Nearly two and a half years since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, Langdon’s first recreational marijuana retail outlet is preparing to set up shop.
Highway 560 Cannabis will open its doors to customers on April 5. The store – named after the highway that approaches Langdon from Calgary – will be located at 5724 Centre Street NE. The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
“We are beyond excited to open this new retail store,” said the business owner, Jassy Lall. “Our vision is to be the first cannabis store in Langdon, Alta. providing safe and regulated retail cannabis supplied by AGLC.”
A long-time Rocky View County resident and business owner, Lall is also the owner of Megasat and Sound – a Langdon business that offers satellite equipment and services.
“We have been business owners in Langdon for the last 10 years at this location,” Lall said. “Living in Rocky View County for 25 years, this is our community and we care deeply for it. We’re looking forward to providing socially responsible cannabis and cannabis accessories.”
According to Lall, the reason for Langdon’s delay into the recreational cannabis market was the result of waiting to see how the industry would grow in its first few years, as well as the lengthy process it takes to be approved for a cannabis-selling license.
He said his goal is for the business to be a “one-stop-shop” for Langdonites 18 and older who are looking for cannabis or cannabis-related accessories. He said the store’s inventory will include dry flowers, edibles, oils, capsules and concentrates. In terms of accessories, he said Highway 560 Cannabis will supply rolling papers, lighters, grinders, pipes, vapourizers and storage containers, among other items.
Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business community, he said the cannabis industry has continued to grow since legalization in 2018, and demand for the product has remained high throughout Alberta.
“[This is] an exciting opportunity for us and for the community to learn about the cannabis industry and be a part of its growth.”
Marijuana consumers will not be the only ones excited to see a local cannabis shop open in Langdon. According to Alysha Leeman, the president of the Langdon and District Chamber of Commerce, the chamber is also excited to see a new storefront emerge in the hamlet.
“To be totally honest, we don’t generally comment on specific businesses,” she said. “However, we’re extremely excited for all new businesses in town. Not only is it a boost for the economy, but they’re looking at hiring local [employees], which is always great for the workforce here.”
Leeman said she believes there is a growing community of marijuana users in Langdon, and the arrival of a local store means smokers no longer have to drive into Chestermere or Calgary to purchase their pot.
“It is a hope for the entire business community that residents shop locally instead of taking that trip into the city,” she said.
She added quite a few businesses have opened in Langdon in the last year, and the hamlet now boasts approximately 150 storefront and home-based businesses.
“We’re very excited to have new businesses join our community,” she said. “Between [Highway 560 Cannabis] and Dairy Queen coming in April, we are very excited for what 2021 is bringing to our business community.”
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
