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Cannabis License

Different orders of government and government agencies are responsible for different aspects of cannabis legalization, regulation and enforcement. 

The federal government's Cannabis Act (Bill C-45)  provides legal access to cannabis and controls and regulates its production, distribution and sale.  Under the Cannabis Act, each province has the ability to set its own rules for cannabis.  

The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act (Bill 121), passed by the provincial government, sets forth the rules and regulations for cannabis use in Saskatchewan.  The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act strictly prohibits the consumption of cannabis in a public place.  This means cannabis may only be consumed on private property.  The City's Bylaw No. 8286, The Smoking Control Bylaw, 2004, has been amended to reflect this. 

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is responsible for regulating the industry in the province, including permitting and monitoring the operation of local wholesalers and retailers, as well as working with the federal government and other provinces and territories to track cannabis as it moves through the supply chain. Cannabis retail stores must be standalone operations, selling only federally licensed cannabis, cannabis accessories and ancillary items as defined by SLGA.  For a list of all of the licensed cannabis retail stores in Saskatoon, consult SLGA's list of cannabis retailers.  

The Saskatoon Police Service is responsible for enforcing all federal and provincial cannabis laws, as well as the City's Smoking Control Bylaw.

The City is responsible for regulations related to land use and business activity within the city.  Cannabis retail, wholesale and production facility locations are subject to the City’s municipal zoning and licensing bylaws.

Cannabis Business Zoning

On June 25, 2018, City Council approved amendments to the City's Zoning Bylaw to regulate cannabis-related businesses.   The regulations provide accommodation for cannabis retail stores and cannabis production facilities to be established in Saskatoon, while ensuring they are appropriately separated from sensitive land uses such as elementary and high schools, parks, community centres, public libraries and child care centres. 

Cannabis retail stores are permitted uses in some commercial, mixed use and industrial zoning districts, provided they meet all separation distance requirements. Cannabis production facilities are permitted uses in IL1 and IH zoning districts, and are also required to meet separation distance requirements. Please email us with proposed sites prior to formally applying and we can assist in determining if a site meets zoning and separation distance requirements.

The following sections refer to cannabis retail stores only. If you are looking for information on cannabis production facilities, please contact Business Licence directly at 306-975-2760 or by e-mail at business.licence@saskatoon.ca 

Cannabis Retail Store Building & Development Permit Application Process

Bylaw No. 9525, The Cannabis License Bylaw includes provisions similar to those that apply to other businesses in the city, with additional regulations for cannabis retailers and production facilities. The intent of the Cannabis License Bylaw is to provide tools to regulate the operation of cannabis-related businesses in Saskatoon. 

The following is a step-by-step process on how to apply for a cannabis retail store:

  • Applicants must first submit a cannabis retail store permit application through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). Once SLGA has entered the application into their database, an email from SLGA will be sent to the applicant indicating their application has been received and assigned a unique identification number. This email and identification number are required to apply for a building and development permit.
  • Once the email and unique identification number has been received from SLGA, the applicant can apply for a building and development permit.
  • The following is required at minimum to begin processing this type of application:
    • Complete Commercial Building Permit Application clearly indicating the application is for a cannabis retail store;
    • SLGA email with unique identification number;
    • Addressing Site Plan/Key Plan;
    • Asbestos Removal Form (for buildings constructed prior to 1990); and
    • Floor plans (sealed drawings not typically required at this stage but floor plans need to be legible and include all rooms, vault locations, interior walls, washrooms, and dimensions).

Building and development permit applications will only be received online through the City of Saskatoon's online building permit portal at saskatoon.ca/buildingpermits or via e-mail at commercial.permits@saskatoon.ca. Following a preliminary review, additional requirements will need to be met. Please see the Complete Permit Application Checklist - Alterations. 

Once the building and development permit has been approved, the applicant can provide the issued permit as written municipal approval of the proposed location for a cannabis retail store to SLGA. 

The issuance of a development permit will result in a 160 metre separation distance from other cannabis retail stores which may have an impact on applications for other businesses that have yet to be reviewed or are on hold.

Applying for a Municipal Business Licence

Following the issuance of a building and development permit, applicants are able to apply for their City of Saskatoon business licence. The business licence will not be issued until the applicant provides confirmation from SLGA that they are permitted to purchase and store cannabis at the business location.

The following is a step-by-step process to apply for a cannabis business licence:

  • Applicant submits a Commercial Business Licence Application, floor plan, site plan, and associated application fee. Initial licence fees for new cannabis retail stores and cannabis production facilities are $550.00. Annual renewal fees are $95.00. If a cannabis-related business changes locations, the licence fee is $550.00

The application form for cannabis retail stores and cannabis production facilities is available here. Once the form has been completed, it can be mailed to our office with a cheque or it can be submitted by e-mail, and one of our staff will arrange to receive the license fee payment. Both mailing information and the Business License Program e-mail address are available on the second page of the application form. Please do not submit a commercial business license online for cannabis operations as you will be charged an incorrect business licence fee.

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