Legalization sparks hundreds of Saskatchewan cannabis jobs

Kevin Tindall does not smoke pot.

But the corporate accountant in Saskatoon and his business partners need at least 10 people in Swift Current, Sask., who can explain marijuana to new customers and keep Tindall's downtown cannabis store rolling once recreational marijuana use becomes legal on Oct. 17.

"It's going to be based on personality and their ability to sell," said Tindall, who spent several years running a Boston Pizza in Swift Current before moving to the corporate world, eventually winning one of the province's 51 permits to retail pot.

"We're looking forward to being open well before the legalization date just for information purposes," Tindall said. "I think this industry's going to be huge."

In total, CBC News has found marijuana grow ops, distribution centres, warehouses and retail stores across Saskatchewan will likely hire close to 700 people in time for legalization this fall.

CBC contacted people who hold retail cannabis sales permits in Saskatchewan, with most in Saskatoon and Regina saying they planned to hire between 20 and 25 employees.

One permit holder said she planned to hire just three people.

Tweed Grasslands, meanwhile, will hire at least 25 staff for each of its stores in Fort Qu'Appelle, Humboldt, Meadow Lake, Melville, and the rural municipality of Corman Park.

"In Saskatchewan we're definitely on the hunt for skilled people who are energetic and smart and fit the culture," said Andrew MacCorquodale, a managing director with Canopy Growth, Canada's largest cannabis company and the owner of Tweed Grasslands.

He estimated Tweed's medical marijuana grow operation at Yorkton would employ at least 80 people by the end of the year.

It's not alone.

Aurora Cannabis, a licensed cannabis producer, has posted online advertisements this summer as it hires a regulatory affairs associate, a medical marketing co-ordinator and a project manager, along with manufacturing and cultivation assistants in Saskatchewan.

Staff at High Tide, an Alberta cannabis accessory wholesale company, predicted at least five to 10 wholesale companies will apply for permits to broker weed shipments in Saskatchewan, each employing at least six people.

Warehouses and distribution facilities near North Battleford, Regina and Saskatoon should employ more than 200 people as retailers look for consistent, high-quality suppliers.

"I really think this is going to be an important economic driver for Saskatchewan," said Trevor Fencott, the CEO of Edmonton-based Fire & Flower.

His company landed one of Yorkton's two cannabis retail permits and hopes to make a good first impression.

He expects a significant portion of his customers in Yorkton will be older, and may be trying marijuana for the first time in years.

"There's a lot of myths and misconceptions out there in the grey market about cannabis and the science behind cannabis, and there's a lot of confusion out there," said Fencott. 

He's hiring 14 people, but he's not looking for heavy users.

"Let the customer figure out whether the product fits their lifestyle or not," said Fencott.

"Ultimately we're about building a sustainable industry here."