Whistler, one of the largest ski resort towns in North America, has approved the first four cannabis stores to open within the municipality. THC Canada, 2x back-to-back ADCANN Independent Store Brand of the Year winner, is among the selected applicants to be approved.
The Four Cannabis Stores to be Approved in Whistler
- THC Canada (Village North)
- This is Cannabis (Village Centre)
- A Little Bud (Function Junction)
- Spiritleaf (Creekside)
The Importance of Whistler Approving Legal Cannabis Retail
For five years since legalization in 2018, Whistler has opted out of cannabis retail. This forced locals, resort workers and the three million yearly tourists to source cannabis through the illegal market or drive over 45 minutes to Squamish, where the closest legal stores are. Now, four regulated stores have been approved to open in different areas of the town.
Whistler allowing cannabis retail is a significant economic opportunity for the stores approved, local brands and the municipality itself. Many tourists, skiers and snowboarders visiting Canada are interested in trying our fully federally legalized cannabis and the legendary “BC bud” for themselves. Now, they have the chance to do so while contributing to the legal economy.
Additionally, this opens up numerous marketing and advertising opportunities for legal cannabis brands and stores within the Whistler region. Whistler allows cannabis brands and stores to legally associate with skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor recreational activities – the sports that have made the municipality world famous. Numerous cannabis brands have their grow and/or processing facilities located in the Whistler region. This allows those brands to interact with their community in their own backyard via pop-ups and educational events at these four approved stores. The Canadian cannabis brands and stores that are able to build true lasting impressions on the millions of tourists that visit Whistler each year will grow their international brand awareness and presence, which becomes more meaningful as more and more countries legalize across the world. Every time a region that previously prohibited cannabis retail opens up for business, the legal cannabis industry grows a bit bigger and stronger while more dollars are converted from the illicit market into tax revenue.
THC Canada: Legacy To Legendary
THC Canada is a legendary cannabis store with legacy roots since day one. Their first and flagship location, situated next to neighbouring business Dank Mart, is located at 6416 Main Street in South Vancouver, BC. Their new Whistler location is also situated on “Main Street” at 4359 Main Street in the Village North area.
Surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants, Main Street is known locally as one of the best places to eat and visit in Whistler. Soon, locals, visitors and tourists of the area will also have access to one of the best cannabis stores in the country.
”After almost a decade in South Vancouver, I couldn’t think of a better place to open our second store. Whistler is a legendary tourist destination and I’m grateful to be a part of the community and make history as one of the first cannabis stores to get a license in the region
Spensir Sangara, President of THC Canada
THC Canada is the back-to-back two time winner of ADCANN’s Best Independent Cannabis Store in Canada award. THC Canada is arguably the biggest single-store location brand and one of the most highly respected retailers in the country. Drawing on legacy experience, expert product knowledge, unique store design, deep roots in the culture and creative marketing – THC has set the standard since day one.
A Little Bud, This Is Cannabis + Spiritleaf
A Little Bud is a successful cannabis retailer with four locations in Penticton, White Rock, Summerland and Duncan (and now Whistler).
This is Cannabis is one of the Fraser Valley’s most popular retailers with two existing locations – one in Chilliwack and one in Abbotsford.
Spiritleaf is one of Canada’s largest cannabis retailers operating over 100 stores across Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Spiritleaf is owned by Sundial, a publicly traded company that also owns the Superette and Value Buds retail banners. Spiritleaf won National Retail Store Brand of the Year in the 2022 ADCANN Awards.
