Second Cup is planning to convert some of its coffee shops into marijuana dispensaries in Canada.

The coffee giant has signed a strategic alliance with the marijuana clinic operator, National Access Cannabis to develop and operate the stores.

The two firms plan to initially set up shop in Western Canada and expand across the country as laws permit.

The conversion will depend on getting a retail license from provincial regulators and the approval of franchisees and landlords.

However, provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island will sell marijuana in outlets operated and monitored by the Provincial Liquor Commission.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario has announced the first four provincially run cannabis stores will be in Guelph, Kingston, Toronto and Thunder Bay by July.