Meet our Community Ambassador, Vancouver Island Events, C3 Suspends Operations, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: July 8, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis retail industry: - Early Reminder: Cannabis Membership Renewal
- Meet ABLE BC's Community Ambassador
- ABLE BC x LDB Cannabis Session Recap
- ABLE BC x LCRB Cannabis Session Recap
District of North Vancouver: Extended Retail Hours Update - Vancouver Extends Granville Street Pedestrian Zone
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Federal Cannabis Producer Advocacy Suspends Operations
- BC Launches Chronic Property Crime and Street Disorder
- go2HR AGM Highlights
- StratCann's Growing Relationships in Victoria on July 16
- V.I.B.E. Cannabis Networking & Sampling on Vancouver Island
- Member Spotlight: Mood Cannabis
go2HR: Keep Safety in the Conversation Out and About with ABLE BC - Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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Early Reminder: Cannabis Membership Renewal |
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. 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.
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Meet ABLE BC's Community Ambassador |
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| This summer, we were excited to welcome a new member to the ABLE BC team.
Nicole McLaughlin joined ABLE BC as our Community Ambassador, a role focused on strengthening relationships with members and ensuring operators across the province feel supported and heard. Through member outreach and industry engagement, Nicole will help us stay closely connected to the priorities and challenges facing businesses on the ground.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Nicole recently relocated to Vancouver from London and brings a background in client relationship management and community engagement. Passionate about connecting people and building relationships, she is excited to support ABLE BC members and strengthen connections across BC's liquor and hospitality sector. We look forward to introducing many of you to Nicole in the months ahead and continuing to build a stronger, more connected industry together.
If you have questions about your membership or upcoming renewals, Nicole would be pleased to assist. Members can reach her directly at membership@ablebc.ca. |
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Federal Cannabis Producer Advocacy Group Suspends Operations |
The Cannabis Council of Canada has suspended its operations, citing ongoing financial pressures, regulatory complexity, and the continued strength of Canada's illicit cannabis market. According to the organization, these challenges have made it difficult for licensed producers and processors to sustain a national advocacy association.
The Council is calling on the federal government to lead a coordinated national strategy to address the illegal cannabis market, arguing that stronger enforcement and a consistent approach across provinces would help support legal businesses, improve public safety, and advance the original objectives of cannabis legalization. |
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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 membership@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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ABLE BC x LDB Cannabis Session Recap |
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent cannabis industry update session with LDB Cannabis. We hope the session provided you with valuable insights into wholesale cannabis sales performance and market activity across British Columbia. Topics covered included: - Wholesale sales data broken down by product category
- Current trends across key cannabis product segments
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Additional market updates and insights from LDB Cannabis
A copy of the presentation deck is available to ABLE BC members upon request. To receive a copy, please email membership@ablebc.ca. |
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ABLE BC x LCRB Cannabis Session Recap |
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent cannabis industry session in partnership with LCRB. We hope the session provided you with valuable insights into cannabis retail policy and inducements in BC.
Topics covered included: - What is an inducement?
- Clear examples of practices that are often misunderstood as inducements
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Clear examples of what is not allowed
- What inspectors look for
- What is the process for an inducement?
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What licensees can expect when being investigated
- Options available to licensees
- How inducements are reported, investigated, and refuted
A copy of the presentation deck is available to ABLE BC members upon request. To receive a copy, please email membership@ablebc.ca. |
District of North Vancouver: Extended Retail Hours Update |
The District of North Vancouver has officially approved extended operating hours for cannabis retail stores, allowing eligible businesses to remain open until 11:00 pm.
Following a Public Input Meeting on May 25, 2026, Council considered an amendment to the Business Licence Bylaw to extend permitted cannabis retail hours from 9:00 am–9:00 pm to 9:00 am–11:00 pm. The change aligns municipal regulations with the District's updated Non-medical Cannabis Policy and brings local operating hours in line with provincial standards.
Council voted in favour of the bylaw amendment, with final adoption taking place at its July 6, 2026 meeting.
ABLE BC welcomed Council's decision and provided written support throughout the process, highlighting the benefits of harmonizing local operating hours with provincial standards and creating greater consistency for cannabis retailers across British Columbia. |
Vancouver Extends Granville Street Pedestrian Zone |
Vancouver City Council has approved a seven-week extension of the Granville Street pedestrian zone pilot, keeping five blocks of Granville Street car-free through the Labour Day long weekend.
