Montreal's marijuana aficionados got up early Wednesday morning to become the very first to get legal weed.
People began lining up outside the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC) store on Ste. Catherine St. near Metcalfe St. well before dawn — as early as 3:45 a.m., in fact — before the store's 10 a.m. opening.
Even after noon, the lineups went around the block, west on Ste. Catherine, then south on Metcalfe almost as far as René-Lévesque Blvd, opposite Dorchester Square. By then, those at the end of the line can expect a two-hour wait to get in — if they're lucky.
Hugo Sénécal was the first official customer at the store. He took his place in line at around 3:45 a.m., and says today was Christmas, New Year's, Easter and his birthday all rolled into one.
“Just to make a point that I wanted to be the first one buying recreational cannabis in Montreal and I did it,” he said after spending $130 on 15 grams. “It’s a big day in Canada. For a stoner like me, it’s a big thing. I’m a professional stoner!”
Say hello to Hugo. He's the first person to light up a legally purchased joint in downtown Montreal #legalization #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/8kqOteAsua
— Matt Gilmour (@MGilmourMTL) October 17, 2018
Three SQDC shops are now open for business in Montreal: the Ste. Catherine St. location, one at Plaza St. Hubert (6872 St. Hubert St.), and in Marché Central (9250 Acadie Blvd.)
Two other stores — one at 830 Ste. Catherine St. E. (near Berri Square), and a Brossard location, at 9575 Ignace St., are expected to open soon.
Things have gotten insane. Line goes around the corner. 200+ people here. 5 minutes to go #legalization #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/zziLKMbfdD
— Matt Gilmour (@MGilmourMTL) October 17, 2018
The lineup is around the block now. Just 30 more minutes until the doors open. Over 120 people here now #legalization #Montreal #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/bJ90saTnY9
— Matt Gilmour (@MGilmourMTL) October 17, 2018
Final touches being made outside the cannabis store downtown. The sign was the last thing to go up #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/k0dZIg3GoM
— Matt Gilmour (@MGilmourMTL) October 17, 2018
Cory is second in line at the cannabis store downtown. On the line with @andrewcarter800 on #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/UbLIfldNHd
— Matt Gilmour (@MGilmourMTL) October 17, 2018