Sask. pot stores ride highs and lows before legalization

A cannabis company with four retail permits in Saskatchewan is confident at least one of its stores will open for marijuana legalization Wednesday.

John Thomas, president of Jimmy’s Cannabis Shop, said their Battleford location passed inspection by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority on Friday.

“We have faith in a couple of our partners that we will get product delivered to them on Monday or Tuesday, and if that’s the case — we’ll be open,” Thomas said.

The company’s Martensville location, an exact duplicate of the Battleford shop, will be inspected early this week.

Thomas said while they’ve fallen behind with the Estevan store, it’s still slated to open sometime this month. The Moosomin location, however, was never expected to be ready in time.

“There was a delay with that location that it was never possible. We just took possession of it Oct.1,” he said.

Thomas added despite some challenges — such as a few licensed producers cancelling orders last week due to supply — they’re still on track.

“Our goal was three (stores ready), but when all is said and done, we’re kind of where we thought and hoped to be — one for sure, two likely and three soon,” Thomas said.

He added that as long as the deliveries come through, online sales will also begin this week.

Regina pot shop waiting on build permit

A family-owned cannabis store in Regina is still waiting on a building permit from the city.

Landyn Uhersky, co-owner of Wiid Boutique, said Thursday they’ve done as much pre-building as possible for their store at 4554 Albert Street.

He said they can’t do much else until the permit comes through.

“We might be a week late (from legalization), but we’re pushing to open as soon as we can,” Uhersky told 980 CJME Thursday.

In an email statement Friday, the City of Regina explained it’s working with cannabis retail outlet operators on applications for building permits, including review and compliance with the National Building Code.

“Timing will vary depending on the work required and when the applications were submitted to the city for review,” the statement read.

The minimum time for the review — done on a first-come, first-serve basis is four to six weeks — from the date the city received a completed application.

The city stated it is continuing to work with applicants and communicating them through the process.