Alberta is finally issuing more retail cannabis licenses

After pushing pause on issuing licenses less than a month after the legalization of recreational cannabis, Alberta is opening the door to a few more retailers.

In a statement released Friday, Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) has said they will be issuing 10 additional retail cannabis licences.

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“Although the national cannabis supply shortage has created restrictions for licensed retailers to access a comprehensive selection of inventory, supply challenges have shown some improvement,” says a statement from the AGLC.

By issuing a limited number of new licences the agency says they can effectively manage the cannabis supply shortage and ensuring there is sufficient inventory available for current retailers, while also allowing some applicants in the queue to open their stores.

“After seeing a modest improvement in supply over the last few weeks, we are confident the inventory can accommodate an additional 10 retail locations,” said Alain Maisonneuve, president and CEO of the agency. “AGLC continues to work with our licensed producers and current retailers towards solutions that will support a sustainable marketplace.”

The additional licences will be issued to the first 10 applicants that have met all licensing conditions after the decision was made to stop issuing licences. AGLC has maintained a queue of approved retailers on a first-in, first-out basis to ensure an equitable process is adhered to.

The crown-corporation says that supply levels have seen modest improvement but maintains that they are not stable enough to fully open the licensing process or accept new retail cannabis applications.

“AGLC is in discussions with an additional 12 licensed producers from across Canada to secure additional product,” says the statement.

AGLC is responsible for regulating private retail cannabis, the distribution of cannabis and operation of the province’s only legal online cannabis store on behalf of the Alberta government.