COVID-19 brings boost in sales, change in operations for Saskatoon pot retailer

Like most places in the world right now, operations are a little different for legal weed retailers as people continue to fill up their stash in the face of COVID-19.

At the Pot Shack in Saskatoon, only eight customers are allowed in at a time, they are asked a series of questions related to their health and travel history and then are asked to extend their hands for a dose of hand sanitizer.

Owner Geoff Conn said it’s the least his company could do as restrictions ramp up across the country to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

“We’re making sure we got social distancing going on at the store, and we’re limiting the amount of customers in the store,” Conn said.

Conn hasn’t seen any panic buying or hoarding like what’s happened to toilet paper supplies across the province, but he can’t ignore the bump in sales.

“I think people are starting to understand what the government is asking of them,” Conn said, speaking of the isolation and distancing recommendations.

“When they do go out, they’re just buying a little bit more than what they would have originally.”

The Pot Shack isn’t expected to run out of any supplies anytime soon. According to Conn’s estimation, the store has roughly five months of supply on hand.

“It’s not toilet paper,” Conn said. “There’s no toilet paper in the province but there’s a lot of pot.”

Danielle Jacklin stopped by to pick up a few items. She’s not worried about her stash at home, but in the spirit of staying home as much as possible, she decided she would buy some pot now while she was out to avoid more trips in the future.

“I come in here usually twice a month because that’s when I get paid,” she said.

The Pot Shack launched its delivery service on Friday as a response to meet demand as more people flock to the store while COVID-19 continues to spread.

Customers like Jacklin, who suffers from fibromyalgia and uses cannabis to ease her discomfort, is eager to try it out.

“Knowing that they have that option now, that makes it so much easier,” she said, mentioning she lives out of town. “I’m going for surgery in the next three weeks and I will have trouble getting into the city to get what I need.

Conn followed the lead of other restaurants and bars in the province by switching to a delivery system in case he is told to close to the public.

“We’re looking at ways to mediate with the province as far as keeping people off the streets, delivering the same way as restaurants and food services are asked to deliver and take out,” he said.

Another way Conn is looking to reduce contact and promote distance is by offering pickup as well. Customers can arrange a purchase over the phone, pay and receive products all from the comfort of a car.

While the owner of a pot shop would likely advocate for using pot most days of the week, Conn feels it’s important to relax and keep your mind at ease.

“If people are asked by the government to sit at home and not go out, they might as well have a beer or smoke a joint. It’s their choice,” Conn said.