Become a Retailer

Become a Retailer

Any NWT resident can apply to be a private NWT cannabis retail vendor. While the NTLCC controls the inventory, sale and delivery of cannabis, and sets prices for cannabis products, the Minister of Finance can designate other retail applicants that successfully meet the criteria set out in the NWT Cannabis Retail Framework.

While the application process is open to all NWT Residents, the Government of the Northwest Territories follows a strict evaluation process to ensure the safety of NWT residents.

Link to Cannabis Products Regulations.

How to Apply

To be considered a potential cannabis retail vendor, interested applicants must first submit an expression of interest letter to the Director of the NTLCC. Once the NTLCC receives an expression of interest from a potential vendor, the NTLCC will do an initial community assessment to determine community support and sufficient demand. Following a positive assessment, a public Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released to that specific community. The process to become a vendor is briefly described below; greater detail is available in the Cannabis Retail Framework Information Guide.

  1. Pre-Application Security Screening

  2. Review of Pre-Application Security Screening

  3. Application Package Submitted

  4. Review of Application

  5. Acceptance and Pre-Sale Store Inspection

  6. Designation as a Cannabis Vendor


Cannabis Retail Framework Information Guide

The Government of the Northwest Territories Retail Cannabis Framework Information Guide provides detailed information to NWT residents considering applying to become an NWT non‐medicinal cannabis retail vendor. This Guide includes:

  • a description of the application process;

  • information to help applicants make business decisions;

  • information on how retail businesses will be able to buy and sell product; and

  • information to help local government prepare for potential retail store applications within their community.

Download the NWT Retail Cannabis Framework Information Guide.