BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The recreational marijuana industry has been booming in Canada and a new business owner is incorporating it in a new way.
"If you're a cannabis enthusiast, you're gonna love this space," said owner of the Pink Elephant Inn Conrad Floyd.
Floyd is renovating an old motel on Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario and taking it up a notch.
"There are some run down, beat up kind of places around here, this is gonna change people's perspective on what a motel on Lundy’s Lane is," said Floyd.
It'll be an all-inclusive hotel experience, with a special gift when you check in.
"I won't be selling cannabis on the property, but under the new legislation in Canada I can gift cannabis. So everybody who has a room or checks in will be given a gift of cannabis with their stay," said Floyd.
Being so close to the American border, he says he had a specific audience in mind.
"Obviously, I would love all of our friends in the United States to come over and smoke in peace," said Floyd.
He hasn't received any legal push back on his venture, but says he's ready to challenge it when it comes.
"As far as I know, cannabis is regulated like tobacco, so if I want to permit smoking on my property, I can permit smoking," explained Floyd.
Businesses in the area are looking forward to the area being renovated, saying that right now, it's a bit of an eyesore.
"Once it's done and looking a lot better than it was before, it'll be a lot better and attract more people to the area," said store manager at CC Swirls, John Petterossi.
Others have their concerns.
"It could be very positive, but if everybody smells like pot, then it's really hard to handle in a store," said president of My Top Drawer, David Robinson.
That's why Floyd says he wants to avoid offending anyone and keep the space for cannabis enthusiasts only.
"You can’t just do a few rooms in a floor of a hotel, you’re gonna offend people that aren’t with the cannabis scene and if there are small children," explained Floyd.
There will also be cannabis grown on-site. Visitors will be able to spend time with the grower and learn about cannabis, according to Floyd.
The age requirement to book a room is 19 years old. More expensive suites will go for around $500/night (Canadian Dollars) and regular rooms for $150/night (Canadian Dollars).
Renovations will continue throughout the summer and Floyd hopes to open in the Fall, with a grand opening party next summer. He plans to expand his ventures throughout Canada.
