B.C. First Nation Launches Pioneering Farm-to-Gate Cannabis Shop

The Williams Lake First Nation in British Columbia has inaugurated Sugar Cane Cannabis, a groundbreaking farm-to-gate cannabis shop. This venture is not only the first of its kind in the province but also the first on Indigenous land in Canada. The facility aims to offer customers a unique sensory experience with freshly processed cannabis available less than a month after production

Chief Operating Officer Daniel Penny emphasized the shop's commitment to freshness and quality, likening the experience to visiting a winery. The 7,000-square-foot facility includes five growing rooms dedicated to micro-cultivation. The enterprise is expected to generate between $2 million and $6 million annually, depending on the distribution between wholesale and direct sales

Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation highlighted the broader impact of the business. Revenues from Sugar Cane Cannabis will support various community initiatives, including education and elder care. Sellars also noted the potential for the business model to serve as a blueprint for other Indigenous communities entering the cannabis industry

The project was made possible through agreements with provincial and federal governments, allowing the nation to cultivate and sell its own cannabis. Health Canada certified the business following extensive negotiations. The Williams Lake First Nation has already established a presence in the cannabis market through its Unity Cannabis brand, with outlets across multiple locations

Looking ahead, the facility plans to expand its operations to include on-site processing, further enhancing product freshness. The initiative is seen as a step towards breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis use and demonstrating its historical significance and benefits to Indigenous communities