A Message from Cannabis Committee Chair, LCRB and LDB Updates, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: February 11, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: A Message from Cannabis Committee Chair Feven Berhane - ABLE BC Cannabis Committee Update
- Grow Up Conference: BC Cannabis Wholesale Update Highlights
- Grow Up Conference: LCRB Update Highlights
- Upcoming ABLE BC Cannabis Industry Townhall and Survey
- BC Food & Beverage Producers: Buy BC Partnership Program
- Cannabis Industry and Temporary Foreign Workers
Exclusive Insurance Benefits for ABLE BC Cannabis Members - The 2026 WORTH Leadership Summit Returns April 1
- Member Spotlight: Quantum 1 Cannabis
go2HR: Introducing go2HR for Hire Out and About with ABLE BC -
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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A Message from Cannabis Committee Chair Feven Berhane |
Feven Berhane speaking at Grow Up (Photo Courtesy of Grow Up - Vancouver & By Dominic Chan)
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Over the past six months, our industry has been on a bit of a roller coaster. Since the summer, BC’s cannabis ecosystem has navigated supply chain disruptions, uncertainty, and the ripple effects of the BCGEU job action. We adapted, we problem-solved, and we kept our doors open in a time when many worried that wouldn’t be possible. What gives me real hope is what emerged from that challenge.
During this period, I’ve seen stronger alignment and deeper relationships form between independent retailers and BC producers. There’s been more communication, collaboration, and understanding on both sides. A resilient industry isn’t built in isolation - it’s built together.
ABLE BC has played a critical role behind the scenes during these moments. One example many industry peers may not be aware of came during the height of the BCGEU strike. When supply chain pressures threatened store operations, ABLE BC worked directly with government to minimize disruption for private stores and producers, ensuring that avenues for wholesale orders continued and that new product opportunities on direct delivery were not halted). Had that not happened, many stores would have been forced to close their doors. This is the kind of advocacy that doesn’t always make headlines, but it’s exactly why a strong industry voice matters.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the progress we can continue to make. Through ABLE BC, we’ve strengthened our relationships with government, including the LCRB and LDB, and with the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Lana Popham. These connections put us in a strong position to push for meaningful changes - whether that’s reducing red tape, modernizing policies, addressing issues like store proximity rules, enabling cannabis sales at permitted events, or improving payment processes within the wholesale system.
There’s also something powerful happening at the grassroots level. Independent retailers are coming together, forming collectives, and finding new ways to strengthen their buying power and long-term sustainability. As we look toward 2026, independents in BC are becoming more connected, strategic, and resilient - working not just with each other, but alongside BC producers to build a stronger local ecosystem. That’s a message government cares deeply about, and it’s one we should continue to amplify: BC is stronger when we work together.
I encourage members to stay connected, reach out to ABLE BC, and be part of the conversation. Whether it’s sharing challenges, asking questions, or offering ideas, your voice matters - and it helps shape the advocacy work we do on your behalf. Thank you for supporting ABLE BC and for continuing to show up for this industry. The work isn’t done, but I truly believe the path forward is a hopeful one. Feven Berhane Cannabis Committee Chair, ABLE BC Co-Founder, KushKlub Canada |
Feven Berhane with Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture & Food |
ABLE BC Cannabis Committee Update |
ABLE BC’s cannabis retail advocacy work is supported by our members (now representing over 100 private stores in BC).
Our policy priorities and advocacy strategy are also guided by ABLE BC's Cannabis Committee, working alongside our staff and Directors. All committee members are experienced and dedicated industry professionals, representing a range of business sizes and regions across British Columbia.
The Cannabis Committee is chaired by Feven Berhane, Co-Founder of KushKlub Canada. The committee helps steer policy priorities to ensure ABLE BC’s advocacy work meaningfully benefits BC’s private cannabis industry. Thank you to our Cannabis Committee members, who continue to play an important role in shaping the future of the industry: |
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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.
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| 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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Grow Up Conference: BC Cannabis Wholesale Update Highlights |
At the Grow Up Conference in Vancouver in January, BC LDB Cannabis Wholesale shared an update on the provincial cannabis market, offering insight into wholesale sales performance, category share, and emerging product trends. ABLE BC attended the session and is sharing key takeaways below.
BC Market Sales Outlook Wholesale sales in 2025 have surpassed $500 million, with 2026 projections trending toward $600 million. Bo Chen comments,
"As we look at recent years performance back to 2024, we can observe that sales have stabilized at the wholesale level so far with marginal year over year growth. With smart and modern cannabis policies being advocated for (i.e., sales at events and loyalty programs to name a few), there is significant potential for BC's market to be unlocked even further to provide growth in revenue as well as employment in our province ."
