CARSTAIRS - A licence from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to operate a retail cannabis store has recently been granted to Canna Corp. for 1115 Hammond Street in Carstairs.
The store will be the first of its kind in Carstairs.
The Town of Carstairs approved a development permit for the location last fall.
Carstairs CAO Carl McDonnell said that all the permits the business needs from the town have been approved.
"Their permits have all been approved," said McDonnell. "Those were all done prior to their application with AGLC. We haven't heard a date from them yet. We're hearing some time in September but they haven't given us any dates yet."
Mayor Lance Colby said the town is always open for business.
"It's the new thing," said Colby. "If people support it it shows people want it. We really can't pick and choose what comes in if they meet the requirements of us and the government. It's like having liquor stores. If they feel they can make it and there is enough interest they're welcome to come in."
Calls and emails to Canna Corp. requesting further information were not returned by press time.
Another company is now in the process of applying for town and provincial permits and licensing for the Carstairs' second retail cannabis store.
Bud Mart's application to AGLC to operate a retail cannabis store at 802 Centre Street is pending. AGLC added Bud Mart to the list of pending applications on Aug. 15. AGLC will be accepting objections until Sept. 5.
The applicant, Gurdev Bhullar, owns Didsbury Cannabis Mart which was the first government approved retail cannabis store in Didsbury.
"That one (town permit for Bud Mart) is in circulation," said McDonnell. "They're looking at going into where FasGas is on Highway 2A in that building. That's the location they're looking at. Right now the application is in circulation to all the neighbours to see if there are any objections."
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.
A nationwide legal cannabis shortage forced the Alberta government to halt licensing any more retail cannabis stores last fall. As supply grew, the province lifted the moratorium at the end of May. At that time, AGLC said it would issue five licences a week and would be monitoring supply.
