Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has lifted its six-month long moratorium on issuing retail cannabis licenses, meaning Westlock’s three cannabis stores could be up and running in as little as a few weeks.
AGLC announced in a May 30 statement it would be lifting the moratorium that was implemented Nov. 23, five weeks following the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, after licensed cannabis producers were unable to deliver the amount of product required to supply the growing demand in the province. AGLC has contracts with 26 federally-licensed producers that meet its regulatory requirements.
Harvest Country Cannabis owner Joe Renaud said he doesn’t have a firm date as of yet, but with the AGLC set to grant five licenses per week, he expects to have cannabis in stock in short order.
“We’re hoping it’s soon. It has got to be soon,” said Renaud, who actually opened the store on 106 St. a few weeks back, without product, and has been conversing regularly with his future clientele and answering questions for curious passersby.
“I just can’t figure out why the suppliers were so behind the curve.”
AGLC stated that even though supply has improved in the last three months, it has not received assurances from the producers that their current output is sustainable.
In its statement, AGLC noted it will continue to “monitor the supply to ensure that retailers continue to receive adequate inventory ... Should the stability of inventory take a drastic downturn, AGLC will evaluate reinstating the moratorium.”
“AGLC expects supply to continue to improve over the following months, but will continue to monitor and follow-up with licensed producers to deliver on their commitments.”
As of the end of May, AGLC was considering 443 applicants representing 473 pending locations; 110 applications have been withdrawn since the hold on issuing new licences was implemented in November; and 115 applications have been approved and are waiting for a licence.
The News reached out to the other cannabis retailers in town, Fire and Flower Cannabis and Clarity Cannabis, but did not receive a response to emails.
