Victoria's first 2 licensed cannabis shops have opened their doors as of this morning, 6 months after pot was legalized in Canada.
Cloud 9 Collective at 778 Fort Street, and The Original FARM at the corner of Douglas and Johnson, both started serving customers at 9 a.m.
Cloud 9 owner, Brandon Arsens, says it was a long process, and he now just wants to focus on the positive:
" Yeah, it feels great. We actually did a soft opening last night, so we got a little bit of practise in before we had to open the doors today. And we're just really excited to have the doors open."
While there wasn't a lineup at the opening, Arsens expects things will pick up as the word gets out. He reminds customers to have 2 pieces of government issued ID.
Allan Lingwood is the Chief Compliance officer for the Original FARM:
"The supply chain is ramping up. I think people coming in the store today will be very surprised at the product selection, and the quality of product, the value of product to the consumer. That's what's been amazing to me to watch. So, our producers have come a long way. Edibles, concentrates will be legal by the end of the year."
Customers are reminded they must have 2 pieces of government issued ID to buy product.