Residents of Mississauga no longer need to drive outside of the city to visit a licensed cannabis store. The city has opened its first legal cannabis store, which received a warm welcome from eager locals and other supporters. Pop’s Cannabis, with 25 locations across Ontario, has become the pioneer in Mississauga’s cannabis retail market. This landmark opening follows the city council’s vote in April, which allowed for the establishment of licensed cannabis stores. The inaugural store is conveniently situated in the Clarkson Crossing Mall, bringing accessible cannabis shopping to the heart of Mississauga.
Background on Mississauga’s Stance on Cannabis Stores
Previously, the city of Mississauga had decided to opt out of allowing cannabis stores within its borders due to concerns regarding zoning control. Along with over 60 other municipalities in Ontario, Mississauga chose not to permit the sale of cannabis within its limits. However, with a population of over 800,000 residents, Mississauga is the second-largest city in the Greater Toronto Area and the third-largest in Ontario. Recognizing the changing landscape and the demand for legal cannabis access, the city revisited its decision.
Pop’s Cannabis Leads the Way
Pop’s Cannabis, a well-established cannabis retailer with a network of 25 stores in Ontario, proudly holds the distinction of being the first licensed cannabis store to open in Mississauga. The enthusiastic response from the community has been overwhelming. Rebecca Kinch, the chain’s Eastern store manager responsible for training and development, shares her excitement about the warm reception. She expresses, “It’s amazing, everyone is excited to see us here. This is a very supportive community.” The positive feedback extends not only from customers but also from fellow tenants in the mall.
The application process for opening the Mississauga location was similar to the other two dozen locations Pop’s Cannabis has successfully launched. However, the company made efforts to expedite the process to secure the distinction of being the city’s first legal cannabis store. Recognizing the potential of the Mississauga market, Pop’s Cannabis is not stopping with just one store. They have plans to open their second location near Applewood and Bloor on Friday, June 2, catering to a broader customer base.
Positive Community Support
The overwhelmingly supportive response from the Mississauga community underscores the growing acceptance and normalization of cannabis in society. The opening of Pop’s Cannabis store has generated excitement among residents, signaling the changing attitudes towards cannabis and its retail presence. The positive reception from fellow mall tenants further highlights the value that licensed cannabis stores can bring to local economies and shopping centers. It also paves the way for future cannabis retailers to establish a presence in Mississauga.
Application Process and Future Openings
Pop’s Cannabis successfully navigated the application process for their Mississauga store, which was consistent with the procedures followed for their other locations. Other cannabis retailers are also making progress in the approval process. High Tide, the company behind the Canna Cabana chain, has three applications currently under review in Mississauga. Omar Khan, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer at High Tide, expects their first locations to open soon. With ambitions to establish up to half a dozen Canna Cabana stores in Mississauga, High Tide demonstrates the growing interest in this emerging market.
Number of Applications in Mississauga
As of press time, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has listed 13 applications for cannabis stores in Mississauga. It is worth noting that new application notices are regularly posted, indicating the increasing interest from entrepreneurs in establishing cannabis retail businesses. Across Ontario, there are over 1,700 approved cannabis stores listed by the AGCO, signifying a thriving industry that continues to expand.
Conclusion
The opening of Mississauga’s first cannabis store marks a significant milestone for the city and its residents. The positive response from the community, combined with the increasing number of applications, suggests a promising future for the cannabis industry in Mississauga. As more licensed cannabis stores open their doors, residents will enjoy convenient access to a variety of products and experiences, fostering economic growth and consumer choice. With this momentum, Mississauga is set to become an integral part of Ontario’s thriving cannabis landscape.
FAQs
- How many cannabis stores are planned for Mississauga?
- The number of cannabis stores planned for Mississauga is not fixed, but currently, there are 13 applications listed by the AGCO. New application notices are regularly posted, indicating growing interest in establishing cannabis retail businesses in the city.
- What was the reason behind Mississauga’s initial opt-out decision?
- Mississauga initially opted out of allowing cannabis stores due to concerns over zoning control. The city, along with over 60 other municipalities in Ontario, decided not to permit the sale of cannabis within its limits. However, the recent decision to allow licensed cannabis stores reflects a changing perspective and recognition of the demand for legal cannabis access.
- Where is Pop’s Cannabis located in Mississauga?
- Pop’s Cannabis, the city’s first licensed cannabis store, is located in the Clarkson Crossing Mall in Mississauga. The store’s convenient location offers accessible cannabis shopping for residents and visitors.
- How has the community responded to the opening of the first store?
- The community response to the opening of Mississauga’s first cannabis store has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers and fellow mall tenants have shown excitement and support for the arrival of a licensed cannabis retailer in the city. This response reflects changing attitudes towards cannabis and its increasing acceptance in society.
- Are there any other cannabis store chains planning to open in Mississauga?
- Yes, High Tide, the company behind the Canna Cabana chain, has three applications currently under review in Mississauga. They have plans to open their first locations soon and are exploring up to half a dozen potential Canna Cabana locations in the city. This demonstrates the growing interest from cannabis store chains in establishing a presence in Mississauga.
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