Morden will be one of the first communities in the region to see the opening of a retail cannabis store.

Currently, the new location owned by META Cannabis Supply CO. is under renovations in Morden's business sector. The store does not have an opening date at this time.

MECSC is a branch of National Access Cannabis, according to the META website they've been working with medical cannabis patients since 2014. Under the education first retail model, META Cannabis Supply Co. hopes to create a new standard for recreational cannabis use that promotes education and safety.

META has retail locations across the province and is working alongside Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Long Plain First Nation, and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation while linking economic development and partnership opportunities with Indigenous communities.

Morden Mayor Brandon Burley says the previous council decided that a plebiscite would not be held during the election on whether the retail sale of cannabis within the city limits would be permitted.

Both the Rural Municipality of Stanley and Winkler held plebiscites with both communities voting against the sale of cannabis.

Currently, Morden doesn't have by-laws regarding the sale of cannabis, but any location that does open must adhere to the regulations under the Federal and Provincial Governments and is regulated by the Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba.

The LGCA regulates retail cannabis stores in Manitoba to ensure that cannabis is purchased, distributed and sold in a manner that is in the public interest.

In addition to licensing and compliance responsibilities, the LGCA is also mandated to develop and support social responsibility initiatives and programs to build public knowledge and promote strategies for safer cannabis use.