B.C. to have only one pot store on legalization day

VANCOUVER— On the morning of Oct. 17, British Columbians shouldn’t expect to wake up and see marijuanastores opening their doors.

At least, that’s the message from the province’s minister of public safety and solicitor general, Mike Farnworth.

In a news release issued Sunday, Farnworth said the government’s first and only B.C. Cannabis Store will open in Kamloops.

He said more retail locations are “anticipated” in the following months, with over 100 paid applications in various stages of entry.

The government is also hoping to launch an online sales platform to ensure British Columbians can purchase non-medical cannabis regardless of where they live, he said.

He says the province’s new Community Safety Unit will target illegal retail operations, and seize the product and records without a warrant.

A fine will also be imposed based on the value of the product seized by police.

Farnworth says penalties will also be imposed on those who sell cannabis to children or minors.

Bootlegging or selling cannabis to minors will continue to be a criminal offence punishable by up to14 years in jail, in addition to provincial penalties of up to $50,000, jail time of up to six months or both, he said.

Police are receiving specialized training and tools to tackle drug-impaired driving, he said.