BCGEU Updates, LCRB Update: Market Controls, Direct Delivery Beverages, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update:
August 13, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: - Renew your ABLE BC Cannabis Membership
- BCGEU Update: Job Action Vote Open August 11 to August 29
- SMYLE BRANDS™: Cannabis Beverages on Direct Delivery
- Did You Know: List of Producers Able to Ship Direct to Licensees
- It's Official! LCRB Opens Engagement on Market Controls
- ABLE BC Continues Engagement with New Ministers
- Call for FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteers
- Member Spotlight: WEEDS
- Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Renew your ABLE BC Cannabis Membership |
ABLE BC Cannabis Committee & industry allies at the BC Legislature in Victoria |
ABLE BC memberships expire on August 31, 2025. Members can renew by logging into the Member Portal and following the renewal instructions posted on the dashboard. If you have questions about your renewal or don't know how to log into the Member Portal, please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca .
ABLE BC may be a small, non-profit organization, but that doesn’t stop our relentless advocacy for business owners in the private cannabis retail industry. We are your united voice, and we make a strong impact on government. ABLE BC is your seat at the table, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed by government. Our proven record in Cannabis Retail: - United over 100 private cannabis stores in BC;
- Successfully brought forward policy priorities into
government's current official industry engagement on market controls in BC on behalf of private retailers (more on this below);
- Engaged directly in person
with Ministers to advocate industry priorities in Victoria's Legislature;
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Hosted 2025 ABLE BC SPARK Annual Industry Conference, where cannabis was included for the first time along with it's own program, panels, and policy engagement with government partners;
- Helping private cannabis retailers navigate ahead and stay informed of potential union labour action scenarios in BC;
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Collaborating and finding synergy with other well-established industries such as hospitality, restaurants, liquor, and tourism;
- Opened private cannabis retail opportunities in Surrey, North Saanich, and Burnaby;
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Continued efforts in working with the BC Community Safety Unit (CSU) on provincial efforts to address illicit cannabis operations;
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Launched programs and benefits for our Cannabis Retail Membership: Insurance, Employee Benefits, Point of Sale Systems, Payment Processing, and E-Commerce;
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Giving industry a real voice and ensuring the momentum of our advocacy efforts with new government Ministers, and that cannabis is recognized as a legitimate and vital economic sector in BC;
- And so much more!
We are only able to do this work because of the support of our members. Put simply, ABLE BC does not exist without your membership dues.
Your support is critical to our industry’s success. Prompt payment of your membership dues will enable us to continue our track record of successful advocacy for BC’s private cannabis industry through the year ahead.
Have an advocacy issue you’d like ABLE BC to champion? Email bo@ablebc.ca. |
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BCGEU Update: Job Action Vote Open August 11 to August 29 |
In July, ABLE BC informed our membership and industry on the BCGEU’s decision to prepare to take a job action vote in the coming weeks following a breakdown in negotiations for their next collective agreement. As per the BCGEU, the vote will be open from August 11 to August 29, 2025. The vote results will determine the BCGEU's mandate how to proceed forward with government.
If job action were to take place, the LDB will be notified 72 hours in advance.
ABLE BC understands industry’s concerns on the uncertainty and is continuously monitoring the situation and engaging with government and industry stakeholders. We will keep industry apprised as details progress and continue to progress our efforts to get the clarity you need to plan for your business.
For more information, please read our previous update. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca).
