Photo: Alanna Kelly
UPDATE: Friday 12:08 p.m.
A Lake Country cannabis retail store that was expected to open on Thursday is now open.
Indigenous Bloom, located on Okanagan Indian Band land off Commonwealth Road, was expected to open at 7 a.m. as reported by local cannabis publication The oz. Now, after a one day delay, the store has opened.
This store does not have a provincial retail licence, nor does another Indigenous Bloom store operating on Okanagan Indian Band land on Westside Road. It also does not have a provincial licence.
ORIGINAL: Thursday 2:45 p.m.
A Lake Country cannabis retail store that was expected to open on Thursday is still closed.
Indigenous Bloom, located on Okanagan Indian Band land off Commonwealth Road, was expected to open at 7 a.m. as reported by local cannabis publication The oz.
The store does not have a provincial retail licence.
Castanet went to the store this morning, but no staff were on location.
One person was inside installing security equipment and did not have any details about the opening.
A sign out front reads “Indigenous Bloom, Medical Cannabis Dispensary, Opening soon.”
So far in B.C., there are two licensed stores in Kimberley, two in Vancouver, one in Pouce Coupe, and one in Kamloops.
The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General tells Castanet a new community safety unit is in development and will have the authority to deal with illegal sales outside the provincial regulatory framework.
“It is expected that the CSU will work with Indigenous communities in carrying out enforcement activities in consideration of their local needs and interests,” said a spokesperson.
Illegal retailers that do not obtain a provincial licence will have to close.
“As more legal retail stores open across the province, you can expect to see increasing enforcement action by the Community Safety Unit.”
Another store is operating on Okanagan Indian Band land on Westside Road. It also does not have a provincial license.
Meanwhile, Compass Cannabis Clinic expects to open in Lake Country by the end of the month.
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