Category Sales & Inhalable Extracts
Inhalable extracts continue to lead category share, representing 37.5% of the wholesale market, followed by Flower (28.6%) and Pre-rolls (23.3%). Within the inhalable extracts category, the top segments are: Infused Pre-Rolls (39%), Cartridge Vapes (38%), and Disposables (15%).
These figures reflect continued consumer demand for convenient and ready-to-use product formats. |
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Trends & Innovations BC Cannabis Wholesale also highlighted several notable trends: - Continued growth in ready-to-consume products, including disposables and pre-rolls.
- Disposable vape pens showing strong momentum, with a 105% year-over-year increase.
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Chew multipacks gaining category share, as weekly wholesale data shows a decline in single, non-multipack chews alongside increased multipack sales.
Together, these insights point to evolving consumer preferences and the importance of innovation within product formats.
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Images Credit: BC Cannabis Wholesale and Grow Up |
Grow Up Conference: LCRB Update Highlights |
At the same conference, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) also shared insights into BC’s evolving cannabis retail landscape, legal market capture, regulatory clarity, and future-looking initiatives. ABLE BC was also in attendance during the session and noted the following key highlights.
BC’s Regional Retail Landscape & Legal Market Capture
LCRB highlighted how increased access to licensed retail stores is influencing consumer behaviour across the province. As more legal access points open, consumers are increasingly opting for regulated channels - helping to explain the continued growth in legal market capture. A regional breakdown of stores per capita (see below) shows meaningful variation across BC: the Lower Mainland stands out as a highly competitive market, with approximately 0.5 stores per 10,000 people. Complementing this data, LCRB shared estimates of volume-based legal market capture for cannabis grown in BC, which has increased from 49% in 2022 to 61% in 2024. |
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Bo comments,
“It’s encouraging to see local governments opening up their communities to licensed cannabis stores, providing safe products and contributing to the growth of legal market share against illicit supply. At the same time, the long-term financial sustainability of legal operators is essential to truly diminishing the illicit market in our province. While the increase in licensed stores is a positive signal, BC’s cannabis retail landscape will also require responsible policies that build stability for private stores and modernize retail capabilities—aligning with best practices seen across other industries.”
Inducements: Regulatory Clarity
As part of government’s efforts to support a diverse and healthy cannabis ecosystem, LCRB also provided clarity on the rules around inducements within the cannabis sector.
For detailed guidance on the applicable subsections, members are encouraged to review:
ABLE BC encourages all cannabis producers and retailers to familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance and reduce risk as the market continues to mature. |
Looking Ahead
LCRB also outlined several initiatives aimed at supporting the future growth of BC’s cannabis industry, including: - Buy BC, with more details available in the Buy BC section of this newsletter
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Funding programs designed to help BC cannabis businesses expand into new markets
- The development of a BC Craft Cannabis Brand
Reflecting on these initiatives, Bo comments:
“These are welcome starting initiatives from our government partners that can help open doors and strengthen BC’s cannabis industry. As our sector continues to establish itself as a meaningful economic asset for the province, it’s important to focus on incremental gains that, over time, will help propel the industry forward.” |
Images Credit: Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch and Grow Up |
Upcoming ABLE BC Cannabis Industry Townhall and Survey |
ABLE BC will be hosting an upcoming virtual Cannabis Townhall for ABLE BC Cannabis Retail Members in good standing. Members are encouraged to keep an eye out for a separate email invitation with full event details and registration information. The Townhall will provide an opportunity to hear directly from ABLE BC on: - Advocacy updates
- Current industry trends
A member survey will be shared following the Townhall to gather feedback and help inform ABLE BC’s ongoing advocacy efforts.
For questions or inquiries about joining, please contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca. |
BC Food & Beverage Producers: Increase Your Visibility with Buy BC Partnership Program |
Intake for Buy BC Partnership Program cost-shared funding is now open!
Applications Dates: January 26 – February 20, 2026 (deadline: 4pm PST)
BC food and beverage producers could receive funding to support local marketing activities delivered April to November 2026, increasing consumer awareness and sales of your products within BC! Examples include: - Paid advertising
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Labelling and packaging
- Marketing collateral
- Market development trade shows and sales events
- In-store product demonstrations and promotions
Find out if you’re eligible and apply at buybcpartnershipprogram.ca.
This program is administered by MNP LLP on behalf of B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food. |
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. |
Cannabis Industry and Temporary Foreign Workers
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A recent StratCann article explores the growing use of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Canada’s cannabis sector - a topic that has sparked debate around labour shortages, skill requirements, and the long-term sustainability of legal operations. Key takeaways: -
Cannabis does not fit neatly into traditional seasonal agriculture models, with smaller and mid-sized farms often requiring skilled labour for tasks like trimming, propagation, and post-harvest work.
