It won't take 8-12 weeks after legalization, NB ready now! The Federal Government is saying this in order to not pressure Provincial Governments but really, Provinces can be ready within days if they have their act together. Look at New Brunswick.
They know it's happening, they know legalization is here and they are ready now.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/first-cannabis-nb-location-1.4704298 Compare that with BC and Ontario who have yet to even announce supply agreements and solid frameworks and you know which provincial government has their act together and which doesn't.
NB will be the first to crack down on the Black Market distribution and really be a showcase for what the Feds really want to do.