Message from Minister Popham, ABLE BC Industry Reception, Membership Renewal Season, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
|
|
Cannabis Industry Update: August 13, 2026 |
|
|
Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis retail industry: What you'll find in every newsletter: - Message to ABLE BC Cannabis Members: Minister Lana Popham
- Save the Date: ABLE BC Industry Reception on September 21
- Membership Renewal Season is Here!
BC Wildfire Resources - Reminder: Stay Inspection Ready
- Recent Enforcements on Illicit Cannabis in BC
- Oak Bay Opens Door to Legal Cannabis Retail
- Gitanmaax & BC: Cannabis Agreement to Support Legal Market
Thrive Advisor’s New Liquor and Cannabis Resources - Upcoming EPR Requirements in BC for E-Cigarettes and Vapes
WorkSafeBC 2027 Insurance Rates | What You Need to Know Member Spotlight: Earth's Own Naturals go2HR: July 2026 Labour Insights Out and About with ABLE BC - Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
|
|
| |
|
Message from Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture & Food |
ABLE BC Cannabis Members, I hope you’ve been enjoying a wonderful summer.
As the Minister responsible for BC’s cannabis sector, it is a privilege to champion the important work of this industry and help ensure it is recognized and supported alongside other long-established sectors in our province.
Since taking on this responsibility last summer, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with cannabis businesses and stakeholders from across British Columbia.
I’ve heard firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, listened to ideas for supporting small businesses, and met many of the talented and passionate people driving this industry forward.
It’s clear there is still important work ahead to strengthen the foundations of BC’s legal cannabis industry.
At the same time, I continue to be impressed by the resilience, entrepreneurship, and determination demonstrated by businesses throughout the sector.
BC’s cannabis industry is contributing to a diverse economy and supporting communities across our province, and those contributions deserve recognition.
Earlier this year, I was proud to welcome responsibility for BC’s cannabis sector into my Ministry. I have confidence in the industry’s economic potential and believe this change creates new opportunities to support its continued growth and success.
I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from BC’s cannabis community, and I’m committed to continuing our work together to strengthen this vibrant and evolving sector.
I look forward to connecting with you at the upcoming ABLE BC September Industry Reception. Sincerely,
Hon. Lana Popham
Minister of Agriculture and Food |
Save the Date: ABLE BC Industry Reception on September 21 |
Join ABLE BC on Monday, September 21, at 6 pm at Donnellan’s Irish Pub in Vancouver for an evening of networking and industry connection.
Meet ABLE BC’s Board of Directors, connect with fellow industry professionals, and hear updates on ABLE BC’s recent advocacy work.
We’re also pleased to welcome Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham, along with senior officials from both the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and as well as the Liquor & Cannabis Regulations Branch.
Registration is Opening Soon, Capacity is Limited — save the date and stay tuned for more details! |
Membership Renewal Season is Here! |
ABLE BC Community Ambassador, Nicole McLaughlin |
ABLE BC Cannabis Retail memberships are due for renewal by August 31, 2026.
Your membership is more than an annual renewal—it directly supports the advocacy work that ensures BC's private cannabis retail sector has a strong, united voice with government.
Membership dues enable ABLE BC to advocate on behalf of retailers, build relationships with decision-makers, monitor emerging issues, and ensure cannabis is represented alongside other well-established industries across British Columbia.
As a member, you're helping strengthen our industry's voice and supporting the ongoing work that protects and advances the interests of private cannabis retailers.
Your membership also provides access to valuable programs, resources, and benefits designed to support your business. Renewing your membership ensures you continue to receive access to member-exclusive benefits, including exclusive commercial insurance and employee benefits through our partnership with Western Financial Group. Without an active ABLE BC membership, access to these benefits and services may be lost.
Renewing is easy. Simply log in to the Member Portal and follow the renewal instructions on your dashboard. Questions or need assistance?
Contact Nicole McLaughlin at membership@ablebc.ca for help accessing your account or completing your renewal.
|
Minister Lana Popham's Agricultural Fire Update - Aug 11th, 2026 |
ABLE BC's thoughts are with everyone impacted by the ongoing wildfires across British Columbia. While we don’t know how many members of the ABLE BC cannabis community are directly affected, we want to make sure those who are have access to timely and reliable information.
Our friends at the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) have shared a number of helpful resources for businesses, employees and communities navigating the current wildfire situation.
Key resources include:
Conditions can change quickly. Please continue to follow information and directions from your local government or First Nation, EmergencyInfoBC and the BC Wildfire Service.
