Potshop moratorium could last 18 months

It could be 18 months before more licences are issued to Alberta cannabis stores due to uncertainties in the legal cannabis supply, says the provincial regulator.

While Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis is hoping more permits will be granted before that, it could take that long before the number of licensed pot shops grows beyond the current 65, said commission spokeswoman Kaleigh Miller.

“We could get a huge amount of supply in six months, or it could be 18 months — it’s a huge flux time,” she said.

“Hopefully in the middle of that time, we’ll see a more normalized industry and supply ... it’s out of our hands.”

Cannabis shortages remain in the wake of changes to the province’s supply system, said the AGLC and marijuana retailers.

Last week, the AGLC announced a moratorium on new store licences and a vow to equally distribute pot to the 65 approved stores.

When recreational use of the drug was legalized last month, the AGLC said there could be up to 250 stores open in the province within a year.

But logistics issues, cannabis shortages and high demand have meant those expectations aren’t being met, said Miller.

And the AGLC won’t take more store applications or issue more licences until the supply is significantly firmed up, she said.

“We need to have a full warehouse and confidence that our supply is at a steady level,” she said, noting pressure on supply will grow exponentially when Ontario retail stores open in April.

While 20 Calgary store locations have been granted AGLC permits, another 104 in the city have gained city approval but await clearance from the province.