Delta 9 Applauds Manitoba Retail Cannabis Expansion

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DELTA 9 CANNABIS INC. (TSX: DN) (OTCQX: VRNDF) (“Delta 9” or the “Company”), is pleased to see the Manitoba Government pushing forward on the third phase of its retail cannabis expansion.

Delta 9 will be undertaking multiple expansion strategies and applying for licenses to open additional cannabis retail outlets in Manitoba, as a part of the third phase of retail cannabis expansion announced last week by the Manitoba Government.

On Friday May 22, 2020, Manitoba Minister of Crown Services Jeff Wharton announced that the Manitoba Government would be moving forward on its plan for an open and competitive cannabis retail market. Beginning June 1, 2020, the Province will open the cannabis retail application process to all prospective retailers for a new controlled-access license as well as the previous age-restricted license for operators of stand-alone retail stores.

“This move will enable local entrepreneurs to create jobs and support Manitoba’s economy, which is a critical step as we work toward rebuilding Manitoba in the wake of COVID-19,” said Minister Wharton.

“We are very pleased with the government’s announcement to expand and create an open and competitive cannabis retail landscape in the Province. As Manitoba’s largest cannabis industry employer and only vertically integrated cannabis company, we feel we are uniquely qualified to provide this important product and service to Manitobans,” said Arbuthnot. “We look forward to supporting the governments initiative and continuing to invest and create jobs here in the Province.”

In response to this announcement, the Company will undertake multiple strategies in its Manitoba retail expansion, namely;

(i)	The Company will continue to build out a chain of corporate owned and operated “Delta 9 Cannabis Store” branded store fronts across the Province. The Company plans to open up to 12 retail locations over the next 24 months.
(ii)	The Company is exploring franchise opportunities which would allow local entrepreneurs to open stand-alone “Delta 9 Cannabis Store” branded store fronts under the age-restricted license category. The Company will provide its franchise partners with a turn-key platform which leverages the benefits of its expertise in cannabis retail including, store design, training and staff education programs, inventory tracking, financial plans, standard operating procedures, and systems, as well as support from its corporate head office.
(iii)	The Company is exploring franchise opportunities to open Delta 9 Express “Store-in-Store” operations under the controlled-access license category. The Company will partner with retail operators such as gas stations, hoteliers, convenience stores, etc. to provide a turn-key platform for such retailers to add Delta 9 cannabis products to their product offerings as well as providing training and staff education programs, inventory tracking, and support from its corporate head office.

Parties who are interested in establishing an age-restricted or controlled-access Delta 9 franchise should contact the Company at [e-mail].