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People
Working Well The Canadian Mental Health Association has created a resource hub for employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for cannabis retail businesses. Click here to read past cannabis newsletters. |
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ABLE BC
Member Portal
The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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SMYLE BRANDS™: Cannabis Beverages on Direct Delivery |
Cannabis retailers, we're excited to share how SMYLE BRANDS™ can enhance your product offerings with premium craft cannabis beverages and innovative dosing solutions. Here's what makes SMYLE BRANDS™ your ideal Direct Delivery partner:
Our Story: Built by Cannabis Enthusiasts
SMYLE BRANDS™ was founded by a small team of three friends from Vancouver Island who have been working with cannabis for over a decade. Starting in the legacy market, they became obsessed with alternative methods of consumption: sprays, liquids, vapes. Eventually, they settled on what they truly loved: drinks. SMYLE believes in what drinks can do. No rolling, no coughing, no fear, no stigma. Just crack a can or add a few drops to whatever you're drinking and enjoy. |
Complete SMYLE BRANDS™ Lineup
Ready-to-Drink Beverages Sweet Tooth Collection - Nostalgic Flavours: -
Fizzy Peach 2.0 - Real peach puree meets bellini inspiration
- Orange Creamsicle - Classic citrus zing with smooth vanilla cream
- Sweet Tooth Zero Rootbeer Float - Zero sugar, full float experience
Premium Collaborations: - Smyle x Dabble Cannabis - Raspberry Lemonade featuring Strawberry Jam live rosin
- Smyle x Slurmmm Melts - Lemon Lime with rotating strain-specific live rosin (SourDubb, Pie Doh, Animal Face)
- Smyle x Slurmmm Melts - RED with rotating strain-specific live rosin (Cake Crasher)
Customizable Dosing Solutions SMYLE Nano Drops: - Flavourless, fast-acting, long-lasting
- Infuse any beverage with live rosin
- Available in 100mg and 250mg THC options
- Perfect for customers who want control over their dosing experience at their desired amount (micro to macro)
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BC’s Only Beverage Direct Delivery Partner Benefits For Your Business: -
Access to craft cannabis beverages that may be unavailable through BCLDB central delivery
- Fresh delivery direct from Vancouver Island production facility
- Flexible ordering with direct producer relationship
- Fast turnaround times
Benefits For Your Customers: - Rapid onset nanoemulsion technology
- Full-spectrum live rosin experience
- Strain-specific options for connoisseurs
- Ready-to-drink convenience
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Customizable dosing with Nano Drops
Why Direct Delivery Makes Sense
The Direct Delivery program allows small craft producers like SMYLE BRANDS™ to bring unique products directly to retailers who value innovation and quality. Instead of competing with mass-market options, you can offer your customers something truly distinctive that showcases BC's craft cannabis excellence. |
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Did You Know: List of Producers Able to Ship Direct to Licensees |
Along with our partners at BC LDB Cannabis, we want to ensure cannabis retailers know about the list of eligible cannabis SKUs for direct delivery on the BC Cannabis Wholesale website. The list is used to assist retailers in verifying the products being offered by direct delivery producers that are registered for the program. The direct delivery vendors will have a smaller subset of products in stock at any point in time. The LDB also posts a contact list for the direct delivery producers who have provided that information.
Find the two resources on the wholesale website under Resources, Direct Delivery, and Direct Delivery Product Catalogue or Direct Delivery Contact List. |
It's Official! LCRB Opens Engagement on Market Controls |
Bo Chen (ABLE BC) & Feven Berhane (KushKlub Co-Founder and ABLE BC's Cannabis Committee Chair) with LCRB during ABLE BC's 2025 Liquor & Cannabis Conference in Vancouver |
ABLE BC is proud to share a significant advocacy milestone for BC’s private cannabis retailers: the LCRB officially released its industry engagement paper on the following key market controls: - Cannabis Sales at Events;
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Provincial Distance Criteria between Retail Stores;
- Retail Branded Cannabis Products;
- And Licence Cap Engagement.
This progress is the result of ongoing, dedicated advocacy by ABLE BC and the strong support of our Cannabis Membership. These topics have long been top priorities for private retailers seeking financial viability, regulatory clarity, and a fairer playing field.
“We commend the LCRB’s continued collaboration with ABLE BC and welcome this long-awaited step toward meaningful change,” said Bo Chen. “We look forward to working closely with our members and government partners to ensure the final outcomes reflect the needs of BC’s private cannabis sector.” For private cannabis retail licensees, ICYMI - the engagement paper from the LCRB should be in your business email inbox.
As ABLE BC prepares feedback on this engagement through our recent work with our Cannabis Membership (over 100 private stores in BC), we're also encouraging industry stakeholders such as other private retailers and producers to reach out to us for clarity on these topics as well as adding more perspectives to the advocacy discussions. For questions or more information, please contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC Continues Engagement with New Ministers |
In July, Premier David Eby announced a cabinet shuffle to prioritize jobs, the economy, and the needs of British Columbians. As part of this cabinet shuffle, there are two new Ministers responsible for liquor & cannabis: Lana Popham , Minister of Agriculture, and Nina Krieger , Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
More specifically what this means for our industry, policy and licensing matters are now under the jurisdiction of Minister Popham. Enforcement and compliance matters are now under the jurisdiction of Minister Krieger. Following the announcement, ABLE BC’s Bo Chen met with Minister Popham in late July during a Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP) introduction call. After the conversation, Bo commented:
"Our association has a proven history of government relations. Over the past decades, we have worked together to build thriving and responsible industries in BC that serve the interests of consumers, small businesses, and regulators. We look forward to our continued work with our government partners and also extend to the Ministers a warm welcome from our sectors.”
