Flin Flon has been approved for the second phase of Manitoba’s rollout of cannabis retail sales, but one question remains: If Flin Flonners want to buy bud, who’s going to actually sell it?
Licences for each of the seven Manitoba communities approved for retail sale as of March 22, including Flin Flon, have not yet been approved by provincial authorities.
Four companies are currently licensed by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) to operate cannabis retail locations in Manitoba – Delta 9 Cannabis, Meta Cannabis Supply Co., Tokyo Smoke and Tweed. The Reminder reached out to all four companies to determine if they had interest in potentially opening operations in the community once cannabis sales are finally approved. One company, Delta 9, responded to The Reminder before deadline.
“The government has not approved licenses for your area yet,” said Ian Chadsey, vice-president of investor relations and corporate affairs for Delta 9.
“We are looking at all opportunities including your area. We will let you know when it is decided.”
The City of Flin Flon has already zoned the uptown business area for a potential cannabis retail location, approving a change in city zoning bylaws last year. Flin Flon Mayor Cal Huntley told The Reminder following the March 22 announcement that two locally based groups had approached city council about potentially opening a cannabis retail location. Neither group was confirmed to have proper permits or agreements with permitted cannabis buyers and sellers or for transport.
Since cannabis was legalized last fall, Flin Flon smokers have not been able to legally purchase it in town, having to either buy in The Pas or Prince Albert or order online. The Manitoba government has announced intentions for 90 per cent of Manitobans to be able to access legal cannabis within a 30-minute drive by October 2021.
