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“Some may think that this work will end in July when non-medical cannabis is legalized by the federal government,” he said. “But the truth is our government will be dealing with this significant change in policy for years to come.”

Farnworth said the province’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch will be given the responsibility to license and oversee private stores, while the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch will be allowed to operate a stand-alone network of its own outlets.

In the spring, the province will launch an early registration seeking applications from businesses that want licences.

Farnworth promised there won’t be a cap on licences, but he vowed that licences won’t be granted without the support of local governments.

Vancouver and Victoria have already set up licensing regimes for marijuana dispensaries, but Farnworth said other municipalities such as Richmond have said they don’t want pot shops in their communities at all.

“We’re not forcing anything down any community’s throats,” he said.

However, the province expects the new regulations will give special consideration to locations for the public to purchase cannabis in rural and remote communities.

In December, the government said the legal age to purchase cannabis would be 19, and that did not change in Monday’s announcement.

Anyone over the age of 19 will be able to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of marijuana for recreational use. It will be allowed anywhere people can legally smoke tobacco or use vaping products, though it will be illegal in vehicles and in places frequented by children, including beaches, parks and playgrounds.