New proposed amendments to Manitoba’s regulations would limit cannabis sales to age-restricted stores in urban areas of the province. 

As part of the provincial government’s spring agenda, proposed amendments to the province’s Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act would, if enacted, ensure that the sale of cannabis in Winnipeg and other urban areas is confined to age-restricted stores. 

Bill 9, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act (2), was tabled on March 5 by Manitoba’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General Matt Wiebe. 

The province previously paused their “controlled access” licensing twice in 2024, which allowed cannabis to be sold in mixed-use convenience stores where minors were permitted inside. Initially, those types of licenses were intended for more remote, rural locations but had begun being applied in more urban settings, prompting concerns from some cannabis retailers.

At the time of the initial pause on that type of licensing, Domo, which operates a chain of more than a dozen gas stations and convenience stores in Winnipeg, had been in plans with a Manitoba retailer to supply the chain with their locally-produced cannabis products.

Manitoba also recently passed legislation that will allow people to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, which is expected to come into force by the spring.

Update: In an email with the press secretary for Cabinet Communications on March 7, it was confirmed that the legislation is not retroactive. It would not apply to existing controlled-access stores in Winnipeg or other urban areas. About ten such shops currently operate in Winnipeg.

In a media scrum on Wednesday, March 5, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Matt Wiebe said the issue was about keeping the general public safe, keeping store employees safe, and making sure cannabis stays out of the hands of young people.

“My opinion is that gas stations should sell gas and convenience stores should stick to Slurpees,” said Wiebe. “We want to make sure that there’s access to the market, but we don’t want our children exposed to this.”

Related Articles

Five private cannabis distributors now fully licensed by Manitoba’s LGCA

July 4, 2024

Manitoba businesses caught off guard by province’s recent “pause” on “controlled access” retail cannabis licences

May 3, 2024

Manitoba brings in almost $40 million in revenue from cannabis sales in 2023-2024

October 28, 2024