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Ontario removing cap on number of pot shops, opening up market for retailers
Dec
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Ontario is removing the cap on the number of pot shops in the province and nixing some qualification requirements for would-be retailers in a bid to clamp down on the number of illegal stores, sources tell CBC News.
As part of the move, the province says it will be issuing approximately 20 new cannabis store authorizations starting in April 2020.
“In response to the federal government’s decision to legalize cannabis, our government is determined to open the cannabis market as responsibly as possible,” said Attorney General Doug Downey in a news release. “We have said all along that opening more legal stores is the most effective way to combat the illicit market, protect our kids and keep our communities safe.”
Until now, prospective retailers were required to demonstrate having a $50,000 letter of credit and pay a $6,000 non-refundable fee as part of their application, which had to be submitted within five days of being picked through a lottery system.
Lawyers for several disqualified shops had disputed whether the qualifications were fair.
Anyone with criminal convictions on certain cannabis-related offences or those who have ties to organized crime will still be barred from getting a licence. Managers and employees at licensed retailers will also be required to complete approved training.
Individual companies will also be allowed to own up to 75 retail stores by September 2021.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will begin accepting applications from prospective retailers on Jan. 6.
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