B.C. Enables Cannabis Farm-to-gate Sales
The Province of British Columbia announced last week that it will introduce a new cannabis retail licence that will allow eligible federally licensed cannabis producers to sell non-medical cannabis products from stores located at their cultivation sites.
The producer retail store (PRS) license is expected to go into effect on November 30, 2022.
Standard cultivators, micros and nursery licence-holders will be eligible to apply through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s (LCRB) liquor and cannabis licensing portal.
The media release published on the Province’s website reads, “This licence was created as part of the Province’s commitment to enable farm-to-gate cannabis sales in British Columbia… This launch follows the recent opening of the first farm-gate cannabis facility in B.C. in Williams Lake, which was a result of the government-to-government agreement between the Province and Williams Lake First Nation.”
B.C. currently has 212 federally licensed cannabis producers, which includes 74 micro-producers.
To read the full media release visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0061-001490
Information about cannabis regulation in B.C.: https://www.cannabis.gov.bc.ca
Information about the Buy Legal campaign: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/cannabis/buy-legal
Licensed cannabis producers and retail stores in B.C. interested in participating in direct delivery can find information on the program’s website:
https://www.bcldbcannabisupdates.com/LDBDirectDeliveryProgram
Information about the BC Indigenous Cannabis Product (BCICP) program: https://www.bcldbcannabisupdates.com/BCICP
Survey Shows Decrease in Illegal Cannabis Use in BC
The government of British Columbia recently published a news release stating, “A recent survey is showing positive changes in behaviour among B.C. cannabis consumers, including more responsible use and fewer people purchasing from unlicensed sellers.”
The survey results that were referenced showed a significant decrease in the number of consumers who reported buying from an unlicensed store: from 56% in 2018 to 17% in 2021. The survey also showed that 71% of consumers reported purchasing from licensed retailers.
“Findings suggest that most people in B.C. who choose to use cannabis are doing so responsibly.”
The announcement was issued by the Public Safety and Solicitor General on August 2, 2022, and the 35-page report can be downloaded directly from the government website.
To read the media release on the BC government website, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0055-001202
To download the full 2021 BC Cannabis Use Report, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/cannabis/2021_bc_cannabis_use_survey_report_final.pdf