As soon as Canada officially opened its cannabis market, it became apparent that supply was going to be an issue. This is evident in the long queues of people waiting for their turn at the counter, as well as in the swamped cannabis websites.
On opening day in Quebec, the le Société Québécois du Cannabis (SQDC) recorded more than 30,000 online orders and more than 12,500 in-store transactions. SQDC, which manages cannabis sales in the province, already stated that they expect significant short-term supply challenges.
Now, just over a week since Canada’s “Cannabis Day,” the SQDC announced that starting today, there will be changes in its operating schedule.
Because of the cannabis supply shortage, Quebec is forced to close stores from Monday to Wednesday. This will be its new sales schedule for its 12 retail stores until product supply in the province has stabilized.
According to the SQDC, limiting its operating hours to Thursday and Sunday is not going to get rid of the possibility of shortages in retail stores as challenges persist for licensed cannabis production.
Shortages not just in Quebec
Quebec is not the only province having problems with its supply. Both private and government-run cannabis retailers across the country have already reported product shortages and delays in delivery amid high demand.
It remains to be seen in the next few days how the other provinces will address this supply problem.