By Chad Klassen

First private cannabis store experiences steady first day

Mar 8, 2019 | 4:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — The first private cannabis store in Kamloops officially opened on Friday morning, and while it didn’t come with nearly as much fanfare that followed the first government store opening in October, it was a welcome sight for people on the North Shore.

Owners of the Cannabiz Shop on the Tranquille Road say there was a steady stream of customers most of the day, and one line of product dominated opening day sales.

“In watching what’s being purchased here, definitely CBD oil is very popular,” said one of the shop’s owners Chris Lyth, who opened the business at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning with his wife Nadine and the city’s business license inspector Dave Jones. “I’ve already gone and bought more CBD products. We’re also looking at some of the additional intimate sprays, so we will have intimate sprays available.”

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Emergency service dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week in B.C.

9h ago

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Impending closure of KSA elementary art studio the wrong move

Apr 14, 2026

The Creative Edge

PEARCE: Screens, brains and the cost of digital childhood

Apr 14, 2026

Customers are excited to have closer access to cannabis on the North Shore.

“Oh it’s very good. It’s literally a five-minute bike ride from my house, so I can easily come here. It’s very convenient,” said Brett Garandza, who was among the first customers on Friday.

Lyth expects it to get busier as the night goes on, especially on a Friday.

by Chad Klassen

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

First private cannabis store experiences steady first day

Our Community