Private retailers to sell pot in Sask.

When marijuana is legalized this summer, people in this province will be able to buy it from private retailers regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).

On Monday the province announced one part of the plan for pot sales in Saskatchewan.

SLGA Minister Gene Makowsky announces pot sales in SK will be through private retailers only. 60 licences will be handed out to communities based on population and geographic area. Communities can opt out. #skpoli pic.twitter.com/qO0Jfgm1VS

— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) January 8, 2018

The SLGA will issue 60 retail permits for stores in up to 40 municipalities and First Nations communities with populations of 2,500 across the province. Larger centres will be allowed multiple retail locations. Based on population, Saskatoon will be eligible for seven stores while Regina can have up to six stores.

Municipalities and First Nations will also be allowed to opt out of having a cannabis store in their community if they choose.

The private sector will control the wholesale and retail side of pot sales under regulation by the SLGA.

All pot retailers will be required to have a standalone storefront which will only be allowed to sell marijuana and accessories. Those stores will have the option of offering additional sales online.

The SLGA will have help from an independent third party to choose successful retail applicants in a two-phase process. The first phase will involve screening applicants for financial capacity and the ability to track inventory. Phase two will be a random lottery selection of qualified applicants.

The government is still in the process of finalizing the details for application criteria and permit licensing fees which are expected be announced in the next few weeks.

The province has still not released any other details of its plan for pot sales, including the minimum legal age to buy pot.