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The federal government has said it wants cannabis legalized by July 1, but the bill is still in debate and the implementation date may be pushed back into the late summer or fall.

Ganley said the province will begin taking applications starting March 6 for those who want to operate a cannabis store. Cannabis distribution is run by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

Operators will have to plunk down a $400 non-refundable application fee and a $3,000 deposit for the records and background check. If they are approved for a licence, that is another $700 for the first year.

Investigators will do a criminal background check on an applicant along with a check of tax records for the last three years. There will be checks on company directors and on who is backstopping any related loans, along with interviews to confirm key points. The process could take two to four months.

“It’s important that we make sure the illegal market doesn’t seep into the legal one,” said Ganley.

“Convictions such as trafficking or producing illegal drugs, or associations to organized crime or violence will make an applicant ineligible for a retail licence.”

A candidate will be eligible to run a cannabis store if he or she has a past minor criminal conviction for marijuana possession.

Stores will be allowed to be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and will have to be 100 metres away from schools and health-care facilities.

Municipalities will have the option to amend those rules.