Lake Country Council reversed its decision last night on an application by Starbuds to convert it's medical marijuana facility in the Turtle Bay Shopping Center to a retail store. The vote was unanimous.
Two weeks ago, they were denied. Council granted Starbuds a second chance to present their case and last night the public came to the party in a big way.
Starbuds President Dave Martyn says the public support was outstanding, "It was an outcry by general members of the public not affiliated with us. They wanted to have their voices heard. There were so many people there that they stopped taking opinion for fear that it would take up the entire council meeting."
Martyn adds, "There were no negative voices. It was all very positive. Everyone was in support. It's something we've been lacking in the Okanagan, a cannabis related voice. I think it's something we're going to hear loudly around the Okanagan as we go forward."
Martyn says the next step for Starbuds Lake Country is to clear provincial government hurdles. Given that it's Christmas, he expects a week or two delay before everything is done, furniture is moved in and supplies are shelved for an opening early in the new year.
Martyn revealed that Starbuds is close to opening in Revelstoke, Fernie and Dawson Creek. They are one of the 41 applications being considered for Kelowna and they intend to apply in Penticton, once rules and regulations have been verified by Penticton Council. Starbuds also hopes to have at least two stores in Greater Vancouver.