What is the purpose of limited distribution agreements?
- Limited distribution was identified as a practical short-term, interim solution allowing time to plan for long term distribution of cannabis product in Manitoba.
- Organizations that hold a Limited Distribution Agreement with MBLL, as well as a Cannabis Distributor License issued by the Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA), will now be permitted to hold long term inventory on behalf the licensed producers that serve the Manitoba market.
- The goal of this program is to bring more cannabis inventory into the province, closer to the retail network, and with the desired outcome of lead times being significantly reduced.
Who can participate?
- This program is open to organizations that have minimum one year experience in the cannabis industry or have experience distributing regulated products.
- Organizations must own a secured warehouse either licensed, bonded, or authorized for regulated products or can demonstrate they are acquiring a federal licensed or LGCA provincially licensed warehouse / storage facility within the province of Manitoba.
- Participants must commit to shipping product to all cannabis retailers in Manitoba operating in all regions of the province.
- This is a voluntary program. Licensed producers are not required to participate and may continue to serve the Manitoba market in the same capacity they do today.
How are successful organizations determined?
- Organizations will be evaluated through their responses to our Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
- The RFQ will also help us determine interest among organizations to form limited distribution partnerships with multiple licensed producers.
How do I apply?
- Responses to this RFQ must be a PDF with documents emailed to:
Bernie Feakes
Procurement Agent
Email: Rfprequests@mbll.ca
When are submissions due?
- Responses must be received no later than 4:00 PM CT on November 22, 2023.
- Responses received after this date will not be reviewed.
When does this take effect?
- Request for Qualifications is issued the week of October 23, 2023.
Do I need an agreement to distribute Cannabis in Manitoba?
- Successful participants in this program will require to enter into a signed agreement with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
Do I need to be licensed by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA)?
- Successful participants in this program need a corresponding licence issued by the LGCA.
- You may start the licensing process once the LGCA is notified by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries that you intend to enter into a limited cannabis distribution agreement.
- An agreement with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries does not guarantee you will receive a LGCA licence.
Will there be a cap on the number of distributors?
- Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries reserves the right to limit the number of program agreements issued. It is anticipated that only a limited number of respondents will be awarded an opportunity to perform distribution services.
As a supplier or retailer do I have to leverage one of the successful organizations?
- Licensed producers can still direct ship themselves or through a third party as is currently practiced today.
- Licensed producers are not required to enter into an agreement with one of the successful organizations.
- Retailers may maintain their direct relationship with licensed producers or have product delivered through one of the successful proponents.
Do I have to reside in Manitoba?
- No, however respondents must demonstrate they have or are committed to acquiring a licensed warehouse facility within the province of Manitoba and who commit to shipping product to all cannabis retailers in Manitoba operating in all regions of the province.
Can I cross dock from another province?
- The interim limited distribution agreement does not permit this.
What happens if the limited distribution agreements do not meet the objectives set by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, or negatively impacts business?
- The limited distribution agreements are meant to be an interim measure that will create opportunities to gather and share feedback among all stakeholders.
- At this time, we cannot say what the future long-term distribution system will be in Manitoba. However, we are seeking an evolved distribution model that is broadly beneficial to suppliers and retailers across the province.