Cannabis Industry Update: July 19th, 2023
Dear ABLE BC Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here’s what you’ll find in today’s update:
Notes from Nick
Advocacy Update
Industry Update
Member Spotlight: Burb
Out and About with ABLE
Useful resources from our partners at go2HR
Find all past updates here.
Notes from Nick
The first few weeks as ABLE’s new Head of Cannabis Membership have been a whirlwind—and I’ve loved every second of it.
Part of my early focus has been creating added value for our members by negotiating preferred rates from numerous companies that provide the services cannabis retailers need. Watch for exciting announcements in the coming weeks as we expand our suite of member benefits.
I’ve also connected with both the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) and BC Cannabis Secretariat to discuss how we might reduce the regulatory burden on our industry and create new business opportunities. I’d like to personally thank David Hume, General Manager of the LCRB, for the time we spent recently discussing provincial government policies and regulations.
Finally, I would like to send a personal thank you to Steve Dowsley, Chair of ABLE’s Cannabis Committee, for his support. His expertise, experience, and insight gained as co-founder of Burb is shaping our priorities for advocating on behalf of all cannabis retailers across BC.
Advocacy Update
The LCRB is currently seeking feedback on British Columbia’s rules around promoting consumption spaces and consuming cannabis on patios. Currently, it is prohibited to: 1) promote a place to consume cannabis (or to remain at after consuming cannabis), and 2) smoke or vape cannabis on a patio—even on patios where patrons are permitted to smoke or vape tobacco.
As we prepare our submission to the LCRB, we are keen to hear your views. Please complete the survey below no later than August 1st.
On behalf of our members, Nick and ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard attended a cannabis industry stakeholder meeting with the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), LCRB, and BC Cannabis Secretariat. Topics included farmgate sales, direct delivery, consumption spaces, and others. It was particularly interesting to note that the BC Cannabis Secretariat’s submission to Canada’s Cannabis Act Review Panel aligned closely with ABLE’s. Our shared concerns include that the regulations for promoting or displaying cannabis are too restrictive, and that the 10 per cent limit of THC in edibles unnecessarily prevents licensed retailers from completing with illicit suppliers. We look forward to attending further meetings in future.
ABLE was also invited to join a Vancouver Police working group to develop a presentation on how the decriminalization of personal possession of certain drugs may affect businesses. It was great a great opportunity to contribute our industry’s insight into the group.
Industry Update
Fire & Flower recently announced it is seeking bankruptcy protection. Due in large part to the backing of retail giant Alimentation Couche-Tard, Fire & Flower grew to over 90 stores across Canada, owned a cannabis delivery company, and a retail data analytics platform. Unfortunately, scale and diversification haven’t been enough to ensure success. This is perhaps the starkest indication yet that private cannabis retailer continue to struggle since legalization.
While it is not government’s job to ensure the profitability of businesses, it is clear the current regulatory burden faced by licensed producers and retailer is actively preventing even good operators from achieving success. In the months ahead, ABLE will continue to advocate at all levels of government to roll back some of the red tape standing in their way.
Member Spotlight
We are pleased to announce Burb as a new cannabis member of ABLE BC.
Burb honours the legacy and designs the future of cannabis culture through its network of licensed retail stores, apparel, and weekly podcast. As a private retailer, they’re legacy-minded and committed to ensuring that high-quality craft cannabis is showcased in their stores. Burb works hard to celebrate cannabis responsibly and to preserve the culture associated with it.
Out and About with ABLE BC
Nick and Jeff met recently with new Associate Member West Blvd Cannabis, where they toured their impressive Vancouver facility and discussed future business plans. West Blvd boast a highly talented team and have admirable ambitions for future development. We look forward to supporting them as they grow.
Nick also met with Associate Member Julie Domingo of CannaReps to discuss their cannabis sommelier program. This BC-based company provides a unique training program for anyone interested in developing an advanced knowledge of cannabis products.
Useful Resources from go2HR
BC’s cannabis retail industry is diverse and inclusive. Embracing diversity is an excellent opportunity to stand out both and an employer and as a retailer. Our trade partner go2HR has developed an online learning program to help your staff develop skills to deliver a successful inclusive experience for every customer.