Manitoba announces draw date for new cannabis retailers

A random draw to select the second round of Manitoba cannabis retailers will take place on May 15.

Back in March, the province confirmed seven communities would receive a cannabis store, including Altona, Flin Flon, Lac du Bonnet, Niverville, the Rural Municipality of Russell-Binscarth, Swan River and Virden.

The province says the locations were selected to advance the government’s goal to ensure 90% of Manitobans can reach a recreational cannabis store within a 30-minute drive.

Almost 100 applicants have pre-qualified to run the stores, who can now participate in the draw. Each pre-qualified retailer will receive one ballot per community of interest.

Successful retailers will be announced following the draw.