Fog Blog New Brunswick Log: Cannabis NB Loses Millions , Will Privatize:

CANNABIS NB WANTS TO PRIVATIZE THE OPERATION AS IT HAS LOST 16 MILLION THIS YEAR!

There was a chorus of concern and counsel Thursday from observers and critics of the provincial government's plan to turn Cannabis NB over to the private sector.From inadvertently assisting the black market to creating a more competitive model, experts and MLAs say privatizing recreational cannabis raises a host of issues that must be addressed before the transition, which could take place early next year.Finance Minister Ernie Steeves announced Thursday afternoon the province has issued a request for proposals for a single private operator to take over operation and sales from the Crown corporation.Cannabis NB has lost more than $16 million over its first 50 weeks, and the province said it wants to stop the bleeding. Steeves said the province will focus on regulating the industry.