Saskatchewan could open up cannabis sales to entrepreneurs

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Saskatchewan doesn’t want to be in the business of owning retail marijuana outlets, according to its justice minister, suggesting more opportunities could be in store for entrepreneurs in the province.

Justice Minister Don Morgan said Saskatchewan is leaning toward a private sales model, CBC News reported.

Saskatchewan’s impending recreational marijuana industry could generate 250 million Canadian dollars ($200 million) in economic activity per year, according to a recent study by the University of Saskatchewan, which also recommended adopting a private retail model.

Morgan said of recreational marijuana, “we don’t want to own it, market it or warehouse it.”

What you need to know:

  • The federal government is aiming to legalize recreational cannabis next summer, and provincial governments are responsible for their own distribution and sales schemes.
  • Saskatchewan hasn’t indicated when it will introduce legislation.
  • It’s a relatively small market, with about 700,000 adults.
  • Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick are going with publicly owned marijuana monopolies, while Manitoba, Alberta and possibly Newfoundland are handing marijuana sales to the private sector.
  • Saskatchewan is home to four licensed producers so far.

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