Even if the town releases its decisions this week on successful cannabis retail applicants, none at this point have secured licences from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).

Exactly when AGLC will be issuing more licences has been left open-ended after yesterday's announcement by AGLC president and CEO Alain Maisonneuve that no further licences will be processed due to the low supply level.

"Due to the national shortage, AGLC is temporarily suspending accepting new applications and issuing any additional cannabis retail licences until further notice," says Maisonneuve.

The commission says it had ordered enough product to support 250 retail stores but have only received 20 per cent of the product.

Up until this point, they have issued 65 licences provincewide and none are for Cochrane.

In the meantime, the town is continuing its application process that is separate from AGLC. 

Earlier this week, Adam Nordquist, who is overseeing the town's cannabis application process, said they were expecting to release some decisions in the latter part of this week. Without an AGLC licence they will not be able to open for the time being.

"It is still the responsibility of the applicant to acquire a licence from AGLC before they open their doors and AGLC’s decision will cause delays for these business owners," says Nordquist.

All applicants in various stages of the licensing process will receive a full refund of all licensing fees should they wish to withdraw from the licensing application process. Otherwise, they can retain their place in the queue.

Some product will remain available through the online cannabis store for recreational users.