The Higgs government is looking to combat a high number of illegal cannabis operations in the province.
A new bill tabled in the legislature Tuesday would allow Cannabis NB to expand its model through private retail stores.
“The proposed amendments will provide additional protections and safeguards while maintaining sufficient flexibility for Cannabis NB to expand its model and combat the higher number of illegal operations,” Finance Minister Ernie Steeves said while tabling the proposed changes.
The bill would also enable the agency to expand its model through what is known as farmgate operations.
That would give licensed New Brunswick cannabis producers the chance to sell their products at their own locations.
Cannabis NB currently has 20 Crown-owned stores located in communities across the province.
The Crown corporation reported more than $42 million in sales during the first six months of the 2021-22 fiscal year.
