Holiday Hours, ABLE BC Executive Director, BC's Look West, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: December 11, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: -
Holiday Hours and Warm Wishes from ABLE BC
- ABLE BC Appoints Executive Director
- BC's Look West Strategy with Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport Hon. Anne Kang
Vancouver: Temporary Bylaw Changes for 2026 FIFA World Cup - Thank You For Joining Us at ABLE BC's Fraser Valley Industry Mixer
- Reminder: Checking IDs and Minors as Agents Program
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ABLE BC at Grow Up Industry Conference & Expo
- Member Spotlight: Clarity Cannabis
go2HR: Keep Your Team Grounded Through Winter's Highs and Lows Out and About with ABLE BC - Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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Holiday Hours & Warm Wishes from ABLE BC |
Happy holidays from ABLE BC! As we prepare to bid farewell to 2025 and hello to 2026, our team, committees, and Board of Directors wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday season. ABLE BC’s offices will be closed from December 22 to January 4 as the team takes time to celebrate the holidays and New Year with our families. The next Cannabis Industry Update will land in your inbox on January 14, 2026. Should something urgent arise, you can always contact Bo Chen directly at bo@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC Appoints Executive Director |
ABLE BC is excited to announce the appointment of Bo Chen as Executive Director.
Bo previously served as Head of Cannabis Membership at ABLE BC and stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director during the recent BCGEU job action, providing steady leadership and continued advocacy progress through a period of transition.
Following this successful interim tenure, ABLE BC's Board of Directors is pleased to confirm Bo in the permanent role, recognizing his deep sector knowledge, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to advancing ABLE BC’s mission on behalf of our members.
As Executive Director, Bo will continue to lead ABLE BC’s strategic direction, advocacy priorities, and member services across all sectors, while building strong relationships with government, industry partners, and stakeholders throughout British Columbia.
Members are invited to visit the ABLE BC website to read Bo’s full professional biography and learn more about his background and experience. |
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| Message from Bo: This responsibility is a tremendous honour and a privilege for me to champion the spirit of entrepreneurship of small businesses in BC, especially as ABLE BC celebrates its 50th year.
I have deep gratitude for our Board of Directors, our Cannabis Committee, my industry mentors, allies, the team, and most importantly ABLE BC's members. Without everyone's support and united efforts dedicated to progressing BC's private cannabis industry, ABLE BC would not be where it is today.
We still have lots of challenges to overcome ahead of us to bring stability and growth to our industry. For those who know me well and work closely with me, I'm sure this will be a familiar quote: "Optimism is a moral duty" Thank you for your continued support in our advocacy work. And on behalf of ABLE BC, we look forward to our continued efforts working alongside with our government partners and stakeholders to bring prosperity to BC's cannabis sector. |
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Bo in Victoria with ABLE BC Board, Cannabis Committee, and Industry Advocacy Allies |
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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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BC's Look West Strategy with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Anne Kang |
ABLE BC joined tourism stakeholders such as the Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, and many other industry allies in meeting with Minister Anne Kang (Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sports).
The engagement focused on BC's Look West Strategy as it relates to the tourism sector. During the roundtable discussion, Bo advocated on: ABLE BC's Bo comments:
"Tourism in BC is a diverse industry giant that plays a key part in our province's economic growth and vibrancy. I would be remiss if I did not voice representation for our cannabis sector and the massive potential our industry can both contribute to BC and compliment our tourism partners." |
Vancouver: Temporary Bylaw Changes for 2026 FIFA World Cup |
On November 26, 2025, Vancouver City Council officially approved a temporary by-law to support Vancouver’s role as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The by-law introduces time-limited changes to several existing regulations to support public safety, event operations, and FIFA requirements during the tournament period.
The approved changes will be in effect from May 13 to July 20, 2026 and will have important implications for businesses operating near venues and high-traffic areas across the city. What’s Changing: Temporary Adjustments Approved by Council The FIFA World Cup 2026 By-law allows for: - Installation of temporary event structures
- Faster removal of graffiti and unauthorized commercial signage on private property
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Extended noise allowances for event operations and international broadcast schedules
- Temporary restrictions on street vending, street entertainment, and advertising
- Adjustments to truck routes in high-traffic areas
These changes will apply primarily in areas near: - BC Place Vancouver
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Hastings Park/PNE Fairgrounds (location of Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival™)
Noise & Operations: What Businesses Should Expect
To support international broadcasting and 24-hour event operations: - Repair, maintenance, deliveries, and broadcast production will be permitted 24 hours a day
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Music, public address systems, and entertainment will be allowed from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
- Noise extensions and operational changes will be communicated in advance to impacted residents and businesses
ABLE BC encourages members to: - Begin early operational planning for summer 2026
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Review delivery logistics and truck access (see road closures)
- Plan for extended hours, staffing, and inventory needs
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Ensure signage and advertising are fully compliant
- Monitor communications regarding restricted zones and enforcement areas
The City is also encouraging businesses to review the Community Activation Playbook, which outlines options for public viewing, permitting, event activations, and FIFA-related programming. |
Thank You For Joining Us at ABLE BC's Fraser Valley Industry Mixer |
A big thank you to everyone who joined our sold-out ABLE BC Fraser Valley Industry Mixer in November! It was amazing to see members, partners, suppliers, and sponsors from across the liquor and cannabis industries all in one room. Your energy made the evening a huge success. Special shoutouts: -
ABLE BC Director, Owen Coomer and The Barn Country Bar for being outstanding hosts and providing excellent service throughout the evening
- Pierre C. Bourbonnais (SuperHR Canada) & Noemi Victorino (Harvest for Hope) for doing a fantastic job managing the registration desk and welcoming our guests
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Scott Adolph (Sculptures of Light Photography) for capturing the night
- Container World, thank you for being our amazing presenting sponsor and helping make the event possible
We’re currently finalizing our 2026 event plan, and we’re excited to bring you more in-person opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together throughout ABLE BC’s 50th Anniversary year. |
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Reminder: Checking IDs and Minors as Agents Program |
As holiday break ramps up and kids are out of school, ABLE BC is taking a moment to remind all Cannabis Retail Licensees to remain diligent with ID checks and ensure staff are properly trained to prevent underage sales.
