As we found out yesterday, Saskatchewan will be turning to private retailers to sell marijuana come expected legalization on July 1st.

In line with a public survey, there will be walk-in and online options for purchasing cannabis. But over 45 per cent of respondents said they'd prefer a government-run retailer and 37 per cent said they'd prefer small business retailers.

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority will regulate things, and SLGA Minister Gene Makowsky explained the preference for private retail.

"The cost associated with running a public entity would be quite substantial," said Makowsky. "Getting inventory, first of all, buying or running leases, greatly increasing the footprint of government - those costs would be very substantial."

The federal government will regulate the production for commercial purposes. Swift Current is eligible for two retail stores.