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HALIFAX — Nova Scotia and P.E.I. both set their legal age for marijuana at 19 on Thursday, but the two East Coast provinces are taking different paths on how weed will be sold.

P.E.I. said it will sell marijuana at standalone outlets run separately by its liquor commission, while Nova Scotia said pot will be sold alongside alcohol in its provincial liquor stores.

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Justice Minister Mark Furey said Thursday Nova Scotia believes selling marijuana through existing liquor stores will provide the necessary control to ensure public safety.

“They have a social responsibility mandate and we trust their experience in selling restricted products,” said Furey. “The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission also has the infrastructure in place to support a province-wide retail operation.”

P.E.I. noted its decision on separate stores was in line with a recommendation last year by the federal task force on cannabis legalization and regulation. It said there should be no co-location of alcohol and cannabis sales where possible, saying that appropriate safeguards should be put in place if co-sales couldn’t be avoided.