Thank you to TIABC for compiling and sharing these resources with BC’s business community. |
Reminder: Stay Inspection Ready |
With the final stretch of summer underway and students still enjoying their break, ABLE BC is sharing one last reminder for licensees to stay inspection ready and finish the season strong when it comes to compliance.
As businesses continue to welcome guests throughout the summer, it’s important to remain diligent with ID checks, staff training, and due diligence procedures to help ensure a safe and successful season.
The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is one of the LCRB’s key compliance tools used to monitor responsible cannabis and liquor sales. Under the program, minors employed and supervised by the LCRB attempt to purchase cannabis or liquor from licensed establishments. As a reminder, LCRB inspectors will contact licensees directly if a sale is made to a minor agent. Since May 2025, licensees who successfully refuse service during a MAP inspection will also receive an automatic email notification from the LCRB within 14 days confirming they passed the compliance check. Checking identification remains one of the most important steps retailers can take to prevent contraventions and protect their business from enforcement action or penalties. Licensees are encouraged to ensure staff understand: - When and how to properly check ID
- Acceptable forms of identification
- House policies for age verification
- Procedures for refusing service when necessary
- Documentation and due diligence practices
Some retailers choose to check ID for every customer, while others require ID from anyone who appears under a certain age threshold, such as 30 years old. Whatever your policy may be, consistency and staff training are critical.
Helpful resources for retailers can be found on the LCRB website, including Check ID Decal 2026 and Identification Sign for Entrance into a Licensed Establishment.
ABLE BC Members can access complimentary compliance resources through the ABLE BC Member Portal, including sample due diligence policies, signage, and educational materials related to MAP inspections and responsible service practices.
For additional support with policies, procedures, or legal guidance, members are encouraged to connect with the ABLE BC team and expert network.
If you have questions about the Minors as Agents Program, please contact the LCRB directly at LCRB.CandE.Admin@gov.bc.ca. |
|
|
Recent Enforcements Against Illicit Cannabis in BC |
BC’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) has seized nearly $8 million worth of cannabis as part of enforcement actions targeting unlicensed cannabis operations across the province.
Since May 2026, CSU investigators have taken enforcement action at four warehouses in Richmond, Vancouver and Vernon, seizing cannabis plants, dried cannabis and edibles. The actions were supported by local RCMP detachments and the Vancouver Police Department.
The enforcement comes amid other recent action targeting BC’s illicit cannabis market. On July 30, the CSU imposed a $489,627 administrative monetary penalty following a hearing related to unlicensed cannabis sales at a Salt Spring Island store. The penalty was calculated at twice the determined retail value of the cannabis sold in contravention of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.
Meanwhile, an ongoing civil forfeiture case has shed light on the scale and complexity of alleged illicit online cannabis sales. A multi-year RCMP investigation traced an alleged network of online cannabis and psilocybin sales and associated financial transactions. As part of that investigation, the CSU seized more than 200 kilograms of dried cannabis from a Burnaby warehouse in July 2025. The Province filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit in March 2026 seeking funds allegedly connected to the operation; the allegations have not been proven against all defendants, and the case is not a criminal prosecution.
Since 2018, the CSU reports seizing more than $43 million worth of cannabis and disrupting more than 1,000 unregulated online cannabis stores. Addressing the illicit market remains an important priority for BC’s licensed cannabis sector, whose businesses operate within the Province’s regulatory, taxation and compliance framework. Recent enforcement activity is an encouraging signal of continued efforts to disrupt illegal operators and support a safe and well-regulated legal cannabis market. Learn more: |
|
|
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. |
|
|
ABLE BC Member Portal
The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
|
|
|
Oak Bay Opens Door to Legal Cannabis Retail |
Oak Bay council has approved a rezoning application that could bring the municipality its first legal cannabis retail store since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018. The site-specific amendment permits cannabis retail at 2579 Cadboro Bay Road, where CannaPlus is proposing to operate. Cannabis retail has otherwise been prohibited throughout Oak Bay. The store must still complete the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch process and obtain the required local approvals before opening.
The decision is another encouraging sign of progress as BC communities that have historically prohibited legal cannabis retail begin opening their doors to licensed operators. In recent years, Surrey, Burnaby and North Saanich have also taken steps to permit legal cannabis retail. ABLE BC continues to support greater access to the regulated market across the province, helping create a more level playing field for licensed businesses and giving consumers greater access to legal, regulated cannabis.
