Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has adopted a private model for the distribution and sale of cannabis within the province, awarding the opportunity to apply for the first retail store permits via a Request for Proposal (RFP), then a random lottery system process.

Applicants successful in the RFP and lottery process were awarded the opportunity to apply for one of the 51 first retail store permits in Saskatchewan, and additional permit opportunities are expected to be issued in the future.

Private retail store licenses are issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) following a detailed application process in which applicants must disclose information about their business and associates, financial and criminal history, and current financial capacity. Applicants must also provide detailed information about their proposed security and inventory management systems, as well as project costs and revenue for the store in the first year of business. The key to getting a licence is to provide the government with a carefully structured application demonstrating good character, knowledge of the requirements for security and inventory management, and the personal/financial ability to operate a cannabis retail store.

Wholesale distribution of cannabis in Saskatchewan is allowed by private companies who apply for and successfully obtain a Cannabis Wholesale Permit. The requirements for wholesale application are similar to those for a Cannabis Retail Permit. Licensed cannabis retail store owners may purchase cannabis for their stores from licensed cannabis wholesalers, federally licensed producers of cannabis, and other cannabis retailers in Saskatchewan.

Cannabis Compliance is accepting new retail clients for licensing, compliance, recruiting and staff training. Contact us today to start the conversation.