Last week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) opened up tenders for five more communities, showing that slowly, but surely, the territories to the north are beginning to grow their cannabis markets.
According to Open NWT, a portal that compiles GNWT projects and tenders, the NWT Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) is looking for entrepreneurs to apply for the pre-qualification screening process to open authorized cannabis retailers in Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Simpson, Hay River, and Fort Smith.
Right now in the Northwest Territories, there are no stand-alone cannabis stores. Cannabis can only be purchased from specific NTLCC liquor stores located in Yellowknife, Norman Wells, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Simpson, or online through the NTLCC.
By expanding the legal retail footprint, along with its 10% price decrease announced in July, the NTLCC hopes to continue to combat the illicit market in the province.
Cannabis accessory shop ReLeaf NT, in Yellowknife, responded to the call for tenders earlier this year and was successful in its request for qualifications (RFQ) submission, but that’s only the first step in becoming fully licenced. Todd Sasaki, the spokesperson for the GNWT’s Department of Finance, told NNSL Media that out of a handful of applicants, ReLeaf NT was the only one that met its requirements.
According to the Planholders Logs available on Open NWT, approximately 25 individuals and companies have already expressed their interest in opening a cannabis store. Anyone who would like to submit an RFQ can do so until December 4.