It’s a big week for weed in the River City: On Tuesday council agreed to send the discussion on pot shop regulations to public hearing and today marijuana advocates will gather in Riverside Park for annual 4/20 celebrations.



Kamloops doesn’t hold nearly the size of event Vancouver sees, with thousands expected to gather at Sunset Beach to mark the celebration of cannabis culture today.

Here, things are a little more informal, but the toke-friendly still make an effort to get together and light up. About 130 people have responded to a Facebook event for 4/20 In the Park happening between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The peak will be around 4:20 p.m., undoubtedly.

Gatherings in Riverside Park have historically caused few problems for local police and Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said they expect much of the same today. Tokers are free to puff puff pass all they want, but the RCMP will be on the lookout for impaired drivers and upping their patrols.

“Previously it has been no problem,” Shelkie said. “We don’t expect anything this year, either.”

To mark 4/20, local podcaster Nevin Webster sat down with cannabis entrepreneur and Thompson Caribou Concentrates founder, Derrick Sim a.k.a. The Squadfather.

Webster launched the Kameo Podcast earlier this year and talks with a different member of the Kamloops community every episode, chatting about local culture, arts, business and entrepreneurship.

He and the Squadfather talked cannabis culture, use, education and the Thompson Caribou Concentrates motto and fundraiser, “Patients over Profit.”

“Dispensaries play a crucial role in patient access,” Sim told Webster. “Without dispensaries a lot of people would be turning to the black market and a less safe means of access.”

“People that are in the dispensaries, you can go in and ask them about products and they are able to tell you how to go home and try the topical cream for the first time or how to go home and try your capsules properly so you feel like, when you’re leaving there, you’re leaving with the proper tools and knowledge to go home and try the products safely.”

Tune in to the Kameo 4/20 episode here. Thompson Caribou Concentrates will have a booth at Sunset Beach in Vancouver today.