A shift in Canadian law fundamentally changed local prairie retail markets during the autumn of 2018. On Oct. 17, the federal government legalized the recreational use of cannabis across the country.
Saskatchewan handled this social change by firmly establishing a private, fully independent retail market framework. Instead of relying on government-run liquor stores, the province boldly allowed local private business owners to apply directly for legal distribution permits.
Those retail doors opened for the first time that October morning to lines of customers wrapped around city blocks in both Saskatoon and Regina.
The transition marked the end of nearly a century of strict prohibition, birthing a new, highly regulated local prairie business industry.
Learn more about 100 Years of CKRM at 620ckrm.com.
100 Years of Saskatchewan History
This article is part of a series that celebrates both the history of Saskatchewan and the 100th anniversary of one of Saskatchewan's most storied radio stations. For more key moments from the last 100 years, visit the CKRM timeline.
