Vernon cannabis store gets provincial stamp of approval

VERNON – The Okanagan is about to get a lot greener.

Spiritleaf is set to open a cannabis retail store in Vernon, making it the first provincially approved marijuana retail spot in the Okanagan.

The Spiritleaf website is skimpy on details, merely stating that the Vernon store is "coming soon." The proposed location is #102 2500 53 Avenue.

The website also said Spiritleaf has proposed cannabis retail stores in Kelowna and West Kelowna coming soon.

READ MORE: High times at Okanagan Indian Band's 'Green Mile'

Spiritleaf was one of many stores that had their application for cannabis retail approved by the Vernon city council.

Starbuds expected to open the first Okanagan cannabis retail spot in the Okanagan when they received approval from the District of Lake Country in December, but development has been slow.

While Spiritleaf is the first provincially approved cannabis retail shop in the Okanagan, it already has competition, as several stores operating on a stretch of Okanagan Indian Band land referred to as the Green Mile have been in business for months.

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