The extension is intended to build on the increased activity and business generated during the FIFA World Cup. As part of the decision, Council also directed staff to support the continuation of temporary FIFA-related patios and other permitted uses where possible, subject to approvals, and approved funding for enhanced sanitation, security, traffic management, and downtown business activation. Council also requested staff explore options for a three-year seasonal pedestrian zone pilot and investigate the feasibility of a temporary Granville Street pedestrian zone for a Christmas market later this year.
Help shape the future of Granville Street
The City of Vancouver, together with Downtown VAN, is gathering feedback to help inform the future of Granville Street. Input will be collected through public and business surveys, transportation and transit data, and engagement with community partners. Businesses and community members are invited to share their feedback through the public survey, open from June 11 to July 19, 2026. |
Photo Credit: Downtown VAN |
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. |
BC Launches Provincewide Initiative to Address Chronic Property Crime and Street Disorder |
The Province of British Columbia is investing $16 million over the next two years to launch the Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative, a new program aimed at reducing repeat property crime, retail theft, vandalism, and street disorder across the province.
The initiative will establish 12 regional intervention hubs made up of police, prosecutors, probation officers, correctional staff, and community support partners. The teams will focus on identifying and supporting approximately 420 chronic offenders whose repeated offences contribute to a disproportionate amount of property crime and community disruption.
The program builds on pilot projects launched in Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Nelson in November 2025. The Province says the Kelowna pilot has helped stabilize property crime trends, including a decline in break-and-enter offences, through a more coordinated approach to enforcement, monitoring, and support services. The new initiative combines accountability measures with connections to supports such as housing, mental health, and substance-use services. By improving coordination between justice and community partners, the Province aims to strengthen responses to repeat offending and improve safety for businesses and residents throughout BC. For hospitality and retail operators impacted by theft, vandalism, and street disorder, the program represents a new provincial approach focused on targeting repeat offenders while addressing underlying factors contributing to ongoing crime. For more information: -
BC Government News Release: Strengthening response to vandalism, theft, street disorder
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BC Government: Chronic property and public disorder intervention
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CTV News: Advocacy group welcomes property crime program, but says B.C. must deal with root cause
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ABLE BC recently attended the go2HR 2026 Annual General Meeting, where the organization shared updates on its year in review, labour market insights, and priorities for the year ahead.
A key theme throughout the AGM was the changing workforce landscape facing BC's tourism and hospitality industries. As the sector moves beyond post-pandemic recovery, go2HR highlighted the need for a new "people-powered" approach to workforce development that responds to evolving labour market realities. Year in Review During the 2025/26 year, go2HR completed a two-pronged pivot designed to sustain programming and support employers across the province. Highlights included: - The launch of go2HR For Hire, providing HR advisory services to employers.
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Continued investment in the free go2HR online resource hub, which now contains more than 2,000 resources.
- Ongoing integration of psychological health and safety initiatives into WorkSafeBC plans and budgets.
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Continued promotion of mental health resources through partnerships and collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Labour Market Update
go2HR shared updated employment data across BC's tourism and hospitality sectors: Food and Beverage -
Employment declined by 2.1% to 146,376 workers.
- The sector diverged from the national growth trend and continues to feel the effects of immigration restrictions and workforce challenges.
Recreation and Entertainment
- Employment declined by 6.5% to 96,854 workers.
- Economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviours continue to impact the sector.
Transportation and Travel - Employment declined by 8.2% to 51,562 workers.
- This trend contrasts with strong activity at Vancouver International Airport and continued growth in the cruise sector.
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Workforce Headwinds Looking ahead, go2HR identified several challenges that may continue to impact tourism and hospitality employers, including: -
Reduced immigration levels and fewer international workers and students entering the workforce.
- Ongoing uncertainty around workforce development funding and support programs.
- The continued erosion of tourism and hospitality education and training pathways.
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The growing impact of artificial intelligence on future workforce needs.
- Outmigration of workers to lower-cost jurisdictions.
- Employers operating at or near capacity while managing ongoing labour shortages.
