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Legalization good news for local business owner

Jun 20, 2018 | 5:00 PM

The legalization of marijuana in Canada now has a date, and that’s good news for a North Battleford business.

Dale Whiteside, owner of Rockshop SmokeShop, said even though his business doesn’t sell marijuana, he’s excited for the boost that it will bring to the entire industry.

“It’s going to make my business pick up, because there will be a lot of curiosity in the city,” Whiteside told battlefordsNOW, “We’re a specialty store, as far as pot-related items go. I do not sell marijuana and I did not apply for a dispensaries license, and I’m okay with that.”

Justin Trudeau confirmed the legalization date of Oct. 17 during Question Period this afternoon in Ottawa. 

Whiteside said he believes legalization will start to open up the industry and will change the stigma around the drug.

“I’m excited, no question about that,” Whiteside said. “It’s about time that pot is acceptable in society. People will no longer have to sneak around like criminals and it’s nice to know you’ll be able to have 30 grams on your person.”

The legal age for cannabis consumption will be set at 19, with the exceptions of Quebec and Alberta, where it will be 18. Packaging will be plain with oils, seeds and fresh or dried marijuana expected to be easily available. Edibles are not expected to be available until 2019 at the earliest.

Although the drug will be legal soon, the federal government is urging Canadians to wait until the legalization date in October, and reminded residents that it is still an illegal drug – for now. 

 

–With files from The Canadian Press.

brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangCJNB