Cannabis retail franchise opening soon in Fort McMurray

Mature cannabis plants are photographed at the CannTrust Niagara Greenhouse Facility during the grand opening event in Fenwick, Ont., on June 26, 2018. Fort McMurray will have its first licensed cannabis retail store opening on Wednesday, June 26. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tijana Martin

Fort McMurray is home to a new licensed cannabis retail store.

On Wednesday, June 26, Plantlife Cannabis will open the doors to its newest franchise location in Timberlea.

This would be the independent retailer’s fourth location in Alberta since its first location opened in Lloydminster, Alta., last October.

Michael Wheeler, Plantlife C.O.O, is excited about the new opening.

“Our staff have been working hard and ensuring they are educated and prepared to help our guests in a socially responsible, informational manner.”

Wheeler adds there are two additional stores in the Edmonton area with Airdrie and Grande Prairie locations opening soon.

The new Timberlea location will only open for two hours on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, starting at 4 p.m.

With product available, Alberta Liquor Gaming and Cannabis (ALGC) lifted their hold on licenses granting five new licenses per week.

Moreover, Fort McMurray was among the first wave of released licenses.

The Land Use Bylaw amendment sets out a separation distance of 150 meters between cannabis retail stores and sensitive use areas.

These areas include schools, child care facilities, hospitals, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres.