Jimmy’s Cannabis Shop is working hard to have everything prepared for the October 17th legalization of recreational cannabis. John and David Thomas, brothers from Regina, were awarded four permits to open recreational cannabis locations within the province with locations in Estevan, Moosomin, Battleford and Martensville. Each location will be run by a General Manager, while the two brothers head the operations from Regina. With the legalization date only a week away, the timeframe is a tight one to work within, and if unable to open specifically for the 17th, they will open as close to that date as possible. “Some things are out of our control at this point, and as much as we want to make sure we are open that day, you never know what is going to happen. If we are unable to be open, it will be based on something that is completely out of our hands,” Martensville Jimmy’s Cannabis Shop General Manager, Julie Vickaryous, explained.
The Saskatchewan based company is working hard to keep their home-province roots and wants to ensure that their locations are somewhere that customers can feel comfortable walking into. The design and layout of the store will be made to be bright and modern, with its own unique appearance. “There is this misconception when it comes to how dispensaries look, but we have found a nice, comfortable, very Saskatchewan feel to our location.”
With the staff consisting of numerous Martensville residents, Vickaryous is looking forward to being able to provide top-notch customer service and education to local residents. “The staff we have is super knowledgeable and very welcoming. That was a priority for us as we want everyone to leave here feeling as though they have everything they need; whether it be education or product,” Vickaryous said. Customers will have the option to walk in and make purchases, or they are welcome to speak with a staff member in the sitting area over a cup of coffee. With a wide variety of customers expected, from those that consider themselves experienced, or for those that require more information, Vickaryous knows that each staff member will be able to provide the perfect service.
Vickaryous comes with a large amount of knowledge and experience, as she has worked within the medical cannabis industry for numerous years. Prior to the cannabis industry, Vickaryous was professionally trained at a French baking school in Vancouver; however upon being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 20, Vickaryous returned to her home province and following her treatment, decided to enter into the medical cannabis industry. “During my treatment, I took my skills as a chef and integrated cannabis with them. I then did teaching to other cancer patients, and it grew organically from there,” stated Vickaryous. This experience took her across Canada for various teaching opportunities and conferences; however, growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Saskatchewan had Vickaryous yearning for something different. “I had this desire to stick to my roots and stay in my home province. I wanted to stay here because I wanted to make cannabis in Saskatchewan important and integral to our communities, so when the opportunity came up with Jimmy’s, I jumped at it. I know when I wake up in the morning, I am going to work my hardest because at the end of the day, my work is going back into the community and going back to families, so that is what drives me.”
Community is a top priority for the business, as they take much pride in being a Saskatchewan company. During the interview process, an important question for Vickaryous was asking potential employees how they are involved in the community and if they would be open to being more involved. “I think that is the mark of a good small business; someone who works cohesively with their community,” added Vickaryous. “Being community-minded is so important to us. We want our staff, even outside of work, to feel as though it is their duty to know what they can about everything cannabis related because we are the people that are going to help you through everything and make sure you have a good time and that you are comfortable doing it.”
Once open, Jimmy’s will offer a variety of accessories, cannabis and apparel, and take pride in offering Canadian made items. Although edibles and concentrates will not be legalized until next year, Vickaryous explained that it doesn’t mean that customers don’t have the option to learn to make these items themselves. “If people are interested in making their own, it is absolutely doable. We can help point you in the right direction. It is a learning process, but it is not difficult by any means. If you can bake or cook, then you can do it. All of the staff will be very well versed in how to help you and ensure you have as great of a time as possible.”
Safety will also be a main priority for everyone at Jimmy’s Cannabis Shop. All customers that enter the store will be required to show ID, and anyone that appears impaired will be asked to leave the premises. The business will meet all SLGA training, health and safety, as well as security requirements.
Canada has been a worldwide trailblazer when it comes to making recreational cannabis legal throughout the country and Vickaryous is excited to be a part of it. “My mom said this is a chance to be a part of history and I think that is very poignant. I told my staff when we first met that this is very important and what we do impacts how this is going to run and how people will perceive this forever. It is an incredible opportunity to be a part of that.”
Customers will have the option to visit the store to make purchases, shop online and pick up at the store, or purchase items online and have them delivered via Canada Post. Within the location there will be an express lane for customers who know exactly what they want to purchase in order to make transactions as efficient for them as possible. For more information visit jimmyscannabis.com