The Sault’s second licenced cannabis retail store anticipates that it will open its doors at the former site of Payless ShoeSource next month.

Cannabis Jack’s President Michael Birch says that construction is just finishing up at 518 Great Northern Rd., and the company has already launched its hiring process as of last week. 

“We’re really excited to start the business in the Sault with the second wave of licences being offered by the province,” Birch told SooToday Sunday. “It’s really allowed us to learn from others in the space, and ensure that we’re providing the best possible experience in a safe and educational environment for our guests.” 

Birch says there’s a team of six people – primarily people with experience in the cannabis industry – who form the leadership behind Cannabis Jack’s. 

The company’s president is no stranger to the Sault – he lived here for about a decade before acquiring a Tim Horton’s franchise location in the United States – and says that friends, and the lifestyle that northern Ontario has to offer, brought him back to the area. 

There’s also the prospect of having Cannabis Jack’s in cities across Ontario. 

“Eventually Cannabis Jack’s will be in other cities across the province, but our focus is really on the Sault right now,” Birch said. 

Cannabis Jack’s is looking to hone in on potential first-time cannabis users by offering its own educational component.  

“There’s quite a large part of the store dedicated to what we’ve termed ‘Jack’s University’ – new customers can come in and understand how cannabis works, and what might be the best product for them,” Birch said. 

There are four applications for cannabis retail stores in Sault Ste. Marie listed on the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website, but another cannabis retail company confirmed with SooToday that a fifth application has been submitted to the province. 

Birch says he’s not worried about competition in the city.   

“We’ve got the premiere location, and we’re going to offer the best service – and really, provide the most compelling and convenient shopping for our guests,” he said. “So we’re not worried about that, and certainly the market can support a number of stores in the city.” 

Cannabis Jack’s will continue hiring employees over the next two weeks. More information on how to apply can be found on the company’s website.