On Friday the province sent letters to all municipalities in Ontario to begin the process of identifying locations for retail stores that will sell recreational cannabis. According to the letter, the process will be led by the LCBO. In making its decisions about where to locate new cannabis-selling storefronts, the LCBO will prioritize the following two criteria:

• Ensuring geographic distribution of stores across the province 

• Reducing the number of illegal stores and dispensaries currently in operation 

Once a proposed location has been identified, the LCBO will post a notice online to let the public know that the location has been selected. There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed location. 

The government's plan is to open 40 retails storefronts by July 2018, rising to 80 in 2019 and 150 by 2020. 

Learn more about this plan here.