Shortage possible as more stores open
Alberta’s cannabis supply will be stretched to meet the demands of dozens of new stores expected to open in the coming weeks, says the provincial regulator.
Shortages should be expected as the retail capacity expands, including eight more stores in Calgary, said Heather Holmen, spokeswoman for Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis.
“Some licensed (cannabis) producers are feeling the pinch; it’s a very tough situation,” Holmen said.
“There’s a set amount of product we have on hand, some of it is sold out but we’re working with the licensed producers on fulfilling their obligations.
“We’re still waiting on product.” Holmen noted it’s an issue facing wholesalers and retailers across the country.
So far, only two stores have opened in Calgary and 15 elsewhere in the province.
But the AGLC has said 80 to 100 more shops could be ready to open provincewide by mid-November.
Retailers in Calgary have been mobbed by crowds since recreational pot was legalized Wednesday, ending 95 years of prohibition in Canada. While emphasizing the AGLC is still able to supply stores, “we’re aware of the high demand,” said Holmen.
Karen Barry said she fears her store won’t receive marijuana flower and oils in time for a tentative Nov. 1 opening of her Beltline Cannabis Calgary shop.
While able to log on to the AGLC’s retailers’ website, Barry said she’s seen a “negligible” amount of product available.
“I’ve got 19 staff ready to go, people’s livelihoods are on the line, paying rents, mortgages,” she said.
“It’s challenging when you’re ready, willing and able to go, and have done all the regulatory hoops.”
She noted the AGLC is still selling cannabis products on its online portal while she waits to see if she’ll have inventory.
“I want to be positive … you would give the AGLC the benefit of the doubt that they’re being as fair and transparent as they can be,” Barry said.
Many industry players have been highly complimentary of the AGLC’s efforts.
Of 93 cannabis products listed on the AGLC’s website, 37 were out of stock on Saturday, though Holmen said some of those sold-out varieties should be replenished soon.
She also said the commission remains committed to private merchants and their customers, despite the optics of being a retailer and regulator. “Our premium concern is definitely the retailers and I wouldn’t expect there to be much empathy — we’re a government agency,” she said.
Managers of the two operating Calgary stores — Nova Cannabis Willow Park and Four20 Premium Market — say they’ll have enough product to tide over customers until they receive another shipment, likely in the coming week.
But Four20’s Ryan Kaye has voiced concerns that shortages could spread if many stores are quickly added to the market.
If all goes well, retail chain NewLeaf Cannabis could become Calgary’s most prolific store, with three locations recently receiving interim AGLC licences.