Cannabis retailer launches series of educational seminars

Navigating the world of legalized marijuana can be complex for new users and longtime consumers alike.

From dozens of different strains and new ways to consume cannabis to the web of rules regulating for the nascent industry, it can be overwhelming.

Now, London’s first retail cannabis store is launching a seminar series to school the public on all things marijuana.

The bi-weekly series at Central Cannabis will feature guest speakers from the cannabis industry and tackle timely topics like the introduction of marijuana-infused edibles.

A master grower from a British Columbia-based licensed producer is slated to deliver a lecture at one of the first sessions.

“Being able to bring in these people to the store is valuable for the consumers and our staff,” Central Cannabis spokesperson Jenelle Kitto said.

The seminar series will be rooted in the store’s three pillars — education, community and the environment — and partner with local artists to showcase their work in the retail space, Kitto said.

“We’re really looking to the London community to engage,” she said, adding the store’s blog will also channel more information to its customers.

Central Cannabis hopes to launch the series later this month once it gets the green light from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the province’ pot regulator, said Omar Campos, the regional manager for Ontario Cannabis Holdings, a Calgary-based consulting company hired by Central Cannabis.

“We want to make sure we’re compliant with all the rules,” Campos said.

An AGCO spokesperson confirmed on Friday the commission is reviewing the proposal.

Central Cannabis, located at 666 Wonderland Rd., was one of just 10 marijuana retail stores to open across Ontario on April 1, after owner Chris Comrie was selected through a lottery system to apply for one of the province’s first 25 retail licenses.

Business has been booming at the northwest London outlet, where between 1,800 to 3,000 customers pass through the doors on a typical Saturday, the busiest day of the week, Campos said, noting the location draws people from all over Southwestern Ontario.

To keep up with the demand, Central Cannabis is beefing up its 44-person staff with another round of hiring, Campos added.