Calgarians queued up at the city’s only two legal Cannabis stores after legalization took effect 12 a.m. Wednesday.
Lines at the Four20 Premium Market downtown started out small in the early morning, but by about 9:30 a.m. about 100 people were in line.
The store’s CEO and president said the local business community has welcomed his store with open arms.
WATCH: It was a milestone in so many ways. Hundreds had their own reasons for lining up to be among the first of legal cannabis buyers in Calgary. Jill Croteau reports.
“So far the community partners around us are very excited that we are here. We are an anchor tenant now. We will be bringing business into the area, which is fabulous for our local tenants here also,” said Jeff Mooij, CEO and president of the Four20 Premium Market. “I think the mass amount of people coming here is going to be very positive. Much like it was for our job fair.”
MORE: For the launch of our weekly newsletter Cannabis IQ, we’re giving away $100 Visa gift cards. Click here to find out more.
Mooji admits getting the business ready for legalization was a challenge, but is said this is just the beginning for the industry.
“We are still kind of flying the plane as we build it. There is no doubt there are going to be some changes. These are baby steps,” he said. “This is an unbelievable time.”
Rick, who wouldn’t give Global News his last name, had been standing in line at the 420 Market since about 3 p.m. Tuesday.
WATCH: Marijuana users celebrated legalization by smoking up on the steps of city hall in Calgary on Wednesday. Blake Lough reports.
“I’m glad I came down. It’s been fun meeting and talking with all the people,” he said. “I’m ready to go in and see what they have. It’s really interesting to be a part of this.”
MORE: Sign up for Cannabis IQ, a weekly newsletter covering legalization