“The process will be led by the LCBO, working closely with the government and local communities,” the government said. “Today, letters were sent to all municipalities in Ontario to share the next steps for establishing retail stores,” the provincial government said in a statement Friday. Queen’s Park is giving Ontario communities a say on where the LCBO-run marijuana stores can be located when recreational cannabis is legalized next July. “It is critical that in establishing a new, legal retail system for cannabis we protect our youth and combat the illegal market,” said Finance Minister Charles Sousa. “There is a better way — highly regulated and licensed local businesses to allow local farmers, small businesses and Indigenous groups to participate in the market, creating local jobs and contributing tax dollars to local communities across the province.”

Source: thestar October 27, 2017 16:18 UTC