Saskatchewan Cannabis Laws

Find information on cannabis laws, retail regulations, and licensing procedures you need to know when opening and operating a dispensary in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan-Law
PUBLISHED JANUARY 30, 2018 - LAST UPDATED JANUARY 25, 2021
Entrepreneurs and investors interested in cannabis retail have plenty of opportunities in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) issues cannabis retail permits and regulates the wholesale and retail of cannabis products by private operators. Initially, the number of stores was limited to 51 but from the spring of 2020, SLGA moved to an open market system, removing the cap on the number of licenses available in the province.
 
In communities of 2,500 or more, cannabis retail stores must operate as standalone businesses. In communities under 2,500, stores may be standalone or integrated with another business. In September 2020, the SLGA began accepting cannabis retail store permit applications for all communities.
 
Below are answers to frequently asked Saskatchewan dispensary laws questions regarding the permitting process and the retail sale of cannabis in Saskatchewan. This page will be updated frequently as more information is released, but this page is informational only and should not be considered legal advice. Be sure to check out our Canada dispensary laws page for information about regulations in other provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis Retail Permits

How many cannabis retail permits will be issued in Saskatchewan?

The SLGA initially issued 51 cannabis retail permits across 32 municipalities and First Nations. Beginning in 2020, an open system will be used for cannabis retail licensing. In April 2020, SLGA will accept new applications in communities with fewer than 2500 people. In September, you will be able to submit an application for a permit to operate in any community in the province.

What is the process for cannabis retail permitting in Saskatchewan?

Application forms and updated information about permits will be made available on the SLGA website.

You will initially be able to apply for a permit to operate in a community with a population under 2500.

In September, applications will be available for permits to operate a cannabis retail store in all other Saskatchewan communities.

You can familiarize yourself with the information you will need to provide in the Cannabis Regulatory Policy Manual.

How long will the application and permit process take?

The SLGA has not provided an estimate on how long it will take to approve an application. The length of time will vary depending on many factors. Permits will not be issued until applicants have secured property and met the SLGAs standards on all operating requirements, including retail software, security, financial capacity, and other criteria.

How many permits can one operator hold?

Currently, operators may only be selected for one retail permit per community.

What are fees associated with the application and permit process?

There is a $2000 application fee for all cannabis retail permits. In addition, there is a $3000 annual permit fee for stores operating in cities, or a $1000 annual fee to operate in all other communities.

Cannabis Retail Sales

What kind of retail locations are authorized?

Permitted cannabis retail operators must establish standalone storefronts that sell only cannabis, cannabis accessories, and ancillary items.

Will online cannabis sales be authorized?

Yes; retailers have the option to open online stores and offer delivery or Click-and-Collect service.

What are the purchase limits for retail customers?

In Saskatchewan, customers may purchase no more than 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in edibles, concentrates, liquid product, or seeds in one transaction. Learn more here about cannabis equivalencies and purchase limits in Saskatchewan.

What is the minimum age of purchase for retail cannabis?

The minimum age in Saskatchewan for cannabis possession and consumption is 19.

What hours will cannabis retailers be authorized to operate?

Cannabis retailers are authorized to operate between 8 a.m. and 3 a.m., unless further restricted by the local government. Cannabis retailers must operate for a minimum of six hours per day, five days per week.

Cannabis Tracking and Reporting

What is required of cannabis retailers with regard to tracking and reporting?

In the RFP, Saskatchewan cannabis retail license applicants must give a detailed description of their proposed inventory management and sales tracking system. Specifically, retailers must demonstrate an ability to:

  • Complete customer transactions
  • Maintain accurate inventory
  • Produce files for ordering, reporting, and remitting taxes
  • Produce reports in multiple formats
  • Track inventory across the entire supply chain
  • Track recalls, waste, and destruction of property
  • Track and manage multiple products by category

Does Cova meet all the Saskatchewan POS and inventory management requirements?

Yes; Cova’s cannabis-specific retail point of sale software satisfies all the requirements of Saskatchewan’s regulations. It offers complete inventory management and 1-click compliance reports to help you easily generate the monthly tracking and reporting data required by SLGA. The robust retail platform includes many more features to help your cannabis retail operation thrive.

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Ron Segev

Cannabis Business Lawyer & Founding Partner, Segev LLP

Legally reviewed by

Ron Segev

Ron Segev is the founding partner of Segev LLP. A practical-minded business lawyer with expertise in the cannabis industry, he represents cultivators, dispensaries, CBD extractors, oil extractors, food processors, media and marketing companies, consultancies, and other businesses in the legal cannabis market.

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