Second Cup Ltd. says it is actively reviewing locations in Ontario for potential conversion to cannabis retail stores in light of policy changes in the province.
The company’s announcement comes after Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government said it would allow private retailers to sell recreational marijuana starting next April.
Second Cup had announced a partnership with Ottawa-based cannabis clinic operator National Access Cannabis in April to potentially convert coffee shops to retail stores under the brand Meta Cannabis Supply Co.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
SnowBall: A Cool Winter’s Eve to Keep Ottawa Kids Warm This Winter
As Ottawa’s winter chill sets in, the warmth of community spirit takes centre stage at SnowBall: A Cool Winter’s Eve, The Snowsuit Fund’s sought-after gala happening at the Ottawa Art
From world-class to worrisome: The challenges facing Ottawa transit
This has been an incredible year for news. There are many contenders for Ottawa newsmaker of the year: Michael Andlauer’s Senators ownership and a new arena at LeBreton Flats; Tobi
At the time, the companies said they were focused on Western Canada, as Ontario had planned to sell cannabis through provincial liquor commissions, in line with policies in Quebec and several Atlantic provinces.
Second Cup and National Access Cannabis say any conversions of coffee shops to cannabis shops is conditional on securing a retail license from provincial regulators, and approval from franchisees and landlords.
The coffee shop company says it has more than 130 locations across Ontario that it plans to leverage to enter the cannabis space. National Access Cannabis says it has a target of opening 50 to 70 cannabis retail stores in Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia this year.
