Alberta pulls out of online cannabis sales, leaving it to the private sector

Alberta plans to withdraw from online cannabis sales and allow licensed retailers to sell it over the Internet. Retailers in cannabis would also be allowed to sell branded clothing and accessories.

According to the province, online cannabis currently accounts for only around 200,000 Canadian dollars (138,000 euros) in annual sales.

Finance Minister Travis Toews said the change would also help raise the profile of legitimate cannabis sellers and drive out black-market vendors.

«We expect that a more robust online presence for legal trade will have real potential to displace some of the illicit trade that is currently taking place.».

He added that some cannabis retailers have asked to sell cannabis-related clothing and other accessories to improve their bottom line. The Alberta government is working out the details, but Travis Toews explained that he expects the rules to resemble those governing alcohol sellers.

The bill stipulates that only retailers who already have a physical store will be able to obtain an online sales license.

The provincial Gaming, Alcohol and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will work with retailers to determine how the application process will be implemented, an official said during a press briefing. The AGLC will withdraw from the online sales market 90 days after the new law takes effect.

The Manitoba and the Saskatchewan are the only other two provinces that allow private retailers to sell their products online.