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Koby Smutylo’s carefully laid plans to open as many as 10 cannabis shops in Ottawa and other Ontario cities this spring blew up in his face when the Ontario government abruptly changed the rules.

Now Smutylo’s company may be able to open a single store this spring. If he’s lucky. Very lucky.

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The company has entered the lottery being held this week to choose 25 entrepreneurs who will be allowed to apply for a licence to operate the province’s first bricks-and-mortar cannabis shops.

The lottery is the latest change of course on the roller-coaster ride that is the legalization of recreational pot in Ontario.

The province is temporarily limiting the number of stores because of a pot shortage. Growers licensed by Health Canada have not been able to keep up with demand since Canada legalized recreational marijuana on Oct. 17.

It doesn’t make sense to allow an unlimited number of stores if there is not enough product for them to sell, say provincial politicians.