ABLE BC is meeting with Minister Popham again this month to share ongoing industry priorities & ensure that current engagements underway will continue on. Additionally, the ABLE BC team has also reached out to Minister Krieger as well. We’ll keep members updated on the outcomes of this meeting and any relevant developments. |
Call for FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteers |
Being a part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer team represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help bring to life a tournament uniting three countries, 16 Host Cities and billions of hearts around the world.
Play your part in the beautiful game and volunteer. Volunteer Team Tryouts start in October, apply as soon as possible. About Volunteering
Volunteer roles will include support at BC Place Vancouver, along key stadium routes or in the heart of the action at the FIFA Fan Festival. As a local ambassador you will help fans feel at home, share Vancouver’s rich diversity and culture, and create unforgettable experiences.
Find out more about FIFA volunteering including key details and dates. |
Located at 19038 Old Dewdney Trunk Rd., WEEDS Pitt Meadows is the province’s newest farmgate store, blending a welcoming retail experience with a community lounge, events, and a commitment to high-quality craft cannabis. A 420-Friendly Community Hub
WEEDS Pitt Meadows isn’t just a place to shop - it’s a place to connect. The store features The Spot, a stigma-free cannabis-friendly lounge and community space where visitors can relax, share a sesh, and enjoy a calendar of events celebrating cannabis culture.
Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Pitt Meadows - known for its rich agricultural roots and thriving arts community - the store is ideally positioned on a major commute route, making it an easy stop for locals and a worthwhile trip for visitors from the Greater Vancouver area. From Seed to Store
Coming soon, visitors will be able to enjoy WEEDS’ own small-batch craft cannabis, grown onsite in an indoor, aeroponic LED environment designed to maximize cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
As a multi-generational farming family, the team takes pride in producing exceptional flower, applying the same dedication to cannabis that has been passed down through years of agricultural experience. Facility tours will be available for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at the process. |
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A Legacy of Advocacy and Quality
Founded in 2013 by longtime cannabis grower and advocate Don Briere, WEEDS has been at the forefront of cannabis retail, evolving from the early days of the grey market to become one of Canada’s most recognized cannabis brands. Alongside his wife, Carol Gwilt, Don helped grow WEEDS to over 40 dispensaries across six provinces before legalization, building a reputation for quality products, community connection, and a welcoming customer experience.
WEEDS’ philosophy -Tried, Tested, True - continues to guide every aspect of the business. Products are carefully curated and inspected for purity, potency, and terpene content, with a focus on delivering only the best to customers. Staff are treated like family, with above-standard wages, benefits for full-time employees, and a supportive environment that encourages growth and expertise. Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re stopping by to shop, unwind in The Spot, or learn more about cannabis cultivation on a facility tour, WEEDS Pitt Meadows offers a unique cannabis experience rooted in culture, community, and craft. |
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ABLE BC in the News -
Mission City Record: BC cannabis industry 'cautiously optimistic' about ministry change. Bo Chen spoke to Mission City Record about current industry engagements, allowing licensed cannabis sales at public events, the importance of market controls, and working with the new provincial Ministers.
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Vancouver Sun: Bars and restaurants can stay open later in Vancouver. But will they? Vancouver City Council recently passed a motion allowing bars and restaurants to apply to extend their service hours - and this change could help businesses' bottom line. ABLE BC's Bo spoke with the Vancouver Sun about the change.
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: -
Growing Relationships: Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, September 19
- Growing Relationship + Tether, Kelowna, October 5 & 6
BC Restaurants Hall of Fame, Vancouver, October 20
TOTA Summit, Kelowna, October 22-23 - Grow Up Conference & Expo, Vancouver, January 20-21, 2026
2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference, Kelowna, March 4-6, 2026
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Help Our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
Do you own a cannabis retail store? Sign up now for an ABLE BC Cannabis Membership to support the work we do on your behalf.
As ABLE BC works to support BC’s cannabis retailers, we meet regularly with various officials at the LDB, LCRB, and with elected officials in the federal, provincial, and municipal government. With your support, we are making meaningful headway amending regulations and policies that support industry growth.
ABLE BC Cannabis Members have access to several benefit programs that offer exclusive discounts and are designed to help your business thrive. In addition to our benefit programs, we offer expert advice , regular webinars, and many networking opportunities.
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