The Queen of Bud cannabis vendor on Calgary’s 10th Avenue is enjoying a superb reaction from buyers of cannabis since Canada’s legalization of marijuana.
The store is designed to cater mainly to female customers. It opened its doors on Oct.17, the day recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada. Ms. Newman says that response from the public is better than what they could have hoped for.
“It’s been fantastic, the revenue’s about four or five times greater than what we originally anticipated. We’re very happy with the outcome, and with the positive feedback about the branding and what we’re trying to do here.”
“We’ve branded this correctly to be something different. We cater to women, we have a spa-like environment. We’ve gone in a completely different direction.” – Ashley Newman.
Ms. Newman says her unique approach to selling cannabis is a major factor in her store’s success: “We’ve branded this correctly to be something different. We cater to women, we have a spa-like environment. We’ve gone in a completely different direction.”
Despite the recent legalization, there are those who still buy cannabis on the black market due to lowered prices. Richard, who did not want to use his real name because of legal concerns, told us about what buyers like him have been experiencing since the law-change.
“You usually just find someone through acquaintances, someone who knows someone who knows someone. It’s all about finding someone in your area. I go for the least sketchy ones, the ones who look dangerous, I avoid.”
Richard tends to go for “younger guys who are students that I know of who do it.”
Since Oct.17, black market prices for cannabis have dropped: “That’s a perk I think.”
Richard adds, “especially if the [dealer] lives near to you. You’re going to want to go there instead of an hour and a half to a dispensary.”
However, will Richard and other smokers consider switching to legitimate businesses such as Ashley’s in the near future, now that the drug is legal?
“At the right time, yes. With supply in demand right now, line-ups are going to long and prices are going to be inflated, so I’m just going to wait for now. Once things start becoming more efficient, I definitely will.”
Editor: Antoine Fecteau | afecteau@cjournal.ca