NSLC wants info about pot suppliers

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. has started dipping its toe into the waters of cannabis sales.

On Thursday, the provincial Crown corporation issued a request for information for potential cannabis suppliers in various sub-categories — dried flowers, pre-rolled, clones and seeds, oil extract and accessories.

“We are proud that our reputation and success as a socially responsible retailer of beverage alcohol was acknowledged in the government of Nova Scotia’s decision,” the tender states.

“Introducing the sale of recreational cannabis in our network represents a significant change to our business model and planning efforts are well underway.”

With the legalization of recreational cannabis due to take place by summer across Canada, the province recently designated the NSLC as the official retailer.

The request for information also noted that product will be made available to consumers in specific NSLC stores as well as through e-commerce. It also states that in order to be ready for the launch date, the corporation has “a lot of work to do and it is going to happen quickly.

“Sourcing of product is obviously a critical component and we want to ensure that we are aware of cannabis producers who are interested in being a vendor partner with the NSLC,” it states.

The request for information asks that anyone interested submit information including which of the categories they are able to supply as well as the quantity and the timing when product would be available to NSLC.

A more formal expression of interest is expected to be issued next month.

The full request for information can be found on the provincial government procurement website at https://novascotia.ca/tenders/tenders/tender-details. aspx?id=GD-53-FY18.