VANCOUVER -- British Columbia has selected Shopify Inc. to provide an e-commerce platform for the online sale of non-medical cannabis in the province.

The Liquor Distribution Branch, which will be the sole wholesale distributor and public retailer of cannabis, says the Ottawa-based company was selected because of its proven record of on-time service, user-friendly design and approach to anticipating consumer needs.

Shopify was chosen following a request for proposals earlier this year.

It will create two separate websites to fulfil online orders: one for consumers where the age of the purchaser will be verified and the second for public and private retail stores.

Couriers will also verify the age of buyers at delivery.

At-store pickup of online orders is being considered.

The distribution centre will be located in a 6,500-square-metre facility in Richmond.

The online store will be ready in early fall once non-medical cannabis is legalized on Oct. 17.