Quebec Limits Expansion of Cannabis Stores Under Retail Monopoly
It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly five years since recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada.
Since then, legal weed stores have become just as common as corner shops in most major cities across the country.
It’s a testament to how quickly the industry has grown and adapted to meet consumer demand.
Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or just curious about exploring this new market, there’s no shortage of options available at your fingertips.
Toronto, the bustling metropolis, is leading the way with over 400 cannabis retail licenses granted across its six vibrant boroughs. This significant number reflects the growing acceptance and demand for cannabis products in the city.
While Canada’s largest city, Toronto, boasts a vast number of legal cannabis outlets, Montreal, its second-biggest city, falls behind with just 21 stores within city limits and a few more in surrounding suburbs. However, this limited availability may actually work to the advantage of consumers as it ensures a more focused and personalized shopping experience.
All are operated by Quebec’s government-owned recreational cannabis retail monopoly Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC).
Although the SQDC monopoly currently operates with just 98 stores throughout Quebec, it seems their expansion plans for new outlets in the coming years are quite limited.
Quebec’s cautious approach to retail expansion in the cannabis market has raised some concerns about the future growth potential of Canada’s second-most-populated province. With evidence from Canada’s maturing cannabis market showing a direct correlation between store numbers and legal marijuana sales, it prompts us to question how much further the regulated industry can expand its sales in Quebec.
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