It was a busy day at Mary Janes Glass and Gifts in Williams Lake, the day before the official legalization of cannabis today, Oct. 17 across the country.
With a doorman watching the door and a steady stream of customers of all ages and backgrounds, Williams Lake’s unlawful dispensary was doing good business. Despite frequent encounters with the law and the pulling of its business license earlier this year, the shop has stayed open, weathering raids, absorbing fines and doing brisk business.
Read More: UPDATE: Mary Jane’s manager charged but hopes store will stay up and running
With legalization here, however, the shop has chosen to close its doors as of midnight on the 16. According to Derek Hubler, an employee of the shop, Mary Janes has officially applied for licensing from the province and is shutting down in the meantime.
Read More: Mary Jane’s business licence revoked by City of Williams Lake
“We don’t want to, but due to five years of civil disobedience, we have to comply,” Hubler said, “We’re hoping to be back very soon.”
Currently, the city is processing multiple applications to open legal dispensaries.
patrick.davies@wltribune.com
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