Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter
Penny Schooley has been operating her salon for 38 years and wants to retire. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
economic activity

Salon owner appeals to public in bid to sell property to cannabis store developer

Sep 2, 2026 | 3:06 PM

The owner of the property Into The Weeds Cannabis wants to purchase believes the sale should proceed because she wants the building to continue being a productive part of the community.  

“After 38 years in this building, I care deeply about what happens to it after I retire,” wrote Penny Schooley in a statement to larongeNOW. 

“At the end of the day, this sale means investment in a downtown commercial property, property tax revenue, local employment opportunities, renovations and improvements to an existing building, increased consumer choice and healthy market competition. I believe the proposal should be considered on its merits and through the town’s normal development-permit process.” 

Into The Weeds Cannabis wants to open its 10th retail location in La Ronge. Co-owner and CEO Meagan Palidwar-Volaris approached council for the second time about two weeks ago, requesting that they issue a development permit to proceed.  

That request was originally rejected four months ago, but in August town council agreed to move forward with a public consultation process which is ongoing. 

“I understand that not everyone will be supportive of another cannabis store, and I respect that,” Schooley noted. 

“Cannabis is a legal and regulated industry. Having another retailer gives consumers additional choice and encourages healthy market competition. I think the focus should be on the specific business, how it plans to operate, and whether it can be a positive addition to the community.” 

Schooley addressed the community last week via a social media post to seek support for the sale. The reaction appeared overwhelmingly negative, with residents opposed to a third cannabis shop opening in La Ronge. Schooley said she has seen both negative and positive comments, adding she respects that people have different opinions.  

“I don’t expect everyone to agree with the proposal, but I hope people will look at the information and consider the proposal as a whole before making their decision,” she wrote. 

“The publicly funded facilities that individuals are asking for (ie. swimming pool) are good ideas for our community; however, they require a solid tax base to build and maintain. Into the Weeds has proven to be a sustainable commercial business in other communities, supporting similar tax bases.” 

When asked if she’s concerned about a high concentration of cannabis and alcohol establishments operating in La Ronge’s downtown core, she stated those two types of businesses should not be grouped together. 

“I understand the concern, but I don’t believe cannabis and alcohol should automatically be grouped together simply because they are both regulated substances. They are very different products and industries,” Schooley said. 

“What matters to me is how a business operates, whether it’s professional, responsible and respectful of the community. I am comfortable selling my property to Into The Weeds because I believe they will operate that way.” 

Schooley is hopeful the sale will proceed and that it will pave the way for her to retire. If the sale doesn’t happen, she said she will have to explore her options at that time.  

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com