More than half of Sask. weed shops stuck in permit process

Last summer the winners of the 51 cannabis retail permits were announced for Saskatchewan – now, nearly four months after legalization, fewer than half those stores are open.

As of Monday, 20 stores had obtained their permits, jumping hurdles like going through the proper paperwork, a good character check, and approval of their inventory management system.

For the 31 permit applicants left, David Morris with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority said it’s not one thing that’s holding them up. They’re going through the SLGA’s process, while also trying to set up the shops and dealing with things like finding a location, working on zoning, and hiring staff.

Almost all of the original permit winners still hold them. Morris said no one has failed the SLGA’s requirements thus far.

One permit has changed hands though. A permit and shop in North Battleford were sold the day after legalization.

There are reportedly two other permits in the province that are in talks to be sold.

Permits can’t be sold until the shop is up and running, and Morris said the new holders still need to meet the SLGA’s standards, “just like anyone else getting a cannabis permit.”

Producers

There’s another side of legal cannabis in Saskatchewan – the people who grow the cannabis and sell it to retailers.

According to Morris, there are 31 producers which are registered in Saskatchewan, with another four cannabis wholesalers registered as well – these are producers doing business in the province, not necessarily based here.

A grower must be licensed by the federal government, then register with the province to be able to grow and sell its wares in Saskatchewan.