As New York legislators continue to haggle over legalization of adult recreational marijuana, a second retail marijuana store has opened just across the border.
Vancouver-based Choom said Friday it would unveil its retail concept in Niagara Falls, Ont., on June 15. As one of 25 cannabis stores authorized to open in the province, Choom Niagara will offer a selection of products including dry flower and pre-rolls, oils and capsules, with all products coming from a range of Canadian licensed producers.
The opening gives Niagara Falls, Ont., its first cannabis store and represents the brand’s retail debut in Ontario. Plans call for a nationwide rollout to follow in Canada, supporting the company’s goal of creating one of the largest cannabis retail networks in North America.
The Montrose Road site follows the April 1 opening of The Niagara Herbalist in St. Catharines, 25 miles from Buffalo. Owners there say a portion of their customers are American, who say they’re crossing the border to buy cannabis products for both recreational and medicinal use.
New York legislators have been working since January to pass legislation to allow recreational adult use, as well as expansion of its medical marijuana program. The legislative session ends next week, and if it doesn't pass by then the issue would be tabled until 2020. In the meantime, travelers who bring marijuana back into the United States risk prosecution.
In a prepared release, Choom said the store hopes to create an approachable experience to encourage exploration and education for residents and visitors. The store is owned and managed by Toronto businesswoman Lisa Bigioni.
“My goal is for the store to become an indispensable resource for cannabis education and support for the local community,” she said. “Choom’s extensive experience in regulated industries provides invaluable insight on store operations, and together we’ll deliver a cannabis retail experience the city can be proud of.”