The revitalization of the old Adelphi Hotel, led by Garry Serko, has been an impressive feat and is starting to turn the heads of Merrittonians. The latest development is a retail cannabis shop called Unity Cannabis, and is situated directly across from the Dollar Tree at Suite 104 of 2101 Quilchena Ave.
Owned by Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), Unity Cannabis is, according to Unity President Chief Willie Sellars, “the product of the first government-to-government agreement around cannabis under section 119 of the BC Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.”
Fortunately, we had a chance to catch up with Chief Sellars and get more clarification on what this agreement means for WLFN and their cannabis endeavours.
Chief Sellars explained the purpose of a section 199 agreement.
“A section 119 allows the provincial government to enter into a specific arrangement with a First Nation concerning cannabis retail,” said Sellars.
“It was developed to recognize the rights of First Nations and further the goals of economic reconciliation.”
Unity Cannabis first opened its doors in mid-November, 2021. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included a drumming ceremony, with participation from Upper Nicola Band Chief Harvey McLeod.
Since its legalization, the legal cannabis industry now contributes more to the country’s gross domestic product than many of Canada’s mainstays, like iron, gold, copper, and wood product manufacturing. In such a saturated market, Chief Sellars says that it is their ‘craft’ approach to cannabis that sets them apart from the rest.
“Craft cannabis will be the difference, and it’s what the consumer wants. Our Unity stores will be a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase B.C.’s first 100% Indigenous-owned farm-gate product, pioneered through our cultivation brand, Sugar Cane Cannabis. We’ll be growing small batches of our own cannabis at our facility in Williams Lake.
“There won’t be anything else like it on the market.”
In terms of when the farm-gate products will be available in store, Chief Sellars said that they are waiting on their final approval for their Health Canada license.
“…and then we expect to move fast and have a multitude of Sugar Cane Cannabis products displayed in our Unity stores within the next three months. Flower, Pre-rolls, tinctures, you name, and we’ll have it.
“Of course, I’d be happy to provide Merrittonians with an update down the line. I’d also like to graciously thank the community of Merritt for all the warm welcomes, and we are incredibly grateful to become a part of the community in a good way.”
