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More applications for pot shops in Medicine Hat

Aug 15, 2018 | 5:36 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The federal government is set to legalize recreational marijuana on October 17th, 2018.

With a little over two months until legalization provinces and cities across the country are continuing to set the rules and regulations around the sale of cannabis.

In May of this year the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission had received five applications from individuals or companies hoping to set up pot shops.

As of August 13th, the number of applications has more than doubled.

“We have received applications for 21 prospective retail locations in Medicine Hat,” said Heather Holmen, spokesperson with AGLC. “Province wide, we’re just over 750 applications received for various municipalities and locations.”

One of those applications of for the Green Exchange, a proposed cannabis store on South Railway Street downtown.

The AGLC can’t comment on the status of the applications it has received due to privacy laws.

Each application undergoes a thorough vetting process which includes background checks and financial checks. The applicants are also required to obtain a business license from the municipality they are planning to open a store in.

The City of Medicine Hat said it has received nine applications so far, for cannabis businesses licenses. All of those applications are from different individuals or businesses.

The applications will be heard by the Municipal Planning Commission on August 22nd, before heading to City Council for a decision on whether or not to approve them.

In Redcliff a proposed cannabis retailer is holding an open house on August 29th, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at 1 first Street SE, to give residents a chance to come down and discuss their thoughts or concerns on a pot shop opening up in the town.

“We’ve heard a lot of perspectives and we embrace the challenge of establishing ourselves in the community and hopefully fitting in in a way that’s respectful to the fabric of the community,” said Nick Kuzyk, chief strategy officer with High Tide. “Hopefully, you know, that’s something we can establish and be a part of for a long time.”

The application for the Canna Cabana store will be heard at a public meeting of the Redcliff Municipal Planning Commission on September 19th.

South Country Co-Op in Medicine Hat said it’s actively looking into the business case for cannabis stores, but they haven’t made any decisions yet. However, its sister business Calgary Co-Op, announced it is planning to open 12 marijuana stores in Calgary.