Kiaro is the new cannabis retail store in La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Cannabis store

Business brisk at La Ronge pot shop on opening day

May 17, 2019 | 5:00 PM

Kiaro opened today in La Ronge to a line up of customers looking to purchase cannabis.

“People are interested, they want to get informed, they want to engage and we created an environment here that’s really conducive to that exchange,” said Senior Executive Vice-President Andrew Gordon. “Whether it’s products, accessories or information, there’s going to be something for everyone. We’re going to mindful of getting out in the community and being active, so we have good community relationships here in town.”

Gordon called the new store inviting, well-conceived and a place residents can make informed decisions about cannabis. He noted employees are customer-service focused, adding they are knowledgeable about the products being sold. There are currently 10 employees and Gordon noted edibles and extracts will be available for purchase this October.

The first 100 customers were also given a swag bag containing information about the drug, as well as supplies to make their cannabis experience more enjoyable. Gordon stated the aim of the store is to make cannabis both more affordable and accessible.

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“People are coming out and they are happy, they’re smiling, they’re feeling good about the exchange and we’re going to continue to deliver on that value,” he said. “We have a wonderfully curated flower wall that really showcases the bud exceptionally well. We have a good offering in that regard and it’s going to continue to grow.”

La Ronge RCMP Staff Sgt. Kyle Watson stated he has had a good relationship with Gordon and he believes the new store will reduce the amount of cannabis purchased on the black market. He also noted there is no longer a need for people to buy it in secret from a drug dealer as the store can guarantee a safe, untainted product tested by Health Canada.

“My mind set hasn’t changed in the sense where when I first started, having a couple joints wasn’t a big deal,” Watson said. “Throughout my career, it’s a lot easier dealing with people who have been smoking marijuana than house parties where everyone is drunk. Alcohol has a lot different effects than marijuana.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno