Canada has 3,400 cannabis retail stores open and another 111 expected by the top of 2023. According to Health Canada, you’ll find a dispensary in every province and territory! Here’s a quick breakdown of how the country is sprouting cannabis industry opportunities from one coast to the other.
Number of Dispensaries in Each Province and Territory
As of October 26, 2022, Northwest Territories has six shops plus mail order at participating liquor stores. Yukon territory has six, and Nunavut is holding Fort with its solo operation of NunaCannabis.
The maritime region has four dispensaries in Prince Edward Island, 26 in New Brunswick, 40 in Newfoundland-Labrador, and 45 in Nova Scotia. Around-a-boot only three cities in New Brunswick have more than one licensed retailer. They are Frederickton, Moncton, and Saint John.
An eighth (3.5g) of the Ice Cream Cake strain from Grump Weed | Image Via #decolonizecannabis
Then we have the industry beast to the east. Ontario has nearly 2,000 cannabis retail stores listed at Alcohol Gaming Commision of Ontario. Quebec has pinned 90 locations and is among Canada’s top five provinces with the most dispensaries.
Prairie provinces still grind to similar blends and trends as the rest. Saskatchewan’s Liquor & Gaming Authority has authorized 161 store openings. Meanwhile, Manitoba’s Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority has issued 169 retail licenses.
Finally, the sun sets in the west where everything cannabis keeps blooming. British Columbia runs a dynamic trailblazing system between licensed and medical-gray area but counts for approximately 420 stores. Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis has listed 967 licensed retail sites and includes provincial retail chain affiliates.
Pot Life Cannabis & Vape Shop | Image Via #decolonizecannabis
Popular Cannabis Retail Stores to Explore
The City of Winnipeg is a hot bed for Manitoba cannabis retail stores. This bowl is packed with a hybrid regulation model and a cross of retail store options. Large scale retail chains like Canna Cabana consistently offer rock bottom deals while opening multiple new locations across the city and Canada.
To be honest, I’m a big softy for the Ma ‘n Pa small players in the Canadian cannabis market. I dig how the crew at Giving & Receiving in Medicine Hat, Alberta rolls and runs a tight brand marketing game. A few other dope spots I’ve shopped at in Manitoba are Pot Life Cannabis & Vape Shop, CanaCity Dispensary, and CJ’s Cannabis & Wellness.
No matter where you’re at, there’s most likely going to be a dispensary that suites your needs. The industry keeps growing too, so all of your niche cannabis needs may be coming to a store near you very soon.