Alberta halts licensing of cannabis stores due to dwindling pot supplies

Nov 22 2018, 6:22 am

Alberta is in short supply of cannabis.

It has been just over one month since the country-wide legalization, and the demand for the recreational drug is far outstripping supply across the country. So much so that Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) has had to suspend licensing for would-be cannabis retailers.

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According to a statement made by AGLC President and CEO Alain Maisonneuve on November 21, AGLC ordered: “enough product to support up to 250 retail stores in the first six months of legalization.”

However, Maisonneuve also states that only around 20% of that amount has been supplied by licensed producers so far, and while they are working to fill the stock, many products are simply running out due to the high demand from Albertans.

What product remains is being allocated to Alberta’s existing private retailers, though this means that AGLC has had to put a suspension on licensing cannabis shops for the near future.

“All applicants in various stages of the licensing process will receive a full refund of all licensing fees should they wish to withdraw from the licensing application process,” Maisonneuve said in the statement.

“We will continue to discuss production and shipping timelines with our licensed producers and meeting with all current retailers to discuss the current situation.”

So while there may still be cannabis out there for purchase in Alberta (for now), don’t go expecting any new cannabis shops to pop up near you any time soon.

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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