Edmonton-based Liquor Stores N.A. Ltd. says it has hired one of its directors to map out its future cannabis strategy as Canada moves to make recreational pot legal by next July.
READ MORE: Just months away, here’s how pot legalization is shaping up in Canada
The company, which owns 231 retail liquor stores in Alberta, B.C. and Alaska, says James Burns will act as vice-chairman and be the lead executive for business transformation and investor relations. He was appointed to the board in June.
The company has previously indicated it is interested in retailing marijuana in Alberta and B.C. but was awaiting regulatory clarity before deciding if it would be profitable to do so.
READ MORE: Hole’s Greenhouses joins forces with cannabis producer Atlas Growers
Most of its liquor stores are in Alberta where the provincial government said recently it would allow private operators to sell cannabis from retail locations. B.C. has said it will allow both public and private retail outlets.
Both provinces have said they will have details on licensing early next year.
READ MORE: Former head of RCMP drug squad now leads national marijuana business
Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador announced Friday that it had signed a cannabis supply deal with Canopy Growth Corp., which will receive up to four licences to operate retail stores there.
- Buzz kill? Gen Z less interested in coffee than older Canadians, survey shows
- Bird flu risk to humans an ‘enormous concern,’ WHO says. Here’s what to know
- Toyotas, RVs and nearly 3K school buses: A list of vehicle recalls this week
- Indigo nears privatization but experts warn turnaround won’t be ‘quick fix’
Comments