FRONTLINES
W
indsor-Tecumseh businessman of 37 years, Gerard Bernauer and his partner Wendy Kelley, have officially opened On The Cannabis Side, situated at 13300 Tecumseh Road East, Unit 155, Green Valley Plaza in Tecumseh. Though the business had a soft opening in December 2021, a grand opening celebration took place May 14 complete with entertainment, food, raffles, visits from Town of Tecumseh Councillors, and plenty of friends and family enjoying the festivities. The modern and bright store offers what Bernauer describes as a community hub for anyone over the legal age of 19. “We opened the cannabis shop for three reasons — our personal journey and experience with the positive effect of cannabis, to contribute in reducing the stigma that is associated with it, and supporting all adults’ right to choose,” explains Bernauer. “Seven years ago, I suffered a serious car accident when I was delivering flyers on behalf of a mayoral candidate for Essex County. I was travelling along the country roads in Essex County on my ATV dropping his flyers into mailboxes. I was hit by a vehicle that was travelling at excessive speeds and sustained a head injury. It was serious and I was left for dead.” Over months and years, Bernauer suffered significantly and was prescribed multiple prescription drugs for pain and his brain injury. Eventually, he wanted an alternative therapy to assist him in his recovery and received a medical licence for cannabis as it was illegal at that time. After opening their first location in Tecumseh, they decided it was time to expand and a second location soon followed at 4756 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor. Recently opened in early May, it operates out of a shared space with On The Dark Side Tanning Salon, also owned by Bernauer.
8
On The Cannabis Side
Opens Two New Locations
Pictured during the official ribbon cutting of On The Cannabis Side (OTCS) on May 14 at the Green Valley Plaza location, from left are: Karen Kirincic, OTCS Staff; Brian Houston, Tecumseh Councillor; Joe Bachetti, Tecumseh Councillor; Wendy Kelley and Gerard Bernauer, Owners; Ricardo Tonial, Tecumseh Councillor; and Taylor Loewen, OTCS Staff. Photo by Julianna Bonnett.
“Both Wendy and I started out both canna-curious and canna-confused after we received prescriptions for medical cannabis, but we wanted to learn more,” says Bernauer. “Even though our stores are recreational, we carry all of the cannabis that is prescribed medically as well, and we believe in educating people about it, so you can make the choice that is right for you.” With the two locations, the couple hope to
BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 2 2
spread more awareness and crush the stigma that surrounds cannabis. “The cannabis we sell is regulated and tested by Health Canada, so no surprises there,” explains Bernauer. “I encourage everyone to go into the stores and our very experienced staff can take you through the store and educate you on everything.” For more information about these two new businesses, check out the website: OnTheCannabisSide.ca.