Read more: |
|
|
|
Gitanmaax and BC Reach Cannabis Agreement to Support Legal Market Participation |
The Province of BC and the Gitanmaax Band are finalizing a government-to-government cannabis agreement under Section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, supporting Gitanmaax’s continued participation in BC's regulated cannabis sector.
Gitanmaax already operates a provincially licensed cannabis retail store in its community. The new agreement will provide greater flexibility to pursue cannabis production and retail opportunities while supporting shared priorities around public health and safety, youth protection, economic development and deterring illicit cannabis activity. This marks the eighth Section 119 cannabis agreement in BC and is a positive signal for the legal industry as more First Nations communities work with the Province to establish and expand regulated cannabis businesses. Read the full Government of BC news release. |
Thrive Advisor's New Liquor & Cannabis Resources |
Navigating liquor and cannabis licensing can be complex - but having access to reliable, practical information can make the process easier.
ABLE BC Partner and Expert, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors, has recently expanded its website with a new Liquor & Cannabis Licensee Resources section, bringing together helpful guides, reference materials, and practical tools for licensees, business owners, and those looking to better understand BC’s liquor and cannabis licensing landscape.
The resource library is designed to support businesses at every stage - from those planning their first liquor or cannabis operation, to established licensees looking to better understand regulatory requirements, industry terminology, and licensing processes. |
Thrive Advisors President Rebecca Hardin |
Upcoming EPR Requirements in BC for E-Cigarettes and Vapes |
The BC government has expanded its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, adding several new product categories to the provincial Recycling Regulation, including vapes, electronic cigarettes and other battery-containing products. Under EPR, producers are responsible for managing the collection and recycling of regulated products at the end of their life. The expanded requirements apply to products sold across residential and non-residential sectors, including products sold online, by phone or by mail. Implementation will take place in stages beginning in 2027. For the new battery-containing product category, producers are required to submit an EPR plan by December 15, 2026, with programs required to be operational by October 1, 2027. Cannabis businesses that manufacture, distribute or sell products that may fall within the expanded categories are encouraged to review the new requirements and determine whether they have obligations under the regulation.
Learn more about BC’s EPR changes and review the explanatory notes. |
Valued Partners of ABLE BC - Cannabis |
Our valued partners play a vital role in advancing our industry, and we’re proud to highlight their continued support. |
WorkSafeBC Release 2027 Insurance Rates | What You Need to Know |
WorkSafeBC has released its preliminary industry rates for 2027, presenting a mixed outlook for British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
While some industry categories are expected to see modest rate decreases compared with 2026, others are facing more substantial increases, resulting in varying cost implications for businesses across the sector.
For more information: |
Member Spotlight: Earth's Own Naturals |
With locations in Kimberley and Fernie, Earth's Own Naturals is a locally rooted cannabis retailer built around a simple philosophy: creating a welcoming space where customers feel known, supported, and at home.
While Earth's Own Naturals is a recreational retailer, its approach goes well beyond selling cannabis products. The team focuses on building genuine relationships with customers, providing trusted recommendations and education, and helping people find high-quality products suited to their individual preferences. |
At the heart of the Earth's Own Naturals experience are three core values: dependability, integrity, and generosity. That means providing consistent service, creating an environment grounded in transparency, and taking the time to listen to and understand each customer.
That personal approach extends to the communities Earth's Own Naturals serves. The team is deeply grateful for its customers and strives to create stores where everyone feels welcome and appreciated, whether they're stopping in for a quick visit or looking for guidance from knowledgeable staff.
For Earth's Own Naturals, cannabis retail is ultimately about connection, education, and enhancing quality of life — one customer interaction at a time.
ABLE BC is proud to have Earth's Own Naturals as part of our cannabis membership community! |
|
|
go2HR: July 2026 Labour Insights |
As British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry reached the height of the summer season, employers continued to add workers across the province. In July, employment, labour force participation, full-time employment, and hours worked all increased, while the unemployment rate fell for a second consecutive month, reflecting strong demand for workers during one of the busiest times of the year.
Employment in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry increased 3.4% to 361,250 workers in July, up from 349,500 in June. The labour force grew 3.1% to 378,250, while the unemployment rate fell from 4.8% to 4.4%. Full-time employment rose to 68% of the workforce, and weekly hours worked surpassed 10 million hours for the first time this year.
For a detailed monthly update and regional breakdown, visit go2HR's Employment Tracker. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: |
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.
|
|
|
|
