Canada college campus is first to get a weed dispensary

The University of British Columbia is expected to be the first college in Canada to host a cannabis dispensary, having recently approved a Burb retail store to open on campus. The new location will be the eighth licensed cannabis retailer in British Columbia for Burb Cannabis Corp. bringing the Company to the regulatory limit on the number of recreational dispensaries that can be operated by one licensee in the province.

Burb is an international cannabis brand on a mission to bring British Columbia’s BC Bud culture to the world through a network of retail outlets, cannabis products, apparel and accessories. The company also owns and produces the Light Culture podcast, hosted by David Hershkovits, co-founder and former editor-in-chief of Paper Magazine.

Burb’s pharmacy, planned for the University of British Columbia, which is actually right next to campus, has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD), the local governing body for the university area. The approval came despite vocal opposition from members of the local community, which included an online petition that garnered nearly 1,900 signatures.

“This was a major victory for us after a contentious debate about public safety and community fit,” said John Kaye, Burb’s CEO and co-founder, in a company statement. “Despite concerns stemming from the age-old stigma of nearby residents, many of whom were offshore homeowners, the board made an informed decision that was consistent with the overwhelming voice of the student body as well as the principles of legalization in our country. We are very excited to bring Burb to campus and provide safe access for students and residents this fall.”

Neighbors opposed plan for campus pharmacy

Neighbors opposed to locating the pharmacy near campus argued that the store would be too close to a nearby high school and two elementary schools and campaigned to have the store’s permit denied. An online petition posted by local resident Connie Chen suggested the store would attract people to the area for purposes “not related to the university,” according to a CBC News report.

“By allowing retail cannabis in this marketplace, we are putting vulnerable children at high risk of exposure to substances they are too young for,” the petition reads.

The proposed cannabis shop was supported by the university’s Alma Mater Society (AMS), the organization that represents more than 56,000 students on campus. A competing online petition in favor of the pharmacy, posted online by Sean Safaei, who is with Burb, garnered more than 2,000 signatures.

“Since the AMS has supported the project from the beginning, this is definitely good news for the students,” said AMS President Eshana Bhangu on the approval of the application.

“We simply believe that UBC’s student body truly deserves to have a safe place close by where purchasing cannabis is accessible and offered in a stress-free environment,” she added.

Bhangu noted that without the nearby pharmacy, students at the university would have to walk more than 2.5 kilometers (just over 1.5 miles) to the nearest cannabis retailer or take a bus. The only other option would be to buy from illegal dealers.

“Places like this really reduce illegal activity and we don’t think it will pose a risk to families and underage youth,” Bhangu said.

Burb claims the new pharmacy will not only be the first on a Canadian college campus, but also the first in the world. As the company has reached its maximum number of stores in British Columbia, Burb is looking outside the province for further growth opportunities. A recent expansion into the United States marked the debut of British Columbia cannabis strains Beaver Tail, Butter Tarts and Zyrup in the California market.

“We’re West Coast OG and we breathe the rich history of BC Bud into all extensions of our brand,” said Kaye. “British Columbia has achieved worldwide renown for breeding and growing premium, award-winning craft cannabis strains. We are honored to bring that legacy, experience and passion to California through careful curation and proprietary innovation.”

Burb expands into US markets

In May, the company announced its expansion into California’s competitive wholesale adult cannabis market, with Burb’s products appearing on the pharmacy shelves of retailers such as Cookies, Dr. Greenthumb, The Pottery and Mainstage can be found. The company also plans to expand into Florida’s growing medical cannabis economy.

“We are excited to partner with TRP, the wholesale division of Cookies Retail Group, to bring our Los Angeles grown premium floral products to the state of California and look forward to launching in the state of Florida exclusively through Cookies retail stores this fall bring to market. ‘ Kaye said.

The Burb brand is licensed from TRP for both California and Florida and is collaborating with Los Angeles-based cultivation partner Green Label, led by Jason McKnight, to bring the brand premium indoor flowers.

“We’re innovating with Jason, partnering with great genetics providers, and doing our best to bring the flavors we know and love to the California market,” said Kaye.