DIDSBURY - Didsbury will be the location for the first government approved cannabis retail store in Mountain View County.
Didsbury Cannabis Mart at #20 - 1602, 20th Street was recently granted a permit from the AGLC (Alberta Government Liquor and Cannabis).
Store owner Gurdev Bhullar expects the store to open around May 17. He said it was pretty exciting to have the first cannabis retail store in Mountain View County.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter said that the town welcomes any new business.
"We're very excited for Gurdev Bhullar to move forward with his business venture in the community," said Hunter. "The legalization of cannabis has created situations where business people can open those businesses. It's a great opportunity."
Bhullar also had applied for a cannabis retail store on 1908 - 20th Street but the Town of Didsbury cancelled the proposed development permit for that location due to it being within 100 metres of Didsbury Career High School.
Another proposed cannabis retail store, Cannabis Cowboy, has been issued a development permit from the town for a store at 2102 - 20th Street. That store has not received a permit from AGLC as of yet, which is necessary to open a retail cannabis store in Alberta.
The Town of Carstairs has issued a development permit and business licence to operate a cannabis retail store at 1115 Hammond St. in Carstairs to Canna Corp. That store has not received an AGLC permit to operate as of yet either.
There are 101 cannabis retail stores in Alberta who have been granted permits from AGLC. Didsbury Cannabis Mart is the only one between Calgary and Red Deer.
Cannabis was legalized by the federal government on Oct. 17, 2018 with a number of restrictions. Under federal legislation: adults can possess up to 30 grams of legally-produced cannabis; adults can grow up to four cannabis plants per household; the minimum age for purchase and use is 18-years-old; licensed production of cannabis is controlled by the federal government, while distribution and sale is controlled by the provincial government; and new provisions to address drug and alcohol impaired driving have been established.
All physical stores in Alberta have strict government oversight through licensing by AGLC. Licensed retailers are the only stores that can sell cannabis. They cannot sell cannabis if they sell alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceuticals.
The Mountain View Gazette reached out to the AGLC for comments but was told they are unable to provide clarity to our questions at this time.
"I can confirm; however, that we are communicating directly with retailers," said Angelle Sasseville, director, communications, digital media and brand, AGLC, in an email.
A press release by AGLC from January 25 stated that: although the national cannabis shortage has created restrictions for licensed retailers to access a comprehensive selection of inventory, supply challenges have shown some improvement.
Issuing a limited number of new licences still effectively manages the cannabis supply shortage by ensuring there is sufficient inventory available for current retailers, while allowing some applicants in the queue to open their stores.
"After seeing a modest improvement in supply over the last weeks, we are confident the inventory can accommodate an additional 10 retail locations," said AGLC president and CEO Alain Maisonneuve in the release. "AGLC continues to work with our licensed producers and current retailers towards solutions that will support a sustainable marketplace."
