Changes to returns, event sales insights, retail bylaw updates, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update:
July 9, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: |
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LDB Update: Changes to Defective Product Returns |
Effective July 7, the LDB introduced changes to the wholesale defective product returns process for cannabis retail stores purchasing through the central delivery channel.
To improve efficiency and provide faster credits to retailers, the LDB is expanding the use of destroy-in-store authorizations for stores. This means that when a physical return is not required, approved destroy-in-store refunds will be processed more quickly, allowing stores to receive credits sooner. All cannabis retail stores will be included in this program. However, please note that defect rates and return submissions will be monitored, and program eligibility remains at the discretion of the LDB. Stores may be required to return physical inventory in the future if an inspection is deemed necessary. If you’re a Cannabis Retail Licensee, be sure to check your LDB emails for detailed instructions on participating in the new process, submitting return requests, and accessing credit memo and reporting information. If you have any questions about this change, please contact LDB's Cannabis Customer Care at 1-833-420-2227 or businesscustomercarecentre@bcldb.com. |
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LDB Update: New Support Tickets Portal for BC Cannabis Wholesale Customers |
On June 16, BC Cannabis Wholesale Operations launched the new Support Tickets Portal to streamline how you submit and manage service requests.
The Support Tickets Portal offers an additional way to connect with the Customer Care Centre, alongside existing support channels by phone and email. Learn more about the new portal:
Please note, any tickets opened before June 16 will continue to be managed through the previous system until they are closed. All new support requests submitted after June 16 - including those made by phone or email - will be available in the Support Tickets Portal. If you have any questions, please contact the LDB's Customer Care Centre at 1-833-420-2227 or businesscustomercarecentre@bcldb.com. |
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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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Cannabis Sales at Events: Insights from Italian Day on the Drive |
A look inside 2025 Italian Day on the Drive |
Earlier this June, thousands gathered to celebrate Italian Day on the Drive, one of Vancouver’s most popular cultural street festivals. A Unique Opportunity for Cannabis Retail
For the cannabis sector, this year’s event offered a unique opportunity to demonstrate how retailers and producers can work together to provide safe, responsible, and engaging experiences for the public.
During Italian Day on the Drive, no retail sales occurred outside of stores. However, the presence of KushKlub, an independent cannabis retail store located on Commercial Drive, offered a prime example of responsible retail engagement during the event. Alongside them, Smyle Brands, a cannabis beverage producer based on Vancouver Island, provided valuable product knowledge and consumer education.
“It was amazing, I absolutely loved it,” shared Blake Mcvittie from Smyle Brands. “We’re a small company - there’s just three of us - and my element is the sales and marketing side. Direct customer interaction is my favourite thing to do.”
During the event, Smyle Brands sampled uninfused (0 THC) versions of their beverages outside KushKlub’s store. This approach allowed people to taste the drinks and learn about cannabis beverages in a safe and compliant way, before being directed into the licensed store to purchase infused versions. “Not a lot of people have tried cannabis drinks,” Blake explained. “Being able to educate them on all the benefits, and how it’s different from an edible, was incredible. Doing Italian Day gave us access to a new audience with different demographics than we’d see at a typical in-store pop-up.”
For KushKlub, the experience was equally impactful.
“That was my favourite story of the event,” shared Feven Berhane, Co-founder of KushKlub. “People were coming into the store saying, ‘I’ll get whatever that guy is selling out there.’ Blake didn’t have to pitch super hard - it was a great way to reach a new audience who are new to cannabis beverages.” |
Building Community and Connection
Feven emphasized how these activations build meaningful connections between retailers, producers, and consumers:
“Independent retailers need to take the opportunity to participate in their community. You don’t have to sell anything in these spaces - it is worth it just to be in front of people, interacting with non-cannabis consumers, showing them the product, and educating them. Similar to having a beer sample in a liquor store - show them the plant, show them the product, have consumers build a relationship with it. Blake was perfect for that.”
KushKlub also saw tangible results from their participation:
“Italian Day was absolutely effective,” Feven said. “We spend quite a bit of time and money on marketing to get people on our mailing list. That day, we signed up a significant number of people to our native app, which means we can now speak to those customers directly.”
She highlighted the importance of retailers collaborating with both large and small producers:
“Any size of producer could work in these spaces. Finding the balance featuring craft producers with having value introductory products for a newer customer base, people are genuinely looking for locally grown craft products, and with so many amazing products to choose from it’s easier now than ever before to offer this selection.” Guests were welcomed into KushKlub’s store, IDs were diligently checked to protect youth, and customers accessed a diverse offering of legal, tested, and compliant products with guidance from knowledgeable staff. “What I loved about it was that we’re helping each other,” Blake added. “I’m not only promoting my brand, but also that it’s sold in KushKlub. We rarely get to do true B2C because of regulations - this collaboration was the best of both worlds.” |
Inside of KuskKlub during Italian Day on the Drive |
Current Regulatory Limitations
Currently, on-site retail cannabis sales at events are not permitted under provincial regulations. Cannabis licensees cannot operate booths or pop-up shops at events; sales must take place within a licensed Cannabis Retail Store (CRS) or Producer Retail Store (PRS), though deliveries to event sites by licensed retailers are allowed.
