Regina’s first cannabis dispensary opens on Broad Street

Almost one month since marijuana was legalized, Regina’s first pot dispensary opened on Saturday.

The Cannabis Co. YQR, is run by Natasha Waldbauer and her husband, Nathan. Their shop is located at Broad Street and 7th Avenue.

“Lots of work. Everything from taking over our own space and building our own shop to dealing with SLGA and the City of Regina,” Nathan said.

“And moving forward, to suppliers and making good connections and relationships with them.”

Supply has been a major obstacles for many dispensaries, with only six ready to open in Saskatchewan for the first day of legalization.

Nathan said they have a “good supply” but can’t say how long it will last.

“We’re going to keep selling obviously until we run out but we’re not going to make any promises because everybody knows, in Saskatchewan supply is incredibly hard to get,” he said.

That morning, eager customers lined up outside, entered and left with discreet-looking brown bags of product.

It wasn’t just recreational users who stopped by to check out the store.

Hannah Weber is a medical consumer. She said cannabis is the only medication that treats her anxiety disorders without side effects.

“It allows me to live my everyday life without being constantly anxious, constantly tired, or feeling horrible,” Weber said.

She was happy to see the store open because it makes cannabis readily-available to her, saying it takes weeks for a licensed producer to fill a prescription.

“It’s a major thing to have it so close to home, to be able to get it whenever I need it,” she said.

A total of six cannabis retailers have received permits in the city.