Learn More A copy of the go2HR 2026 AGM presentation deck is available to ABLE BC members. To request a copy, please contact Nicole at membership@ablebc.ca. |
StratCann's Growing Relationships in Victoria on July 16 |
We are thrilled to announce that we are an official Event Partner for StratCann’s upcoming Growing Relationships Vancouver Island event, happening in Victoria on Thursday, July 16, 2026!
Growing Relationships is an incredible B2B event that brings together cannabis retailers, producers, and industry services for interactive discussions, networking, and collaborative brainstorming.
The details: - When: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Where: Victoria Edelweiss Club (108 Niagara Street, Victoria, BC)
- Come sit down with us, talk strategy, and lets build the connections that move our industry forward!
Secure your tickets here: https://events.frontdoorplus.com/event/1904?fdsrc=eps
Use our promo code for a discount: ABLE BC members please contact membership@ablebc.ca for the code. |
V.I.B.E. Craft Cannabis Networking and Sampling on Vancouver Island |
V.I.B.E. (Vancouver Island Budtender Events) is returning to Vancouver Island this July with two evenings focused on connection, education, and celebrating the people shaping cannabis culture across the region.
The events are designed to bring together budtenders, cannabis retailers, and brands in a relaxed environment focused on meaningful conversations and community building.
This edition of V.I.B.E. will spotlight a curated selection of craft growers and small-batch cannabis brands, offering attendees the opportunity to connect directly with producers, learn about their stories and processes, and experience products rooted in quality, care, and community.
Attendees can expect hands-on brand experiences, product education, and opportunities to connect with fellow cannabis professionals. The events are designed to create a welcoming space for authentic relationship-building—without the traditional sales-floor atmosphere.
Victoria Event Nanaimo Event
Participating brands include West Coast Weedery, Sweetgrass Organics, Salt Spring Magic, Smyle Brands, Simply Bare, Killin Time Cannabis, and the Budtender Association, with additional brands to be announced.
Tickets are free for active budtenders and cannabis retailers, with tickets available for consumers and other cannabis industry professionals. Sampling will be available to budtenders and retailers only.
Both events are 19+, require pre-registration, and have limited tickets available. |
Member Spotlight: Mood Cannabis |
Founded in 2018, Mood Cannabis Co. was created with a vision to elevate the cannabis retail experience in British Columbia through education, community connection, and high-quality products.
The Nanaimo-based, owner-operated retailer takes its name from the belief that everyone should be able to explore their own desired state of mind—or “mood”—supported by safe, legal, and thoughtfully selected cannabis products.
At the heart of Mood Cannabis Co. is a commitment to breaking down outdated stigmas through knowledge and meaningful conversations. The team focuses on creating welcoming retail experiences where customers can feel comfortable asking questions and receiving informed recommendations from passionate cannabis professionals. As advocates for the local cannabis community, Mood Cannabis Co. carefully sources products from B.C. growers, craft producers, and local artists. By partnering with licensed producers from B.C. and across Canada, the team offers a curated selection of legal cannabis products that reflect the quality and diversity of the industry.
Beyond retail, Mood Cannabis Co. brings a strong community focus to its work, with a team experienced in fundraising, community development, and engagement. Through collaboration and connection, the company continues to build relationships within the communities it serves while celebrating the roots of West Coast cannabis culture. Visit Mood Cannabis Co. at either of its Nanaimo locations: Mood Well Store
3923 Victoria Ave.
Mood Metral Store
5-6404 Metral Dr. |
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go2HR: Keep Safety in the Conversation |
As the region's major sporting events continue, the excitement is still building. From watch parties to bustling patios and packed venues, businesses remain busy, making frontline staff support more important than ever.
Keeping safety part of the daily conversation doesn't have to fall entirely on you. go2HR's Team Huddles are free, short safety talks delivered directly to your team, designed to fit into shift changes, team meetings, or quieter moments in your day.
Why Book a Team Huddle? - Build a stronger sense of teamwork and shared responsibility
- Keep safety top of mind during your busiest season
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Identify risks and challenges before they become incidents
- Give staff practical guidance they can apply immediately on the job
- Empower your team to keep themselves and each other safe
Sessions typically run 15 to 30 minutes and are available at no cost to tourism and hospitality employers.
Learn more: https://www.go2hr.ca/health-safety/team-huddles |
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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