Kathleen Wynne announced that 150 stores will sell marijuana once it is legalized and the LCBO will oversee the operation of all stores.
The LCBO has the expertise for the regulation and distribution of alcohol, so in order for the government to save some costs and know that the initiative is properly dealt with, the LCBO is the best choice. They will oversee the introduction of legalized marijuana. This will allow for a smooth transition.
Many critics have said that the LCBO will not have properly trained and educated employees working within these locations, however, president of the Ontario Public Service Employee Union, Warren “Smokey” Thomas, addressed this concern earlier this week.
He says, “we’ll be ready for it, don’t worry about that,” because his members will be well trained by experts available from the medical marijuana industry that will pass on knowledge of distribution, sales, and product quality control and expects experienced workers from soon-to-be-outlawed private operations to apply for such jobs, and highlighted the benefit of higher union wages as the main attraction.
There are opposing views to the time frame and question of educated employees and the training they will receive with dispensary supporters stating that as dispensary technicians they “determine experience, tolerance, and recommend the appropriate product to ensure they have a good experience,” and believe ha the level of attention they provide, will not be given. They consider the level of attention that is presently given by the LCBO in their liquor stores, and the transition they want to have, cannot happen overnight.
While Greg Engel, CEO of a licensed producer of medical cannabis said the government is realistic with their goal, and that staff that will be able to advise clients of the effects, duration, and recommends something that is right for the experience they are looking for is critical.
Of the first wave of the 150 stores, the first 40 to be opened will require 200 new members and could grow to 1,000 or more once all of the stores are up and running.