Health Cannabis opens shop on Water Street in St. John's
New marijuana business is for 'members only,' according to sign on locked front door
A new business called Health Cannabis has taken over a vacant storefront on Water Street in downtown St. John's.
The minimal-looking business, with HC Inc. on its exterior, has a locked door and a sign that reads "members only," and directs people to a website to register for membership.
Inside, it smells like marijuana.
The Health Cannabis website does not call the business a "dispensary" for medical marijuana and related products.
"Health Cannabis Inc. is a Canadian company focused on improving the quality of life for those living with chronic and terminal illnesses through the use of medical marihuana [sic]," the website states.
Health Cannabis has two other locations, in Etobicoke and Newmarket, Ont.
Anyone looking to become a member can register, once they provide identification, including a photo, and a prescription for medical marijuana.
People who visit the Health Cannabis page are also directed to several supplier sites, where a wide variety of marijuana strains and products can be selected.
Legal or not?
According to Health Canada, medical marijuana is not permitted to be sold in a dispensary — it must be delivered by Canada Post or courier.
Dozens of dispensaries across Canada have been opening recently due to changes with federal marijuana legislation. The dispensaries are not legal — at least, not yet — and in some cities police have been cracking down.
CBC News has put in a request for comment to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and RCMP.
