People were lined up outside B.C.’s first, and as of today only, legal cannabis store here in Kamloops.
However it was not the mob many were expecting.
Becky Prete drove from Kelowna to be the first one in the door when the government run cannabis store opened its doors.
“I wanted to make sure that I was in the store and that I didn’t have to wait in line for a really long time. But I really honestly expected there to be a bunch of people in a giant line up but I guess not. I lucked out.”
“You are going to become the first person to buy legal marijuana in B.C. How does that feel?”
“It feels really good. I didn’t actually realize that, that was going to be happening. That is actually pretty cool. I am the first one? Yeah that is really cool.”
Craig McCarthy, from Chilliwack, drove straight to Kamloops after getting off work and spent a chilly night camped out in his car in the parking lot.
“So many years of dealing with people that are shady and stuff like that. To finally come to some place where it is legal and to be able to be able to enjoy what we enjoy and not have to worry. You know not deal with gang members and criminals. The government can be my drug dealer at this point.”
However there is already some negative reaction.
This man, a marijuana user, called in to Radio NL and said he took one look at the prices on the government’s online store and said no thanks.
“What is it? $15 or $16 for a some of the top quality smoke? You can buy that for $4 a gram from your friends.”
“So you won’t be going by the store?”
“I will never visit that store unless the prices go down to about a quarter.”
The man, who did not want to provide his name, added even if the black market dries up he would then turn to growing at home rather than shell out the prices for legal pot.
As of today the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act governs the rules and regulations around legal marijuana.
- – Sets 19 as the provincial minimum age to purchase sell or consume cannabis.
- – Allows adults to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in a public place.
- – Prohibits cannabis smoking and vaping everywhere tobacco smoking and vaping are prohibited, as well as at playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, and other places where children commonly gather;
Prohibits the use of cannabis on school properties and in vehicles. - – Authorizes adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, but the plants must not be visible from public spaces off the property, and home cultivation will be banned in homes used as day-cares.
- – Establishes a cannabis retail licensing regime similar to the current licensing regime for liquor;
Provides enforcement authority to deal with illegal sales. - – Creates a number of provincial cannabis offences which may result in a fine ranging from $2,000 to $100,000, imprisonment of three to 12 months, or both.
#Breaking The #BCGov legal #cannabis store is now officially open. #Kamloops #bcpoli https://t.co/RnOLFePwO1
— RadioNLNews (@RadioNLNews) October 17, 2018
Inside the #BC #Cannabis store in #Kamloops. @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/98dBG8ZqNY
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) October 17, 2018
RAW Video: Michael Tan, Executive Director of #Cannabis Operations at the LDB speaks to media on a tour of the store in #Kamloops. @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/OTNAZRAsU3
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) October 17, 2018
RAW Video with Kevin Satterfield, during the tour of the #BC #cannabis store in #Kamloops. He says no supply issues expected. @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/ZEnm15f807
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) October 17, 2018
Look at the lineup now. Slowly growing. #kamloops #cannabis #legalization #BC @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/lOHRf74AVi
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) October 17, 2018