As legalization day approaches, Kamloops is preparing to open the province's first legal cannabis retail shop.
According to Dave Jones, City of Kamloops Business Licence Inspector and Property Use Coordinator, the new store provides an opportunity for customers to come in and receive education about safe consumption.
“It’s inviting, business-friendly, and it gives everyone the opportunity to go in and see the vision of the province; which is to inform and educate about the products,” said Jones.
The city has been discussing the opportunity for a cannabis retail license application for over a year.
“Council was asked to reach out to the province to see whether they would be interested in opening a store in Kamloops. We didn’t think we would be the first one,” said Jones.
“Once regulations were in order and ready to go, they [the province] reached out to us.”
A council meeting is set to take place today that will determine if the retail store is approved. If approved, Jones stated that the store, located at 200-1210 Summit Drive, will be open for legalization on Wednesday.
The city received the provincial referral on Sept. 6 and zoning for the location is already in place.
According to Jones, the location falls within regulations that were set and approved by the council.
Also in the application is the required signing of the Good Neighbour Agreement which will commit the business owner to work with RCMP and the city to resolve issues or concerns that may arise through the operation. The lengthy agreement highlights that businesses must not tolerate criminal activity within or adjacent to the property, run background checks on employees, cooperate with RCMP and ensure anyone working is at least 19 years of age.
Jones did note that if council does not approve the retail store at today’s meeting, it will not open on Wednesday. Although a possibility, Jones finds that outcome unlikely.
“I would be surprised if council did not support the resolution. Throughout the application we haven’t received any negative response, however, someone may turn up at council and voice concerns,” says Jones.
“We feel citizens of Kamloops should feel comfortable that the first cannabis store is operated by the government and is a great opportunity.”
It has been proposed that the retail operations will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
“The BC Provincial Cannabis Regulations permit the sales of cannabis from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days per week; therefore, the proposed hours of operation are supported,” states the retail cannabis sales license application.
Anyone interested in accessing the new store should come prepared with two pieces of government issued ID.
Those who enter the store will find dried cannabis, cannabis oils, as well as pre-rolls and accessories for sale.
According to Karen Shum, Senior Communications Officers for the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), in July LDB announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with 31 licensed producers revealing that the initial product assortment would feature 150 strains ranging in quality from value to ultra premium.
The Kamloops store will be staffed with about 20 employees which will include a store manager, assistant manager and cannabis consultants.
