The New Brunswick provincial government announced today that retail cannabis sales in the Atlantic province will be handled by the NB Liquor control board.
In a framework that mirrors the government of Ontario’s plan, New Brunswick is the second province to officially reveal a retail scheme for the distribution of legalized adult-use cannabis, starting next July.
“Your government is prioritizing public health and safety concerns as we move towards legalization of recreational cannabis,” said Health Minister Benoit Bourque. “We have listened to New Brunswickers and we want to ensure that cannabis stays out of the hands of criminals and youth. By having NB Liquor operate the retail spaces, this will help us achieve these goals.”
Similar to the Ontario plan, New Brunswick’s retail marijuana structure will operate through a subsidiary of NB Liquor. That division will manage all retail sales of adult-use marijuana for the province.
Finance Minister Cathy Rogers stated at the press conference today that the government of New Brunswick believes this model will be the best way to achieve the aforementioned goals. “Advice we have heard from other jurisdictions…