it will probably stop there. She then said that pharmacies, dispensaries, and edible cafes are all still possible. “Don’t expect to see cannabis in the LCBO beyond hemp beer and gin.”
Further on the distribution front, once the upcoming adult-use legislation is in effect, it is expected that there will be an “interim system” where marijuana will be available across the country in case some provinces are not quick enough to catch up with federal laws. This could include pot being delivered by mail, as it is currently done with medical cannabis.
Speculation and anonymous commentary aside, the truth of it all is expected to be released tomorrow. Once the information is known, Canada will take another small step forward on its significant journey towards legal cannabis.
credit:marijuana.com
