Cannabis becomes legal in Canada Wednesday but there will be no retail stores selling the product in southeastern Manitoba at the outset. Kristianne Dechant, Manager of Communications for the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba, says no retail outlets have yet been approved in the area south of the Trans-Canada Highway, east of Highway #75.

"At this point, we're really working on licensing the first batch of stores. As private retailers, the stores have chosen which locations they want to focus on. We do not have anything in that area of the province (the southeast) in this first batch of stores that will open either Wednesday or in the early weeks of legalization."

Dechant says, for the time being, the nearest cannabis retail outlets will be in Winnipeg.

"We do anticipate that we will see stores open in Winnipeg on Wednesday. That said, we do anticipate that online sales will be available through some of the retailers so that will be an option as well for people in that area."

Meanwhile, residents of Steinbach and Stuartburn will be voting in a referendum Wednesday, October 24th as to whether cannabis retail outlets should be allowed in their municipalities.