Hamilton pot preview

With legalized pot shops everywhere but Hamilton up and operational, the city’s first cannabis store will finally open it’s doors for business on Saturday.

Will earthy tones, wicker lamps and glass display cases, Canna Cabana feels more like a tropical-themed jewlery store than a cannabis shop,

Steve Fry, the owner of Canna Cabana, earned his MBA at McMaster and bought the licencing for the Alberta cannabis retailer. His shop is located in the Centre on Barton and is Hamilton’s first legal cannabis store.

“We’ve had a ton of consumers walk by trying to get in the doors asking when we’re opening, our phones have been ringing off the hook so we’re really excited and I think the community will really embrace this store.” says Fry.

While provincially approved pot shops in Burlington, St. Catharines and Toronto opened their doors April 1st, Fry and his team of 14 employees were still working out the details,

Because Canna Cabana didn’t open by April 1st or 15th, they were hit with nearly $25-thousand in fines, but they say their late opening gives them a competitive advantage.

Fry says, “Early days people had lineup after lineup, we have thought this through long and hard if there’s going to be a line and I hope there is. We’ll be able to make customers come through in an efficient manor without taking away from the experience.”

He continues to say, “Now if you look like you’re under 25, we’re going to look at your I.D. but not keeping a record.”

Hamilton Police will be on the lookout for drug-induced driving and suggest customers treat cannabis like alcohol.

“You buy something from the cannabis store, keep it closed, keep it away from everyone in the car, best treat it like alcohol and keep it in the trunk until you get home.” says Hamilton Police, Claus Wagner.

Canna Cabana will open Saturday with Mayor Fred Eisenberger making an appearance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.