Cannabis Culture, a long-standing fixture in Vancouver’s cannabis counter-culture founded by BC’s “Prince of Pot” Marc Emery, is shutting down three of their dispensaries in the wake of a recent BC court ruling.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce the forced closure of three of our Cannabis Culture dispensary locations and the laying-off of over 50 employees, due to heavy-handed tactics by the City of Vancouver,” said Cannabis Culture CEO Jeremiah Vandermeer, in a statement.
“This decision reaffirms the city’s authority over land use and our municipal business licensing for cannabis retail, and confirms the regulatory regime introduced in 2015 was well within the city’s jurisdiction to establish,” said Kaye Krishna, General Manager, Development, Buildings and Licensing.
Krishna said the ruling “also signals that any cannabis retail store operating outside city regulations can and will be enforced against using all the tools at the city’s disposal to the fullest extent moving forward.”
“Today, Cannabis Culture had to issue lay-off notices to over 50 wonderful people,” read an Instagram post from Jodie Emery, a mainstay of the business and cannabis advocate. “The remaining three Cannabis Culture dispensaries are being forced to close on January 31 — or the City of Vancouver will seek arrests and jail time.”
Cannabis Culture’s flagship location at 307 W. Hastings will remain open as a Headshop, Vapor Lounge and home to the company’s media activities, including Cannabis Culture Magazine and Pot TV.
