First Lethbridge pot store to open today
NewLeaf one of three local stores approved
The city’s first marijuana market is set to open this morning. The NewLeaf Cannabis store, at 1328 Mayor Magrath Drive S., is scheduled to be the first of three opened by the Calgary-based company in coming days.
Two more applicants had been approved by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission by late Friday.
NewLeaf’s founder, Angus Taylor, was on hand Friday to help staff members handle hundreds of small product-filled boxes. Customers, he explained, will have a wide selection of products — marijuana oils and capsules as well as the plant’s easily recognized flowers.
Pre-rolled cigarettes will also be available for those who want to try different strains — or who can’t be bothered rolling their own. Trained staff members, he said, will help customers decide on the type of product as well as its strength, taste and physical effects.
“Staff are really well trained to guide you to the right product.”
Customers may also use product display stations to catch a whiff of the dry product, and examine it under a magnifying glass.
“It’s a curated experience,” Taylor says, not unlike wine sampling.
At present, products will be sold in one-gram or three-gram packages, he says, starting at about $9 per gram.
Another two NewLeaf stores should be open in Lethbridge within the next week, Taylor says. In addition to the Pacific Pallisade location opening at 10 a.m. today, the company’s name is on locations in the SunRidge mall and at 338 University Drive W.
NewLeaf was the first to apply for a licence in Alberta, he said, and signed its first lease for a store in July 2017 — once the Alberta government decided marijuana would be handled by private businesses much like alcohol.
Says Taylor, “We want to have a
footprint throughout the province,” with 30 stores open by February.
In addition to three already operating in Calgary, NewLeaf will be adding to those already in business in the Edmonton area.
Finding interested landlords was a challenge at first, Taylor says, but real estate agents proved helpful. In Calgary, some applicants still face delays at city hall. “Lethbridge has been very sensible in the approach they took,” he adds.
The AGLCC and city have also approved two more applicants. A SpiritLeaf store will do business at 329 5 St. S., while Twenty Four Karat will open at the corner of 5 Avenue and Mayor Magrath Drive South.