The Ontario government announced yesterday that it is taking steps to move to an open market for retail cannabis stores starting January 2020. It is achieving this by removing the cap on the number of private cannabis stores in the province and eliminating pre-qualification requirements for prospective retailers.
Previously prospective retailers had to participate in a lottery in order to qualify for a licence. Commencing January 6, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will begin accepting operator licencing applications from prospective retailers followed by store authorization applications on March 2.
Attorney General Doug Downey said, “We have said all along that opening more legal stores is the most effective way to combat the illicit market, protect our kids and keep our communities safe. That is our number one priority.”
Crognali,J. Ministry of the Attorney General (2019,Dec.12) Ontario Opening Cannabis Retail Market [news release]
Photo gazette.com