Fort McMurray's First Cannabis Dispensary has opened its doors!

Plantlife Cannabis, is the first licensed independent cannabis retailer in Fort McMurray, they also operate other locations across Alberta. Since legalization last October the AGLC lists 196 licensed dispensaries in Alberta. ​

 Bradley Lussier, Plantlife Cannabis' General manager and Vanessa Brown their Corporate Management Trainer graciously sat down with McMurrian Media to discuss the exciting changes happening within the Cannabis industry and what operating a dispensary in Fort McMurray looks like.

As expected opening day Plantlife saw line ups going down the street; sales continue to stay strong with a steady flow of patrons visiting the shop.  

 
MM: How did you decide Fort McMurray was the next location for one of your stores? 

Brad: Fort McMurray is a major anchor as far as Alberta is concerned; the demand up here is really high and there wasn't anything currently available.  We had the concept and our locations picked out so we were ahead of the curve. We also had three other locations operating so it helped to get licensed with the AGLC.

​MM: How do you feel the reception has been for your business in Fort McMurray?

Vanessa: When dispensaries start opening up everyone starts coming out of the "Cannabis Closet".  It's a normal thing; just like going into a shop and ordering a coffee but you're getting Cannabis instead. We try to make it as normal of an experience as you can so people don't feel like they need to pick it or be offended by it.

Brad:  A big part is shopping; being able to come into the store see the product and have help choosing the correct strain. 

MM: What is one of the biggest struggles you've found operating a business in Fort McMurray?

Brad:  As far as daily operations go it's knowing when our crowds will come in. Everybody in the town operates on different routines. So when we unlock our doors at 10 in the morning sometimes there are four people outside sometimes there are 50. It's staffing and operating, making sure everybody gets what they need. Just making sure we can offer the best guest experience possible while running with the shifts of Fort McMurray.

MM: How did you get into the cannabis industry?

Brad: I've been working on it for about a year, studying legalities reading up to legalization. I worked with Plantlife's sister company for eight years before taking this position. 

Vanessa: I was lucky enough to grow up in the Cannabis culture so I knew right away when legalization happened I wanted to work in the industry and help educate people. 

If you haven't been to visit their store yet they are located at 108 Riverstone Ridge #106 and are open  10 AM - 10 PM 7-days a week.