FORD SAYS HE WILL FOCUS ON LCBO POT STORES

Ontario’s incoming premier says he will be focusing on selling pot in government-run stores, as the outgoing Liberals had planned, but will only make a decision after consulting with municipalities, stakeholders and his caucus. The outgoing Liberals had planned to roll out 150 standalone pot stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario by the end of 2020. When asked about his plan, Doug Ford said he’s focusing on the LCBO, which he said already has infrastructure in place that would allow it to sell marijuana once it becomes legal this fall. The Progressive Conservatives say the premier-designate is referring to Ontario Cannabis Stores run by the LCBO, as the outgoing Liberal government planned. Ford had previously suggested he would be open to greater privatization of marijuana sales.