Canada: Saskatchewan unveils plans to legalize cannabis

The province of Saskatchewan has finally unveiled its plans for the distribution and sale of cannabis from July 2018.

As in most other provinces, cannabis will be regulated by the local Liquor Board, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).

In particular, SLGA will distribute sales licenses for cannabis to private operators in 40 municipalities across the province and in First Nations communities.

At the start of sales, stores will be located in towns with populations of over 2,500. Larger communities, such as Saskatoon, may have several stores to ensure adequate supply and access.

«Our government is working diligently to ensure the sale and regulation of cannabis in Saskatchewan and balances public safety with consumer access,» explained Gene Makowsky, the minister responsible for the SLGA. «It's also important to our government that the 40 towns and First Nations selected for a store location have the opportunity to decide if they want a cannabis store in their community.»

As with the Manitoba, all sales will be handled by the private sector, in stark contrast to Ontario, the Quebec or the New Brunswick who prefer a top-down and favor sales by public operators.

The distribution of cannabis sales licenses will take place in two stages. First, an evaluation of potential owners will be carried out. Those selected will then go through a lottery process that will award the licenses.

Future stores will be authorized to sell cannabis and cannabis products, but not alcohol as in France. Nova Scotia.

The minimum purchase age has not yet been announced, but should be soon. For alcohol, consumers must be 19 years of age.