Manitoba
The province of Manitoba has taken the approach of an all private retail market. The Liquor and Gaming Authority (LGA) in Manitoba will license, regulate and inspect the industry to ensure compliance.
In November 2017, the province ran a Request for Proposals (RFP) process that granted 4 groups the initial opportunity to operate retail stores. A list of additional pre-qualified individuals and businesses is being compiled via a Request for Pre-Qualification Process (RFPQ) to serve communities the local or provincial government determines as underserved by initial retailers.
The list of pre-qualified retailers will remain valid for one year from the date the list is established, with the possibility of extending validity for two additional years. When a community is determined as underserved by Manitoba or the local government, a pre-qualified retailer will be selected via lottery to apply for a retail store license in that community. The RFPQ for additional retailers closes August 31, 2018.
The 4 groups awarded the first opportunity to operate retail stores in Manitoba are:
- Canopy Growth Corp./Delta 9 Cannabis Inc.
- National Access Cannabis/Manitoba First Nations
- Hiku Brands Company Ltd./B.O.B. Headquarters
- Avana Canada/Fisher River Cree Nation/Chippewas of the Thames of Ontario/MediPharm Labs/U.S.-based retailer Native Roots Dispensary.
The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) will handle the central order processing and manage distribution to the licensed private retailers. All retail cannabis in the province will be sourced through the (MBLL). Municipalities have the option to prohibit retail cannabis stores from opening in their area. Cannabis Compliance is proud to have supported National Access Cannabis in achieving one of the four awarded master retail licences in Manitoba.
Cannabis Compliance is accepting new retail clients for licensing, compliance, recruiting and staff training. Contact us today to start the conversation.
