STORM IS COMING TODAY – Cannabis industry spotlight in flood-ravaged cities of BC – Breaking cannabis news today

The rains have hit BC in recent weeks, causing widespread flooding in the southern parts of the province. Unfortunately, the worst is not over yet. For the third time in two weeks an atmospheric river pours over the province. It started this morning and is likely to continue well into the future. Environment Canada has issued rain warnings but can only guess how much you will know; Princeton, Abbotsford, and Merritt, BC are still grappling with the aftermath of the first two storms. The weather forecast is bad news, and for the cannabis companies in these cities, the coming storm is like approaching doom. As we prepare for more rain, here’s an update on the current status of repairs in Princeton, Abbotsford and Merritt, BC, and a spotlight on a cannabis store in each location.

Atmospheric River – The Worst Pineapple Express

The province is used to heavy rain, but this is not a typical rainstorm. In the past 2 weeks, we have been witnessing a weather phenomenon known as atmospheric flow.

It happens when warm, moist air rushes over the ocean and mixes with a polar jet stream. They are often referred to as the “pineapple express” because these tropical storms develop so quickly. According to meteorologists, this approaching pineapple express will be a big one.

Abbotsford

Abbotsford was hit very hard in the recent rainstorm and suffered major damage to critical infrastructure. The Sumas prairie has been evacuated due to severe flooding. The situation is under control right now. After the city tried for two weeks to fix the broken infrastructure, the city began to make some soil. They could open the sluice gates of the Barrowtown pumping station and drain the Sumas prairie. According to Mayor Henry Braun, Abbotsford is “holding its own” and believes it can handle today’s storm.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN HAYWARD / THE CANADIAN PRESS – Monday 29/21 November

Jima Cannabis – Open to Business

Jima Cannabis is a licensed retail store on a square in Abbotsford. When the first storm hit in mid-November, Jima Cannabis was closed due to flooding. Although it didn’t quite reach their doors, the flood rose and pooled in the parking lot. According to the staff, all they could do was watch surveillance cameras and hope the store would not be flooded. Jima Cannabis was closed for a total of four days, but has since reopened to resume operations.

Princeton

The flood in Princeton wreaked such devastation, the Canadian military was sent to help. There is an ongoing evacuation alert for downtown Princeton and re-entry is only possible with the approval of a contractor. “Anyone in the evacuated area will need certified gas and electricians who can approve the connection of these systems,” said Spencer Coyne, Princeton Mayor. The mayor has called on more certified technicians from outside the city to help with the effort.

Atheneum Cannabis Princeton

Atheneum Cannabis has two licensed retail stores; one in Princeton and the other in Vancouver. The Vancouver location is business as usual, but Princeton is a different matter. Atheneum Cannabis Princeton sits on a flat strip of land surrounded by water. It’s literally a five-minute walk or a minute by car from the Similkameen River. Whether and to what extent they were flooded cannot be confirmed at the moment; However, given the low altitude of their business location, this is extremely likely. They are currently unavailable by phone and there are no updates on their website. As soon as we know what’s going on, we will definitely be releasing an update.

Merritt

The Merritt flood was sudden and serious. It flooded the local sewage system and contaminated the drinking water. More than seven thousand people have had to be evacuated and not everyone is allowed to come back. The city has been divided into separate zones and re-entry is dependent on the location address.

• Those in the Phase 2 zone are not subject to evacuation alarms and can return to their homes.
• It’s much more complicated for those in phases three and four – On Saturday, November 27th, the city of Merritt allowed phase three residents to return to their locations, but only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• The residents of the phase four zone cannot re-enter at all.

Anyone in phase three or four is subject to an evacuation order, and depending on the weather, the rules can change at any time.

Quilchena cannabis

Quilchena Cannabis is a small cannabis company with a huge inventory and selection. Quilchena Cannabis is in the Phase 3 zone and has been closed for the past two weeks and no one has been allowed to be in the area. On Saturday, November 27th, the city of Merritt started re-entering the third phase zone during the day, but the situation is very precarious. The evacuation order remains in effect and these rules can change as quickly as the weather.

The situation was stressful to say the least! But if anything, the cannabis community is very resilient. On Saturday the owners went back for the first time and immediately started preparations for the reopening.

Quilchena cannabis product supply

When it comes to delivering and maintaining supplies, it doesn’t affect owners. Since they offer a wide range of choices, they tend to keep inventory high. Flood damage has resulted in product bottlenecks and delays for many cannabis companies. Fortunately, that’s not an issue for this mom and pop shop.

Quilchena Cannabis plans to reopen today … unless this storm has other plans. Despite the odds, this little Merritt weed shop works hard to keep people busy and even offers delivery. If you can stop by and show your support, they are open 9am to 3pm and are located on 937 Quilchena Ave in Unit B.

The situation around these storms is constantly changing and tonight could be difficult. On behalf of everyone here on the Cannabis Life Network, we wish you and your family all the best, happiness and health. Stay out there safe.