Penticton business set to launch cannabis consumption patio on 4/20
A Penticton cannabis retailer will be opening its consumption patio this weekend and the owner says it'll be the perfect spot for customers to safely enjoy a toke.
Cannabis Cottage is hosting a launch party for its all-new designated smoking space, a first of its type in the area, this Saturday, April 20 which 'just happens' to be the 20th day of the fourth month, 4/20.
"We're calling it the launch of our POTio because it's our cannabis consumption patio and we're very excited to launch it on April 20 which is kind of like Christmas in our industry," Cannabis Cottage owner Mariana Wolff says.
The event will be a time for adults to enjoy cannabis products, learn about them and enjoy local artists.
Wolff says they're going to have several different BC brand representatives and growers on site so customers can learn from the experts.
"There will be other vendors that include local artisans, craft people and a local coffee company, One14 Coffee Co., is doing a munchie station that will have free popcorn. We'll have some local artists doing some live music and more."
When Cannabis Cottage first opened five years ago, Wolff already had plans to add a consumption space once it was allowed by the BC government.
"We're trying to really promote and foster a cannabis culture in our community; it's a nice opportunity for people to see how a designated cannabis consumption space can work and can help with waste management with some of the plastics and the butts that come with the industry," Wolff says.
She says despite five years of legalization she's found there's still stigma associated with the cannabis industry.
"Having a designated space will slowly help to change that and it will help people to feel more comfortable in terms of trying it, especially for the first time," she says. "If you're surrounded by like-minded people you won't have the judgment feeling or stigma that might come with something that came out of the illicit industry so recently.
"Eventually, we want to grow into the type of space we see in California, for example, where they have cannabis cafes and table service."
The POTio will be a self-serve space. People can bring their cannabis and enjoy it in a safe, designated spot.
"We will be doing other events through the summer where, with our mini stage, we'll host some other acoustic performers and other food vendors invited throughout the summer."
The POTio opening event goes from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20.
You can check out the Cannabis Cottage website for more details and future events.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Gabrielle Adams or call (438) 830-1211 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.
