September 30, 2020, Victoria, BC: The British Columbia provincial government announced new sales programs to benefit cannabis producers and Indigenous businesses.

A media release yesterday announced that cannabis producers in B.C. will have greater access to local retailers and consumers, thanks to new direct delivery and farm-gate sales programs that are in development by the Provincial government.

These changes come as a result of input and recommendations from long-time cannabis growers, Indigenous leaders and other stakeholders. The government is giving Health Canada-licensed small-scale producers, including nurseries, the option of delivering cannabis directly to licensed retailers.

“We’ve heard clearly how important these kinds of sales are for smaller cannabis producers trying to get a foothold in a market currently dominated by larger players,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Now more than ever, our government is committed to supporting B.C. businesses and encouraging people to buy local, and that includes creating conditions for cannabis businesses of all sizes to succeed.”

The Province has also promised to develop a farm-gate sales program that will give cannabis growers in B.C. the option to sell their products from storefronts located at their production facilities.

The targeted launch for these new programs is 2022.
The BC Ministry of Attorney General’s Liquor Distribution Branch will also launch an Indigenous Shelf Space Program. This program, expected to start sometime in 2021, is designed to help consumers easily identify products from local Indigenous producers in BC Cannabis Stores.

“These steps will help grow the legal cannabis industry in B.C. in an inclusive way,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “By making it easier to know more about the product, those who choose to use cannabis can make careful decisions about what types of product they want to buy and what sectors of the industry they want to support.”

(Image / BC Liquor Distribution Branch)

The ‘highlighted’ products should be available at private B.C. cannabis retail locations, as well as through the government-run BC Cannabis Stores online site.

For more information contact:
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Media Relations
250 213-3602

New sales programs to benefit cannabis producers, Indigenous businesses | BC Gov News