Quebec grocery chain wants to start selling cannabis

Quebec-based food giant Couche-Tard has hired a lobbying firm to represent its interests with the Quebec government. Couche-Tard wants to sell recreational cannabis in its grocery stores, not only in Quebec but throughout the rest of Canada as well.

The company, which specializes in neighborhood retail and is headquartered in Laval, currently operates more than 2,000 convenience stores in Canada, including 584 in Quebec, grocery stores located primarily at gas stations in Quebec, which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Couche-Tard states that it has awarded a representation contract to the communications and marketing firm Tact Intelligence Consulting.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that’a bill to officially legalize cannabis for recreational purposes. It is expected to take effect on July 1, 2018, even though it has not yet been adopted.

It is therefore in this context that Couche-Tard wishes to convey to the Quebec government its desire to be part of the cannabis sales model that will be adopted for Quebec. This measure is currently being reviewed by the government, in accordance with federal law.

Marie-Noëlle Cano, a spokesperson for Couche-Tard, stated in the Journal de Québec: «We would like to convey to the government our desire to be part of the preferred cannabis sales model. We are confident that we are an ideal partner for implementing a responsible sales model for citizens.»

The company hopes to receive «favorable guidance» regarding the choice of a cannabis sales model, particularly with regard to distribution.

In July 2016, François Coutu, the CEO of the Jean Coutu Group (a Quebec-based pharmaceutical company), had considered selling cannabis for medical purposes. However, he stated that he would not go so far as to «lobby» the Quebec government on this issue.

Mehdi Bautier