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Alberta could be the site of 250 cannabis stores in the first year of legalization, with retailers able to offer discount prices on bud and marijuana oil, provincial officials said Friday.

No one business or person will be able to own more than 15 per cent of the locations, or a maximum of 37 stores, the government said, and the outlets must be located no closer than 100 metres from schools and health-care facilities.

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“This is a brand new market and we want to ensure everyone can participate, from the very small to the very large entities,” said Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley, adding there’s no shortage of prospective retailers.

“There has been an enormous amount of interest.”

In Oregon, which has a similar population to Alberta, there are 502 retail licences.

Last month, a city official said it alone has received interest from at least 200 potential retailers.

But regulations that include a $3,000 deposit and annual licensing and application fees totalling $1,100 “might weed out a few,” said Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission vice-president Dave Barry.