Since federal Legalization came into effect last October, the retailer has struggled to improve its revenues in the wake of multi-million dollar losses and uninspired sales numbers, which the province has blamed on supply shortages and the strength of the illicit market.

People’s Alliance of New Brunswick leader Kris Austin told the CBC’s Information Morning Fredericton that the provincial government has no place in Cannabis retail, referring to the decision as “absolutely ridiculous and absurd” and saying that the sale of the drug should be privatized.

Although Green Party leader David Coon believes that the province should stick it out in the business of bud, he also thinks that major changes are necessary to optimize sales and minimise potential cons related to the drug.

Finance Minister Ernie Steeves, however, remains optimistic about the retailer’s potential to turn a profit in the coming year — pinning significant hopes on the legalization of second-wave cannabis products such as edibles, which are expected to hit the shelves some time in mid-December.

Cannabis NB’s many problems have come as a bit of a surprise to Atlantic Canadians, who may recall the retailer’s confident declarations , made months before legalization, that it was ready to start selling and succeeding.

Since federal legalization came into effect last October, the retailer has struggled to improve its revenues in the wake of multi-million dollar losses and uninspired sales numbers.Stephen MacGillivray/The Canadian Press