The Manitoba government has introduced legislation to have private businesses sell recreational marijuana once Canada’s adult-use market launches next year.
Home cultivation, meanwhile, would be banned.
That would mean Manitoba would have to look to local MJ producers for the province’s rec market.
New Brunswick was the first province to secure a supply of cannabis — though there is debate whether that province underestimated demand.
Manitoba’s legislation is also notable for including a provision that would allow municipal governments to prohibit retail cannabis sales within their boundaries through a local vote.
What you need to know:
- All businesses selling cannabis must be provincially licensed.
- The Liquor and Gaming Authority would be renamed the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority and be responsible for licensing cannabis stores and distributors.
- Manitoba’s legislation still needs approval from the province’s elected representatives.
- A request for proposals for retail cannabis stores remains open until Dec. 22.
- Manitoba’s proposed system puts the province’s only two licensed producers – Bonify and Delta 9 Cannabis – in a good position to capitalize on the adult-use market.
