The City of Penticton is one step closer to capping out its limit of 14 cannabis dispensaries, with the approval of two more stores at the council meeting on Tuesday.

Council voted to support the applications of two out of three dispensaries seeking approval from the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (BCLCRB), bringing the total number of stores in the city to 10 once all are operational.

The approved locations are: Completely Cannabis Co. (101-351 Westminster Ave. W.), Green House Cannabis Boutique (310 Comox St.). Starbuds (2150 Main St.) application was not approved.

To date, Cannabis Cottage (385 Martin St.) and Spiritleaf (101-2695 Skaha Lake Rd.) are the only two locations opened so far in the city. Fairview Cannabis Corner (104-1652 Fairview St.) and Greenery Cannabis Boutique (465 Main St.) are anticipated to be the next stores opening following final approval from the province. Indigenous Bloom (107 Green Mountain Rd.) has also opened on Penticton Indian Band (PIB) land but is not regulated through the BCLCRB.

READ MORE: Penticton’s first cannabis shop opened Saturday

Mayor John Vassilaki said he did not agree with the 14 store limit, stating he believed that is “far too many” operating in the city. For this reason, he voted against all three applications.

Coun. Katie Robinson took issue with the location of Starbuds, stating that residents asked council to “spread things out” and that she believed it was too close to two other previously approved cannabis stores. Coun. Frank Regher agreed with this sentiment, and the application was ultimately voted down by council.

READ MORE: Second cannabis dispensary opens its doors in the Penticton region

The city will now send letters of support for the two approved applications to the BCLCRB for final approval. If approved by the province, the stores will receieve their licenses following an on-site inspection.

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