The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is the LCRB’s tool for monitoring licensees’ compliance with the prohibition against selling cannabis and liquor to minors. Under MAP, minors employed by the LCRB and supervised by inspectors will enter licensed establishments to purchase cannabis or liquor.
MAP inspections in private and government cannabis retail stores began in March 2023. And as of May 2025, LCRB Inspectors will now automatically email licensees within 14 days after a Minors as Agents Program (MAP) compliance check at their establishment to inform them that they passed. Helpful Resources: -
Learn more about preventing contraventions here.
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Purchase due diligence signage, including 2 pieces of ID required signs, in our online store.
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Login to our Member Portal to access complimentary resources, including ID signage, sample due diligence policies and templates, and webinars on topics like MAP and other inspections.
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If you need additional support with your policies and procedures or legal advice, we encourage you to reach out to our ABLE BC Experts.
If you have any questions about the Minors as Agents program, please direct them to: LCRB.CandE.Admin@gov.bc.ca. |
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. |
ABLE BC at Grow Up Industry Conference & Expo |
ABLE BC's Bo Chen will be joining the speaker lineup at the Grow Up Industry Conference & Expo, taking place January 19–21, 2026, in Vancouver. Bo will participate in the Executive Summit powered by StratCann, speaking on an advocacy panel alongside other cannabis industry leaders and changemakers. The panel will focus on advancing collaboration, policy reform, and sustainable growth across Canada’s cannabis sector. Grow Up is one of the country’s leading cannabis conferences, bringing together over 100 world-class speakers for panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities covering cultivation, retail, extraction, and emerging trends. Learn more and register for the event at growupconference.com. |
Member Spotlight: Clarity Cannabis |
Clarity Cannabis was founded by Michael Forbes with a simple but powerful goal: to simplify cannabis through education, transparency, and responsible access. In a space often filled with misinformation, Clarity focuses on dispelling myths, providing unbiased education, and empowering customers to make informed choices.
Clarity Cannabis offers safe, informed access to adult-use cannabis while supporting the communities they serve through education and harm-reduction initiatives. Their product selection includes flower, pre-rolls, edibles, beverages, capsules, vapes, tinctures & oils, concentrates, and accessories, available both in-store and online. "People have been consuming cannabis for years, but for just as many this is brand new. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and included in the conversation, that Clarity Cannabis™ can enrich the communities we serve." – Michael Forbes, Founder |
With locations in Kamloops, Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Victoria (Johnson St. & Gorge Rd.), Langford, and Prince Rupert, Clarity Cannabis is committed to making everyone - whether brand new or experienced - feel welcome and included in the cannabis conversation. |
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go2HR: Keeping Your Team Grounded Through Winter Highs & Lows |
Winter brings shifting rhythms for BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry. Restaurants and pubs often face demanding holiday rushes, while tasting rooms enter slower months. Both extremes can strain teams: high job demands risk burnout, while low activity can lead to disengagement and isolation.
Employers play a crucial role in managing job demands to maintain balance. Recognizing early signs of fatigue or disconnection, creating realistic schedules, and encouraging open communication all help sustain well-being. Even simple actions, such as acknowledging effort, organizing team check-ins, or promoting downtime, can make a meaningful difference.
As the year winds down, Psychological Health & Safety (PH&S) becomes essential to keeping teams motivated and resilient. Supporting connection, clarity, and compassion is especially important during a season that isn’t easy for everyone. Many workers may be away from family, coping with difficult memories, or managing grief and loss. Taking time to recognize these realities helps ensure staff finish the season strong and ready for what’s ahead.
To help you build a healthier, more connected workplace year-round, go2HR’s offers free, one-on-one PH&S advisory sessions. Book yours today and keep your team thriving through the winter season!
Book Your FREE 1:1 Session Today |
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.
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