Yukon shuts government-run cannabis shop as private sector lights up

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One year to the day after it opened, Yukon’s government-run cannabis store is closing shop.

The move is a sign of success, not failure, as the private sector has developed the industry to the point where the Cannabis Yukon store is no longer necessary.

“It went off exactly as we thought,” John Streicker, the minister responsible for the Yukon Liquor Corp, told Yukon News. “In addition to legal, controlled access to cannabis, the retail store has provided detailed product and health information to help Yukoners make informed decisions and engage in responsible consumption.”

Cannabis Yukon, which has sold just under $4-million of marijuana since its grand opening, has been replaced by two new stores — Triple J’s Canna Space in Whitehorse and Dawson City Cannabis.

The old government store has been put through a public tender process and — while it is unclear what will become of the property — any unsold cannabis will be returned to a government warehouse.

With the legalization of edibles imminent and another two licences are being considered for approval, Yukon seems to be covered. But for those who grew attached to Cannabis Yukon, the store’s products will still be available for purchase online.

It may take a little longer, but edibles will make their way to the shelves of the private stores, Streicker said. “We all want to displace the black market.”

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