Pot shortage expected to continue
LOCAL STORES HAVE LICENCES BUT NO PRODUCT
New supplies continue arriving. But Alberta’s new marijuana marts are still short of their recreational products, two weeks after legalization across Canada.
That shortage could continue for several months, according to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
As of Tuesday, the commission had issued 45 retail licences — three of them for Lethbridge locations. More are being approved daily.
But with ongoing shortages, many of those 45 have yet to open for business.
“We continue to receive some shipments,” says AGLCC spokesperson Heather Holmen.
“Certainly we’re seeing a supply issue.”
The Alberta regulator has supply contracts with 15 producers, three of them growing in Alberta. But they’re committed to supplying other provinces as well. “It’s a national issue right now.” For its part, Holmen says, the commission began receiving shipments ahead of some other provinces, on the basis of the earlierexpected July legalization date.
And now, to help the province’s “bricks and mortar” stores get started, it’s diverted some of the supplies earmarked for its online ordering service.
But Holmen expects the shortages will continue through the fall.
“I think realistically, we are looking at supply challenges for now and the next three months.”
At the same time, Albertans can expect to see more stores scrambling for the same limited supply.
“We’re still accepting applications.”
Early on, she points out, AGLCC officials predicted about 250 stores would open across the province within the first year. But it could actually be 125 — or 500.
“That would depend on consumer demand.”
Follow @DMabellHerald on Twitter