The government of Ontario, Canada has tabbed Shopify Inc. to run online retail cannabis sales, the Canadian Press reports. Shopify’s platforms will also be used at retail points-of-sale.
“Our top priority is fulfilling the province’s framework for the safe and sensible retailing of recreational cannabis for when it is legalized by the federal government. We look forward to combining our expertise as a socially responsible retailer with Shopify’s world-class commerce solutions to deliver the safe, informed and reliable shopping experience that our new customers will expect.” – George Soleas, president and CEO of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, to the Canadian Press
Ontario expects to roll out 40 LCBO-run brick-and-mortar stores initially, with plans to bring that total to 150 by 2020. Ontario has not yet released the final provincial rules for their adult-use cannabis industry; however, officials have said that retail sales will not occur inside existing LCBO stores.
“Bringing this differentiator to the LCBO on this historic project to consumers of legal age across Ontario is a great example of a made-in-Canada innovation, which we are proud to be a part of.” – Loren Padelford, vice-president of Shopify Plus, to the Canadian Press
Although many federal officials are anticipating legal cannabis sales to commence on July 1, there is still no firm date on exactly when lawmakers will pass the reforms and when sales will be allowed to begin.
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