The first application for a retail cannabis store in Olds is making its way through the regulatory processes as proponents prepare for the end of recreational marijuana prohibition on Oct. 17.
Objectors to a Canna Cabana location at #310, 4602-46th St. have until July 4 to make Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission aware of any concerns.
“Given Olds College’s relationship with Sundial and the message Olds has been communicating with the markets, we think a cannabis retail store fits here,” said Nick Kuzyk, chief strategy officer of High Tide, Canna Cabana’s parent company.
The company is proposing to convert its existing Smoker’s Corner store to its Canna Cabana subsidiary that is focused on dispensing.
If the application passes the provincial regulatory stage, it is then up to the municipality to determine whether any applications for change in use, building and/or development permits for the location would be approved.
Olds council is currently deliberating what restrictions and land use bylaw amendments will govern retail outlets in the town.
High Tide has applied for the maximum 37 retail cannabis licences afforded to it under Alberta’s regulations.
The application for Olds is one of High Tide’s last to go through the provincial regulatory process. The rest have moved on to the municipal approval stage, he said.
The province and municipalities have been working towards legislative changes to govern the use and sale of cannabis, since the federal government announced in 2016 its intention to legalize it.
On June 21, 2018 bill C-45 was given royal assent. The legalization of recreational cannabis comes into effect as of Oct. 17, 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week.
Recreational cannabis has been outlawed in Canada since it was added to the Confidential Restricted List in 1923.
What the demand for cannabis will be is anyone’s guess, says Kuzyk, but he said “we feel we have a good head start on knowing certain things about customers.”
Open in Olds since last fall, Smoker’s Corner sells smoking accessories and lifestyle products that include tools and toys to consume whatever the user chooses, said Kuzyk.
“I think I’d be naive to say there will be a tidal wave of interest,” he said.
The province will be the supplier of all cannabis dispensed through retail outlets in Alberta.
Kuzyk said that much like product available in liquor stores, a variety of marijuana strains will also be available to retailers.
