The first of two current applications for a Cannabis retail outlet in the Lac La Biche area has been filed by Equilibrium Cannabis. The local, Metis-owned company currently has its application before the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Cannabis Commission (AGLC) for a store that will sell Cannabis and Cannabis related products.
Long time residents Gerry Webster and Derek Ewaskiw are local entrepreneurs. The owners of Equilibrium Cannabis say they saw a business opportunity for the soon-to-be legalized product and believe that there is a market for it.
“We intend to carry everything one would need to imbue the cannabis flower. Consumers will also be allowed to grow their own plants upon legalization, we will provide products such as special fertilizers and growing aids. The range of cannabis product will vary in potency and price, much like the current selection in liquor stores with ranges from light beer to long-aged whisky," says Ewaskiw. "Like with liquor stores, they say their operation will be highly regulated. Prices for the cannabis products are set by the AGLC. We can potentially expect prices to range from $8-12 per gram or more for craft strains. The one thing we won't carry upon legalization is edibles or oils. They will pass legislation for sale in 2019, upon which we intend to carry."
The pair said the idea of opening a cannabis store is an opportunity ... but one that came with some challenging first steps.
“We were nervous at first to let people know — but we have had an amazing response of praise and support from family and friends. Cannabis legalization is controversial and has a few legislative issues still being addressed. We feel as a mom and pop operation we are in a unique position to provide Lac La Biche with a safe, responsible, and ethical cannabis sales that a large chain may not consider," Ewaskiw said. "Our intent is to keep this as open and constructive as possible. We understand that our neighbors may have questions or concerns, or just plain curiosities and we invite them to contact us with inquiries or any apprehensions they may have."
The Equilibrium storefront will be located at 10128-101 Ave on Main Street pending municipal approval. Open date is still up in the air as Bill C-45 (Cannabis legalization) has yet to be passed. "Legalization is a process and not an event, but we hope to be able to sell legally by September/October".
The second store is run by a numbered company and has plans to open up in the current location of the golf simulator and former water supply store on 101 Street across from the IGA. The store, Spirit Leaf - Lac La Biche is no longer on the AGLC list for pending applications. All applications are displayed for 21 days, giving the public a chance to submit any objections. At this time, there are only two application for a cannabis store in Lac La Biche.
