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Manitoba
Although Manitoba has not yet released its legislation, on November 7, 2017, the Province announced its intention to implement a hybrid private retail and distribution model for the Province.
The proposed model will involve both the Liquor and Gaming Authority (“LGA”) and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (“MBLL”) alongside private-sector retailers.
The LGA will regulate the purchase, storage, distribution and retail of cannabis. The MBLL will oversee the supply and distribution end by ensuring that suppliers provide product in retail ready packaging in quantities proportionate to purchasing behaviour and meet all labelling, packaging, and handling requirements to inform the public about the product and keep it out of the hands of children.
Private sector will be responsible for all of the cannabis retail sales in the Province, but will be required to purchase product from the MBLL. The Province has indicated that MBLL will work with licensed producers to coordinate production and delivery cycles to keep up with demand and ensure safety across the system. The Province has already issued a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) in order to find these retailers. The Province intends to select up to four proposals and to enter into at least one retailer agreement for each of the four proposals it selects. Tenders for the RFP are due by December 22, 2017, and the initial retail locations are set to open by July 2, 2018