M.L. cannabis permit winner looking forward to opening local store

Meadow Lake’s first cannabis retailer is looking forward to establishing a storefront in the community.

Andrew MacCorquodale, spokesperson for Tweed Grasslands in Saskatchewan, said things are falling into place for the company after they were selected through the province’s lottery system. He said representatives will be coming to the city over the coming weeks to scout possible sites for the store.

“We’re moving forward now with all of the mandatory requirements,” he said. “For starters, we’re going to be looking at locations and getting the [store] operational within the time that was permitted.”

Successful permit holders across the province now have until Monday, July 16 to begin the permitting process, and stores must begin operations within 12 months of federal cannabis legalization.

After legalization is completed, a provincial cannabis act is finalized, and local bylaws and all other regulatory requirements are met, MacCorquodale said residents can anticipate the store to open well within the deadline set out by Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Association.

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“The people of Meadow Lake can expect to see some activity from us in relatively short order,” MacCorquodale said. “We’ll be very interested to meet with the people in Meadow Lake and hopefully hold an open house at the facility, have job fairs.”

Tweed Grasslands was also awarded permits in Melville, Fort Qu’Appelle, Humboldt and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park. The company owns a production facility in Yorkton, and MacCorquodale said it will be the only production site for their company in the province.

“Saskatchewan is one of only three provinces so far that we’ve gotten the opportunity to execute on our retail strategy,” he said. “We’re just excited to get into the community, engage in dialogue, and understand what works best for the city. Overall, I think the people of the community can look forward to a responsible corporate citizen in Meadow Lake.”

Tweed Grasslands is a subsidiary of Ontario-based Canopy Growth Corporation.

A public hearing for Meadow Lake’s bylaw is set for this coming Monday, June 11. City council indicated they only want a store located in the downtown commercial district.

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath