Merritt city council has supported the first two retail cannabis stores in the city.

The two private storefronts are located near the city centre, at 1937 Quilchena and 2040 Nicola avenues.

Mayor Linda Brown says the votes to support both stores passed unanimously with next to no discussion.

“It was after a public hearing where we really didn’t hear any negative from the public on the one, and on the second one we heard mainly opposition for cannabis in general. So it wasn’t location or anything like that we had found, so there really was no opposition,” Brown says.

“It’s going to happen, either underground or legalized, and it’s legalized now. So for one thing, I don’t think we have much choice for whether or not they’re going to be there. They’ll have to, pardon the pun, weed themselves out.”

Merritt’s bylaws are set up to allow up to four cannabis stores in the city.

“I don’t know what the number will end up being, but if there’s not enough demand in the community for four then we’ll have fewer ones. The demand will determine what the numbers are.”