There is a lot of interest to be one of the two cannabis shops in Weyburn when the federal government legalizes the controlled substance for recreational use in the coming months.

There were 50 applications in Weyburn alone for the two permits being allowed in the city by the provincial government. There were 1,502 applications made from across Saskatchewan prior to the April 10 deadline.

Gene Makowsky, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said they weren't sure what to expect application-wise.

"It seems to be a lot," said Makowsky. "The number we didn't know because it's certainly an unknown market."

The applications that pass a screening process will be entered into a lottery. A total of 51 retail permits will eventually be awarded to businesses spread around 32 different communities.

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority announced Friday they are now accepting applications for wholesale cannabis permits as well as licensed producer registrations.

Permitted wholesalers will be able to purchase cannabis from federally-licensed producers that are registered to supply the Saskatchewan market or from other permitted wholesalers operating in the province.

Wholesale permittees can only sell to retailers, not the general public, and must physically operate within Saskatchewan. There is no limit to the number of wholesale permits and no deadline to apply. Federally-licensed producers must also register with SLGA if they want to sell cannabis to Saskatchewan wholesalers or retailers. That registration process is now open.