There are four steps in the application and licensing process. The time required to process an application varies among applications; however, an applicant that qualifies for Step 2 should expect an approximate processing time of two to four months. Applications will be processed concurrently. MBLL or LGCA may request additional information at any time as required.
Step 1: Application
During Step 1, applicants work solely with MBLL.
Part A:
Applicants must submit their application details through mbllpartners.ca on the Become a Cannabis Retailer page (mbllpartners.ca/cannabis-partners/become-cannabis-retailer).
Any field on the application form with an asterisk (*) is mandatory information and must be submitted with the application. Failure to complete these fields will result in an application being denied.
Applicant Information
Full legal name of individual or entity submitting application (“applicant”) *
If the applicant is an individual, provide the individual’s full legal name. If the applicant is an entity, provide the entity’s registered name or registration number on file with the Manitoba Companies Office. MBLL will conduct a Manitoba Companies Office search of the entity to confirm that it is registered to carry on business in Manitoba. If the entity is not registered, MBLL will request the applicant register the entity with the Manitoba Companies Office before advancing to Step 2.
Usual business name of applicant (if known)
The intended name for the cannabis store. This information may not be known yet and is not mandatory. If the intended business name is not already registered in Manitoba, such registration will be required in Step 2.
Full mailing address and telephone number of applicant*
This is the mailing address and telephone number for the applicant.
Full retail location address (if known)
Include only if the applicant already has a secured location for their cannabis store. The address must match what is on file with Canada Post.
Contact Person*
This is the individual to be contacted throughout the application process in case of any questions or requests for additional information.
Title*
The position title of the contact person.
Address, Telephone Number, and Email*
The contact information for the contact person.
Part B:
Type of location*
- Existing location: Secured and ready to renovate or in a ready state
- Identified location: Location identified but not yet secured (no lease or purchase in place)
- Searching for a location: Unidentified location
Are you looking to open a cannabis store*
- Within the City of Winnipeg: any location for which the City of Winnipeg would issue a building and occupancy permit
- Outside the City of Winnipeg: any location outside the City of Winnipeg, for which the applicable municipality or First Nation would issue a conditional use order, band council resolution or similar approval document
Type of Licence*
- Age-Restricted Licence - For complete details on the two categories of Licences, please visit: lgcamb.ca/cannabis/retail-licences
- Controlled-Access Licence – For complete details on the two categories of Licences, please visit: lgcamb.ca/cannabis/retail-licences
Do you have municipal/First Nation approval for your location (proof will be required in Step 2)*
- Within the City of Winnipeg, a copy of the occupancy permit, or confirmation of occupancy will be required.
- Outside the City of Winnipeg, a copy of the occupancy permit, or confirmation of occupancy, or conditional use order or another similar approval document from the municipality approving the cannabis store location.
- Within First Nations land, a copy of the band council resolution approving a cannabis store will be requested. If the band council resolution cannot be provided, a document confirming a cannabis store is allowed on the First Nation land will be accepted.
MBLL will not approve an application if the municipality or First Nation has opted out of having cannabis stores.
Do you have financial capacity to support owning and operating a cannabis store*
For the purposes of this application:
- If planning to open a cannabis store within the City of Winnipeg (with an Age-Restricted Licence), a minimum of $75,000 - $100,000 is advised for opening inventory; additional funds will be required for subsequent ordering.
- If planning to open a cannabis store outside the City of Winnipeg (with an Age-Restricted Licence), a minimum of $25,000 - $50,000 is advised for opening inventory; additional funds will be required for subsequent ordering.
- The opening inventory amounts shown are provided to assist applicants with an estimated cost for opening inventory. It will be up to the applicant to budget accordingly and order quantities and products that fit with their business model. All cannabis must be purchased through MBLL and paid in complete ahead of receiving products upon ordering.
Are you a current holder of an Age-Restricted Licence*
Do you currently have a signed Retailer Agreement with MBLL and hold an Age-Restricted Licence from LGCA?
Are you eligible for GST exemption*
- No
- Yes
Step 2: Cannabis Store Retailer Agreement and Licensing Process
If an applicant successfully completes Step 1, as determined by MBLL, the applicant will move to Step 2. An MBLL representative and an LGCA representative will be assigned and will forward all required forms, information and documents to the applicant for completion.
MBLL and LGCA will work concurrently with the applicant who must:
- Complete Schedule “A” of the Retailer Agreement;
- Sign the Retailer Agreement;
- Register in Manitoba the corporation and business name of the cannabis store;
- Provide a certificate of insurance for the store location;
- Provide a Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba registration and letter of good standing (this requirement does not apply for applicants opening a store on First Nations land);
- Provide a copy of the City of Winnipeg occupancy permit, or confirmation of occupancy. If planning to open outside the City of Winnipeg, provide a copy of the occupancy permit, confirmation of occupancy, the conditional use order document, or another similar approving document from the municipality; and
- If planning to open on First Nations land, provide a copy of the band council resolution, or equivalent, approving a cannabis store to be located within the First Nation. Disclose their GST exemption, if applicable. MBLL will request additional documents to support the GST exemption and will apply a GST exempt status to their ordering profile once they become operational.
Once the Applicant has satisfactorily completed all requirements for Step 2, MBLL will sign the location’s Retailer Agreement.
LGCA Requirements
A retailer must obtain a Licence from the LGCA before opening. Information about the Licence application process can be found at https://lgcamb.ca/cannabis/retail-licences/ or by contacting the LGCA.
Applicants cannot order products from MBLL until both a Retailer Agreement is signed by MBLL and an LGCA Licence is issued. The applicant may also be required to attend training (see Step 3) before ordering products.
Step 3: Cannabis Retailer Onboarding Training
New retailers are required to attend Cannabis Retailer Onboarding training. Existing retailers receiving location Licences are encouraged to refresh their training but it is not mandatory.
Training is held virtually via Microsoft Teams at no cost to the Retailer. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Who to contact at MBLL;
- An overview of the cannabis model in Manitoba;
- The differences between MBLL and LGCA’s role with the retailer;
- Understanding the MBLL Retailer Agreement;
- Understanding the Cannabis Store Retailer Directives;
- An overview of MBLL suppliers and available products;
- How to order cannabis products;
- How delivery works;
- How receiving works;
- How federal reporting works; and
- Operational next steps.
After completing training, the retailer will be able to order products from MBLL.
Step 4: Monitoring
With the opening of the store, MBLL will invite the retailer to scheduled quarterly conference calls attended by other retailers. During these calls, MBLL provides market information, process and system demonstrations, and answers questions.
MBLL will monitor and ensure compliance to the Retailer Agreement and Retailer Directives throughout retailer operations. MBLL may visit your store once you are operational.
An LGCA Licence is valid only with a current, signed Retailer Agreement.
Retailers are encouraged to work with MBLL and to have open communication to ensure operations run smoothly throughout the term of their Retailer Agreement.