- Legal market cultivators rely on TFWs to meet production schedules, maintain quality, and fill gaps in rural labour markets, though training and retention remain challenges.
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Cannabis retailers, including High Tide Inc., report limited and responsible use of TFWs, emphasizing local hiring as a priority.
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program’s framework predates legal cannabis, leaving the industry navigating rules that were not designed for continuous, high-skill production.
- Critics have raised concerns about potential wage suppression, but many operators stress the importance of investing in skilled labour and upskilling staff.
The article highlights the unique labour realities of cannabis and how policy has yet to fully catch up with an industry that sits between agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.
Read the full article on StratCann to explore the full discussion and perspectives from growers, retailers, and labour experts. |
Exclusive Insurance Benefits for ABLE BC Cannabis Members |
Through ABLE BC's partnership with Western Financial Group, ABLE BC Cannabis Members now have access to exclusive offers on commercial insurance and employee benefits tailored specifically for the cannabis retail industry.
Here’s what’s available to you: - Immediate Savings: Save on apples-to-apples coverage for qualified businesses.
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Stabilized Annual Rates: Our in-house programs and insurance marketplace provide long-term rate stability.
- Risk Management Support: We help you identify and mitigate future risks to keep your business protected.
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24/7 In-House Claims Service: Rely on around-the-clock support when you need it most.
- Industry Expertise: Work with insurance professionals who understand the unique needs of the cannabis industry.
Curious about insurance coverage for your cannabis business?
Contact bo@ablebc.ca or CLICK HERE,
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The 2026 WORTH Leadership Summit Returns April 1 |
WORTH Association is gearing up for the WORTH Leadership Summit 2026 returning on April 1, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. As Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality, this annual gathering brings together leaders, innovators, and champions from across the sector for a full day of learning, connection, and transformation.
This year’s theme “Get Game Ready” is all about leveling up. Whether you’re a rising leader, seasoned executive, or helping your team grow their leadership skills, the Summit is designed to equip attendees with actionable tools, inspiring stories, and the kind of real-world leadership training that creates momentum long after the day is over.
Encourage your networks, colleagues, and community to join us. Group registrations of 8+ from the same organization receive a discounted rate, making it easier than ever to attend as a team.
Learn more or secure group registration at www.WORTHsummit.ca or contact summit@worthassociation.com. |
Member Spotlight: Quantum 1 Cannabis |
Quantum 1 Cannabis started with a group of passionate Canadians dedicated to educating and sharing their expertise on cannabis. Their mission goes beyond selling products - they aim to create meaningful connections between people and cannabis, all while fostering positive energy in their communities.
With a focus on great energy, people, and products, Quantum 1’s retail stores are designed to be spaces where good vibes meet good people. Every product and service is carefully selected to elevate knowledge, enjoyment, and collective well-being. Quantum 1 brings over 30 years of experience in education and training to their stores and the QUANTUM 1 Cannabis Learning Channel, helping customers become smarter, wiser, and more empowered in their cannabis journey. Discover their locations and learn more about their approach. |
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go2HR: Introducing go2HR for Hire |
For decades, go2HR has been a trusted partner to BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry, offering expert HR resources and guidance to support employers province-wide. That commitment continues and will grow in the coming days.
Now, go2HR is expanding that support with a new premium paid service: go2HR For Hire, designed for employers who need more than advisory support and are looking for direct, hands-on HR expertise. This new offering allows employers to work directly with go2HR’s experienced HR consultants for support with recruitment and onboarding, workplace policies and compliance, people and culture development, and ongoing fractional HR services.
Built on go2HR’s deep sector knowledge, go2HR For Hire delivers practical, customized HR solutions tailored specifically to the realities of Tourism & Hospitality workplaces.
go2HR For Hire is more than a new service. It is a new chapter in go2HR’s story of supporting employers across the province.
Check out how go2HR can support your team’s growth in the following link, or email them at hireus@go2HR.ca to start the conversation. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: - Vancouver Island Budtender Event - Victoria Sampling: February 22, 2026
Vancouver Island Budtender Event - Nanaimo Sampling: February 23, 2026
2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference, Kelowna: March 4-6, 2026 -
Tether Kelowna Sampling Event: March 22, 2026
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Tether Budtender Appreciation Week: March 22-28, 2026
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WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver: April 1, 2026
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KIND Gardens Vancouver: April 9, 2026
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Tether Victoria Sampling Event: May 6, 2026
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Camp Canna BC: May 22-24, 2026
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Growing Relationships Vancouver Island, Victoria: July 16, 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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