300 pot products on the way: AGLC
Stores and online portal will be ready to roll by Oct. 17, official says
Cannabis consumers will have access to around 300 different products when legalization takes effect in the fall, says the Alberta agency responsible for rolling out the rules.
“There’s a lot of competition out there; the marketplace will probably evolve over time,” said Alain Maisonneuve, president and CEO of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). “But our focus is to work with currently federally licensed producers to secure a supply for Day 1.”
He noted the 300 products include different packaging options as well as varieties of dry leaf and cannabis oil.
“I don’t have a ton of information on what those different products are,” he said, adding the AGLC is in the process of finalizing contracts with suppliers.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said recreational marijuana would be legal as of Oct. 17, months after the initial July 1 deadline. He said the delay gives provinces and territories more time to prepare for the milestone.
Alberta’s provincial online sales system will be up and running by then, Maisonneuve said, and private brick-and-mortar store shelves will be stocked.
“We want to make sure that we are able to provide Albertans with the best variety,” he said.
In February, provincial officials said up to 250 cannabis stores could open during the first year of legalization. The AGLC also ramped up its recruitment of employees for the industry, posting job ads related to regulation enforcement.
The agency is also busy planning delivery mechanisms for online sales, Maisonneuve said.
“Canada Post has great experience currently delivering medical cannabis to Canadians.”
Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said the province is focused on keeping cannabis away from minors as well as ensuring public health and safety.
“Having this official date for legalization means that our province has the clarity that it needs in order to move forward,” she said. “One of the main focuses we have is to drive out the illegal marketplace in Alberta.”
Finance Minister Joe Ceci said Wednesday the province is prepared for Oct. 17 and reiterated that the fledgling industry won’t be lucrative for the government.
In Budget 2018, Alberta projected a loss of $90 million to the provincial government over two years while the cannabis industry is established.
In 2020-21, the province estimates a net income of $37 million to government coffers.
“We’ve got more expenses than profit,” Ceci said.
Ottawa committed to a 75-25 split on tax revenues from cannabis sales — one dollar per gram, or 10 per cent of the producer price, whichever is greater — with the majority of that cash going to the provinces.
Municipalities have called on Alberta to share revenue, arguing they shouldn’t have to shoulder policing and bylaw costs. In March, Ceci said those conversations would move forward once Ottawa provided more information.