Canada: Ontario opens its 420th cannabis store

This is a lucky number for any cannabis enthusiast. The Canadian province of Ontario, home to Toronto and Ottawa, proudly announces that it has authorized its 420th cannabis store. And the tweet was published at... 4:20 PM, or 16:20 in North American notation.

Today, the AGCO authorized the 420th cannabis retail store to open in Ontario! pic.twitter.com/Hibd8FWKkx

— AGCO (@Ont_AGCO) February 9, 2021

The 420 – or 420 – refers to April 20th. Since Anglo-Saxons write the date with the month first, April 20th is written «4/20». And the 420 is considered International Cannabis Smokers Day. One day when the followers of weed gather to party and/or demand legalization.

This 420th cannabis store in Ontario – whose identity remains unknown – does not need to advertise or promote itself. The owner will not have to worry about visitor numbers for its first few days of opening. Several curious people should come visit this store, for the symbolism of 420.

Rhythm too slow

But critics are not sparing this communication from the AGCO, the body that licenses cannabis stores in the province. Many believe that Ontario is too slow. 500 stores are already present in Alberta, a western Canadian province that has... a third fewer inhabitants than Ontario.

So, internet users are showing their disagreement. «You're only three years late. Well done!», mocks Sean Cowan, a Vancouver resident. «Stop the stupid restrictions and let people build their own businesses!», request a Canadian blog specializing in cannabis.

In Ontario, the AGCO gives retailers the green light. After that, cannabis sales are delegated to the private sector. But in Quebec, the neighboring French-speaking province, it is a 100% public monopoly. Only the Société Québécoise du Cannabis is authorized to sell flowers, oils, and other THC products. And the «Belle Province» has For now, only about fifty stores are open.. Ontarians disappointed by the slowness will always be able to take comfort by looking at Quebecers.