Although he likes the fact that recreational use of cannabis is now legalized, a local resident has some concerns about the situation in Olds, including the fact that as of a couple of weeks ago, there was still no place to buy it in town.
Recreational consumption of cannabis (also known as marijuana) became legal nationwide Oct. 17 last year.
“There’s not too much I’d change with the legalization, and as for Olds, I wish there were designated smoking spots for marijuana; obviously away from kids and work spaces,” Chase Jesske, 20, said during an interview with the Albertan. "And a dispensary would actually be nice to see around Olds."
Currently in Olds there are no cannabis retail stores because late last year, Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) suspending giving out licences, due to a shortage of supply.
Heather Holmen, the AGLC communications manager, says that suspension isn’t likely to be lifted any time soon.
“AGLC continues to monitor supply and inventory, and while we are continuing to receive product, it’s not to the levels that would sustain additional licensees at this time,” said Holmen.
“AGLC continues to work with our contracted licensed producers (LP) to bring product in and we are in ongoing discussions with newly licensed LPs to bring them on board to provide for the Alberta marketplace.”
Although there are no cannabis retail stores in Olds yet, Jesske has tried legal cannabis and is satisfied with what he’s had.
“I think that the legalization is great and I’m sure lots of people will agree with me on that," he said.
“Marijuana helps with a lot of things and quite a few people don’t realize how beneficial it actually is. For me it has helped me with depression, stress and my back pain.
“It’s nice because you know what you’re getting and where it’s from,” Jesske added. “I prefer to take something that came from the earth that I know will do the same things as a pill or product that was made.”
Despite the supply issues that are facing the cannabis industry, AGLC is still pleased with how legalization has gone in its first few months.
“Supply issues aside, we are pleased with the rollout of legalization and are working closely with the retail sector and licensed producers to maintain the integrity of Alberta’s recreational cannabis market,” Holmen said.
AGLC is hoping to see improvements in a number of areas of the industry this year, Holmen said.
While Olds doesn’t currently have any cannabis retail stores, it is expected to have some in place in the future.
“We are anticipating we will see improvements in supply, improved product selection and new licensees entering the marketplace once national supply issues are balanced,” she said.
At this moment there is a limited number of options for the amount of cannabis people can buy at once when it comes to purchasing it in dried flower form.
There are currently one-gram options and three-and-a-half gram options but AGLC hasn’t made any decisions as to when these options could be expanded.
“At this time we are focused on getting product in stores and on shelves and once that is accomplished, we can look at ways to diversify product options,” said Holmen.
The expansion of the cannabis industry doesn’t just stop with more options for dried flower but also for concentrates and edibles, which are expected to become available for purchase later this year.
“Governments are working on the rules surrounding edibles and AGLC will regulate accordingly,” said Holmen.
