Quebec Cannabis Society Extends Hours to Combat Illegal Market
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In a strategic move to curb the influence of the illegal cannabis market, the Quebec Cannabis Society (SQDC) has announced plans to extend the operating hours of select branches. This initiative,outlined in Bill 85 on regulatory reduction,aims to keep more stores open later,notably on weekends.
Extended Hours for select Branches
Currently, SQDC stores operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays adn close at 5 p.m. on weekends. Under the new proposal, around fifteen branches will remain open until 10 p.m.on fridays and Saturdays. The primary focus will be on major cities like Montreal and Quebec, even though other regions may also benefit.
Technically, the bill allows for opening hours from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but the SQDC has not yet committed to such extensive hours. Holidays will continue to observe the existing closure rules.
Combating the Black Market
The main impetus for this change is to reduce the flow of customers to the illegal market, especially on Saturdays when stores currently close at 5 p.m. “We see customers turning to the illegal market at that time,” said spokesperson Chu Ann Pham.
Harmonization with SAQ
The SQDC also aims to align its operating hours with those of the Société des Alcools (SAQ), of which it is indeed a subsidiary. This alignment requires an exemption, similar to those granted to the SAQ and grocery stores.
Evolution of Goverment Attitude
This shift in policy reflects a broader change in the Quebec government’s approach to cannabis since its legalization in 2018. Initially cautious, the government has gradually relaxed its stance. As an example, Minister Lionel Carmant raised the legal age for purchasing cannabis from 18 to 21 upon taking office.”At the CAQ, cannabis is legal, but it is not banal,” Carmant stated, defending the government’s cautious approach. Seven years later,the SQDC is adopting a more open attitude,with plans for more inviting store designs and positive financial results.
Financial Performance
The latest financial report indicates robust sales. For the quarter ending January 4, 2025, the SQDC reported a profit of $40.5 million, up from $33 million the previous year. Key figures include total sales of $235.9 million, representing 47,843 kg of cannabis sold at an average price of $5.67 per gram. The SQDC currently operates 101 branches.| Key Figures | Data |
|————————————-|——————————–|
| Total Sales | $235.9 million |
| Cannabis Sold (kg) | 47,843 |
| Average Selling Price (per gram) | $5.67 |
| Number of Branches | 101 |
Public Engagement
The SQDC encourages the public to share information related to this story. Interested parties can contact the SQDC via email or by calling 1-800-63SCOOP.
This strategic move by the SQDC not only aims to capture a larger market share but also to ensure public safety by reducing the appeal of the illegal market. As the government continues to refine its policies, the future of cannabis regulation in Quebec remains dynamic and evolving.
Quebec Cannabis Society Extends Hours to Combat Illegal Market
The Quebec Cannabis Society (SQDC) has recently outlined plans to extend the operating hours of select branches in a strategic move to diminish the influence of the illegal cannabis market. In an interview, we speak withнего deuterum expert, Dr. Steven Ridley, about this measure and its broader implications for the future of cannabis regulation in quebec.
Quebec Cannabis Society Extends Hours to Combat illegal Market
extended Hours for Select Branches
SE: Dr.Ridley,can you start by explaining the plans for extended hours in SQDC branches?
Dr. Steven Ridley: Certainly. The SQDC has proposed extending the operating hours of around fifteen branches, notably in major cities like Montreal and Quebec. Under the proposal, these stores will remain open untill 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This aligns with the goal to keep more stores open later during weekends.
Combating the Black Market
SE: How do these changes aim to combat the illegal market?
Dr. Steven Ridley: The primary objective is to reduce the flow of customers to the illegal market, especially during the late hours on weekends when SQDC stores currently close at 5 p.m. The SQDC spokesperson, Chu Ann Pham, confirmed that this initiative responds to the trend of customers turning to illegal sources once the stores close.
Harmonization with SAQ
SE: Can you elaborate on the harmonization with the Société des Alcools (SAQ) operating hours?
Dr. Steven Ridley: The SQDC aims to align its operating hours with those of the SAQ, of which it is indeed a subsidiary. As part of this alignment, the SQDC seeks an exemption to extend its hours beyond the current limits. This move is similar to the exemptions granted to the SAQ and grocery stores, allowing them to operate later.
evolution of Government Attitude
SE: How does this policy shift reflect the broader trend in the Quebec government’s approach to cannabis regulation?
Dr. Steven Ridley: This shift in policy certainly reflects the evolving attitude of the Quebec government towards cannabis as its legalization in 2018. Initially, the government adopted a cautious approach.However, over time, it has gradually relaxed its stance. Such as, when Minister Lionel Carmant took office, he raised the legal age for purchasing cannabis from 18 to 21, stating, “At the CAQ, cannabis is legal, but it is indeed not banal.” Now,seven years later,the SQDC is taking a more open attitude with plans for more inviting store designs and positive financial results.
Financial Performance
SE: How would you characterize the current financial performance of the SQDC?
dr. Steven Ridley: The latest financial report indicates robust sales. For the quarter ending January 4, 2025, the SQDC reported a profit of $40.5 million, up from $33 million the previous year. Key figures include total sales of $235.9 million, representing 47,843 kg of cannabis sold at an average price of $5.67 per gram. the SQDC currently operates 101 branches.
Public Engagement
SE: What role does public engagement play in this process?
Dr. Steven Ridley: The SQDC encourages the public to share details related to this story. Interested parties can contact the SQDC via email or by calling 1-800-63SCOOP. Public input is crucial in shaping future policies and ensuring that the needs and concerns of the communities are addressed.
