The Saskatchewan Government has announced 51 new Cannabis Retail Licences to begin operation in the next 12 months. 33% of the retail licenses went to 5 companies and 21 going to out of province businesses.
The successful proponents were selected through a two phase Request for Proposal (RFP) process that began in March. The first phase involved a screening for qualifications focused on financial and sales/inventory tracking systems. All those that qualified entered the second phase of the process which was a lottery draw to select the successful operators. KPMG was engaged to provide oversight and monitor the entire RFP process. The successful proponents now have 45 days to begin the permitting process. As a condition of their permit, retail cannabis permittees must be operating within 12 months of legalization. Permits will not take effect until legalization occurs. Cannabis retail stores must be standalone operations, selling only cannabis, cannabis accessories and ancillary items as defined by SLGA. Alcohol sales will not be permitted in cannabis stores. Cannabis retail locations are subject to local municipal zoning bylaws. Included is a list of the successful proponents and the communities where they will operate.
