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Ontario To Open Dozens Of Stores To Sell Marijuana

AM800-News-Marijuana-Smoker-1-1.2550141 BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: An activists smokes a marijuana joint prior to marching in the annual Hemp Parade (Hanfparade) on August 13, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. German proponents of cannabis legalization are hoping that the legalization in several states in the USA in recent years will increase the likelihood of legalization in Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (Sean Gallup/(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images))

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An official announcement will be made later this morning

Ontario plans to open dozens of storefronts across the province to manage the sale and distribution of recreational marijuana after the federal government legalizes its recreational use.

A number of reports citing industry and government sources say Ontario's Liberal government will allow the sale of marijuana at 40 to 60 storefronts across the province to be operated by a government-owned entity and also allow online sales.

More storefronts would be added over time but would not be housed in existing LCBO outlets.

The locations of the stores would be determined after municipalities are consulted.

Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, Finance Minister Charles Sousa and Health Minister Eric Hoskins are scheduled to reveal the Ontario plan at a news conference later morning.

The federal government plans to legalize the recreational use of marijuana by July 1, 2018 and leave it up to the provinces and territories to oversee distribution and sales.