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Marijuana dispensary firms’ efforts to launch dozens of franchises and shops in Calgary has ignited concerns of a chaotic scramble ahead of the drug’s recreational legalization.

Calgary-based Spiritleaf has attracted 40 entrepreneurs willing to put up a $25,000 franchise fee to operate a cannabis retailing store under the company’s name, said CEO Darren Bondar.

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“We’re well-positioned to be ahead of the game and being an iconic brand based in Alberta,” said Bondar, who’s exhibited at marijuana industry expos in the city.

The prospective franchisees have been told the total startup costs range from $300,000 to $450,000.

He said there’s probably room for “a couple of hundred” recreational cannabis shops in the city, given there’s about 2,100 liquor stores throughout the province.

According to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, there are 447 liquor stores in Calgary.

As Spiritleaf and other players sign up franchisees or scout out possible locations in Calgary ahead of recreational marijuana legalization expected next summer, city and provincial officials still haven’t ironed out exactly how the shops would be located or regulated.