Final preparations are underway just one week before recreational marijuana is legalized across Canada.
While many approved marijuana retail stores in Regina remain empty or under renovation, only one within a short driving distance of Regina is expected to be open on October 17.
980 CJME was given a tour of Eden, located just off Highway 46 west of Pilot Butte.
Here’s an idea of what it looks like walking into Eden, the #marijuana store near Pilot Butte. It has a buzz-in system. Must show ID and be at least 19 to enter. #yqr pic.twitter.com/QJxB6Pjxhi
— Andrew Shepherd (@Andrew5hepherd) October 10, 2018
The first thing you see walking through the green door is a small room with a Plexiglas window. Customers will present their ID through a thin open slot to prove they’re of the legal age of 19.
“Then we’ll buzz you into our waiting area where you’ll come in and meet our budtenders,” said owner Allen Kilback.
A buzz-in system is not required by law but Kilback decided to add it as part of their plan to be as secure as possible. The safe, where all the marijuana must be stored, was the first to be built. He also hired a director of security and installed multiple cameras, inside and out.
“We have everything covered 100 per cent,” Kilback said.
With one week until opening day, Allen and his team were working non-stop on Tuesday, putting the final touches on the store. The walls are painted in green and purple, the front counter and display tables were being built along with a sitting area in the corner where customers can read about and educate themselves on marijuana.
Two big TV screens mounted on the wall behind the front counter will display the menu. Customers are not allowed to touch the product, but the display cases will have sniffing jars and a magnifying glass to get an up close view of it.
“It’s nice to see all our designs that we put on paper finally coming to life.”
Kilback admitted there are concerns about the legal cannabis supply. A study by C.D. Howe Institute found current production levels will only meet 30 to 60 per cent of total demand. However, Kilback said he’s been assured by his licensed producers that the marijuana he ordered one month ago will arrive by October 17.
“It’s a great day for Canada. It’s a great day for our team.”