When the sale of marijuana becomes legal in Canada in July 2018, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s (LCBO’s) website and their 150 stand-alone stores will be the only places where cannabis can be legally sold in the province. Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will oversee all retail sales and online service through the government-run website. 

“When it comes to retail distribution, the LCBO has the expertise, the experience and the insight to ensure careful control of cannabis, to help us discourage illicit market activity and see that illegal dispensaries are shut down,” said Ontario’s Finance Minister, Charles Sousa.

According to the Ontario government, cannabis will be supplied by medical marijuana producers licensed by Health Canada and it will be priced competitively to curb black market sales. A boost in tax revenues is expected.