Roughly six months after getting approval from the city, the first cannabis store in Merritt could be about a month away from opening its doors.

Speaking on NL Newsday, Jeffrey Thompson says the entire process took him about eight months, most of it waiting for provincial approval.

“From the time the city gave the okay, it was about three months. And then the province gave me what they call an AIP, or an Approval in Principle,” he said. “It’s pretty much that you’ve passed the security clearances, and you are good to go, and as long as you follow your plans, you should get your licence.”

“That’s so I could get my build-out done, and get my final inspection and hopefully get my licence.”

Thompson’s store, called ‘My Buddies’ will be on River Ranch Road, at the site of the former Nicola Valley Dollar Mart.

“I can bring supply in anytime but I still have to do my build out, and we are just starting that right now,” Thompson added. “It could take about three weeks to a month for our build-out to be completed, but I don’t have an exact date for opening, but it will be the later part of February.”

Thompson says another challenge is trying to ensure he’s got sufficient staff to work when the store does open it’s doors.

“I’m excited to bring the store into Merritt,” he told NL. “It’s going to be really nice and really chill.”

There are three other cannabis stores in Merritt still waiting for provincial approval.