THUNDER BAY – The weekend brought a boom in cannabis options for Thunder Bay residents, with two new dispensaries opening their doors in the city’s south end.
Kia Ora Kannabis, on Victoria Avenue just down the street from Victoriaville Mall, opened Saturday after a soft launch Friday evening.
The Toke House, located on James Street South in Westfort, is officially opening Monday after a soft launch of its own over the weekend.
The two locally-owned shops join franchise Tokyo Smoke, which until the weekend stood as the city’s sole cannabis retailer near the Intercity mall.
A small crowd gathered Saturday morning outside Kia Ora, watching as a group of staff decked out in purple shirts performed a haka outside to celebrate the store’s official opening. Business Development Manager D.J. O’Connors said the culture of New Zealand had served as the inspiration for much of the shop’s décor and operating philosophy.
Inside, Bryan Kehler was pleased to be the first official customer (the store had opened by word of mouth only the day before). Kehler said he used cannabis for pain relief and relaxation, and was impressed with the wide selection on offer, which O’Connors helped him browse with a tablet device.
“I wasn’t really sure what I was going to pick up,” said Kehler. “I haven’t tried one of everything yet, but I think that’s about to start pretty soon,” he chuckled.
Kehler said legalization of the drug had been a long time coming, and was glad to see it readily available for purchase in a welcoming environment.
“It’s nice not to look over your shoulder anymore – very nice,” he said. “And it’s about time.”
Matthew Harrison, Kia Ora’s general manager, said opening the store had been a journey of its own, seeing several fits and starts with the province’s evolving approvals process. Provincial orders to close due to COVID-19 came just as the store had hired staff and was preparing to open its doors.
“We started this project about 18 months ago, started building probably 16 months ago, and opened our doors [as a headshop] almost a year ago now,” said Harrison. “It’s just good to finally be open.”
Over in Westfort, Toke House co-owner Stephen Kis could relate. Monday’s opening had been about three years in the making, he said, with COVID-19 causing about a month’s delay.
Kis is enthusiastic to join what he described as a quiet revitalization of the Westfort business district, with several businesses owned by younger entrepreneurs.
Westfort resident Cassy Holmes was thrilled to have a dispensary in the neighbourhood.
“I love that we have one in Westfort,” she said. “It’s so much more convenient, and especially to have it [locally owned] is incredible.”
The store aimed to make the shopping experience easy even for those less familiar with cannabis products, Kis said, with clear product displays and friendly staff.
“Sometimes people are embarrassed to come in and ask a question and feel, for lack of a better word, dumb,” he said. “We try to take that all away – it’s a really nice, inviting environment.”
It’s a far cry from how cannabis has been sold in the past. After shopping, Holmes - who had opted to try some CBD- and THC-infused beverages, more recently legalized in the province - said the change is welcome.
“It’s refreshing,” she said. “There’s no reason to hide anymore. It’s a better drug than alcohol, in my view – it’s much more chill.”
Both stores were making accommodations in view of COVID-19, with floor markings for one-way shopping and physical distancing, plexiglass at check-out counters, and hand sanitizer available. They also continue to offer curbside pick-up.
