Ontario residents will be able to buy marijuana at dozens of LCBO run stores once it’s legalised next summer. The Liberal government announced its plan to manage its sale and the process will look like the one currently in place for alcohol.

Cannabis outlets will be separate from existing liquor stores but the rules similar. You’ll have to be 19 years old to buy it or possess it and you’ll only be able to use recreational weed in private homes, not on streets, in bars or vehicles.

“We are planning for approximately 150 stores by the end of 2020 with about 80 operational in the first year.” Charles Sousa, Finance Minister.  Locations have not been determined yet.

The plan means that illegal pot shops in Ontario will be shut down.

“If you operate one of these facilities consider yourself on notice.” Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General.

The big question, how much will the government charge, has yet to be answered and the Finance Minister couldn’t say how much tax revenue legalised weed will bring in.

The opposition is criticising the plan, saying there are more questions than answers as well as the timing of today’s announcement.

“I think its no coincidence that the plan is being rolled out at a time when the Liberals are on the front pages again for the Sudbury by-election scandal.” Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader.

But the Finance Minister says they are just trying to meet the July 1st deadline.

The LCBO will get its product from the medical marijuana producers. There are 58 of them who are licenced and inspected by Health Canada. Ontario is the first province to lay out a plan to sell and distribute recreational marijuana, it doesn’t include edible marijuana products.

Consumption won’t be allowed in public spaces but the government will explore the possibility of allowing marijuana-licensed establishments in the future.