After months of renovations, paperwork, and multiple interviews with police detectives, Ashley Vander Velden and Bill George, owners of Naturally Bongins in Wingham, can legally sell marijuana to people over the age of 19.

Vander Velden said, “We are very excited to become Wingham’s first local cannabis experts,” during a recent interview with Wingham Advance Times.

In March 2021, the couple began the long process with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). They received word in January that they had been approved, but they didn’t receive a go-ahead until Feb. 4, and are now busy preparing for their official launch of the new venture on Friday, Feb. 11. The couple installed an interior barrier wall at their front entrance, in addition to the frosted glass in the window, to ensure that any passersby would not see inside the store. AGCO regulation states licensees must ensure that cannabis and accessories are not visible from the exterior of the premises.

Customers must provide valid identification to the retailer to enter the store, proving they are over 19.

The owners said they had spent approximately $50,000 so far to get this set up.

“It’s not for the faint of heart,” said Vander Velden, adding it requires “real upfront money,” between application fees, renovations, and purchasing the product, among the other little things that need to be completed.

The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is the only supplier of legal cannabis that they are allowed to purchase from, which is heavily regulated and comes pre-packaged, ready for resale.

The couple said they will continue to adhere to the rules and regulations and will protect the community, especially the youth, at all costs by ensuring that no cannabis illegally leaves their premises.

The couple opened their first retail shop in the downtown core of Wingham two years ago. They moved to their current location during the application process to adhere to the local bylaws and make sure they were nowhere near any area where children may be present.

Their vision is to create a collaborative environment between head shops and wellness centers. As the cannabis industry evolves, they will too.

They will continue to carry top-of-the-line accessories, tools, and their RCS (Responsible Cannabis Solutions) line while expanding their selection of wellness products and information.