Recognizing these limitations - and the opportunities that could come from updating them - ABLE BC has already begun engaging with the LCRB to explore potential changes.
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What’s Next: Advocating for Cannabis Sales at Events
In June, ABLE BC's Cannabis Committee Chair and KushKlub Co-founder Feven Berhane, along with Bo Chen, ABLE BC’s Executive Director, met with the LCRB to discuss potential policy frameworks that could allow cannabis sales at events in the future. Together, we shared insights into how private retailers and producers work harmoniously to deliver positive consumer experiences while maintaining public safety.
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ABLE BC's Recent Cannabis Retail Membership Survey on Sales at Events |
ABLE BC has also been building the groundwork with local professional event organizers, to explore how cannabis retail can enhance BC’s festivals and cultural gatherings.
As these conversations continue, ABLE BC remains committed to working collaboratively with government partners, professional event organizers, producers, and retailers to ensure BC’s cannabis sector is represented safely, responsibly, and vibrantly in our communities.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building towards a future where cannabis retail can meaningfully integrate into BC’s events sector - for the benefit of businesses, consumers, and local economies alike.
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Bo Chen, Executive Director at ABLE BC & Nate Sabine, Business Development Director at This Is BluePrint |
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Burnaby Amends Bylaw for Cannabis Retail
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In late June, Burnaby City Council amended its bylaw regarding store-store-separation distance for cannabis retailers. The updated bylaw no longer factors in the distance to cannabis stores located in neighbouring municipalities.
Burnaby currently has three government-operated BC Cannabis Stores. In May 2025, the City approved two private store applications, which have yet to open: Seed & Stone at 180-4112 Lougheed Highway and another location at 5906 Kingsway. This recent amendment reopens eligibility for previously submitted private store applications that were denied due to their proximity to stores outside Burnaby’s city limits.
For further details, please refer to Burnaby City Council’s June meeting records.
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Reminder: Checking IDs and Minors as Agents Program
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As summer 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. |
StratCann Growing Relationships & Summer Fair in Mission |
We’re excited to be joining StratCann at Growing Relationships in Mission, BC!
On Sunday, July 28, StratCann returns to Mission Springs Brewing for their popular Growing Relationships B2B industry event - bringing together cannabis producers, retailers, processors, and service providers for a full day of networking and industry connection.
New this summer: The day wraps up with an Outdoor Summer Fair - an open-air activation space where brands and the retail community can continue connecting in a relaxed summer setting, overlooking the Fraser River! Grab your tickets and join us. |
Member Spotlight: Rise Cannabis |
In this edition of the ABLE BC Cannabis Member Spotlight, we are proud to feature Rise Cannabis.
Rise Cannabis is a family-owned and operated group of cannabis retail stores specializing in local products from BC and across Canada. With a large product selection, highly trained team members, and convenient locations, Rise Cannabis is committed to delivering authentic, elevated experiences for both guests and their teams.
Owned and operated by the 4 Mile Group - which also owns the 4 Mile Brew Pub and 4 Mile Liquor Store - Rise Cannabis currently has five locations serving their communities: -
Rise Cannabis Admirals Walk
- Rise Cannabis Colwood Corners
- Rise Cannabis Tillicum Mall
- Rise Cannabis Mill Bay (the only location outside Victoria)
- Rise Cannabis Quadra
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At Rise Cannabis, business is about more than just products. It’s about growing connections and supporting initiatives that strengthen the communities they serve. In 2024-25, Rise Cannabis focused its charitable efforts locally, including supporting Shoreline Middle School and a donation to provide food hampers for families in need during spring break. They’re also known for adding value to their customers’ everyday experiences by hosting Happy Hour in-store daily from 1–3 pm and 7–9 pm, offering 10% off 7g, 14g, and 28g flower products. |
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Ask an Expert: go2HR - Injuries Happen, Especially During the Summer Rush. Are You Ready? |
When patios are packed and the taps are flowing, even a small injury behind the bar or in the kitchen can throw off your whole shift. Knowing how to handle it quickly and properly helps you take care of your team and keep your pub or bar running smoothly.
Here are three common return-to-work paths you should be ready for: Stay at Work
The injury is minor - maybe a small burn or cut - and it’s treated on-site with first aid. Your team member stays on shift and keeps an eye on things. No need to report to WorkSafeBC. Recover at Work with Modified Duties
The worker needs medical treatment like stitches but can still help out with light or different duties. Must be reported by you, your staff member, and their doctor.
Return to Work After Time Off
Sometimes recovery means taking a few shifts off. When they’re ready, bring them back with modified duties and support. Clear documentation and check-ins are key. Everyone involved needs to report it. We’ve got your back - download our Return-to-Work Plan Template to make recovery smoother for everyone. |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
Top Left: Bo visits Don Briere, Carol Gwilt, and Jen Chamberland of WEEDs, celebrating grand opening of their PRS Store in Pitt Meadows
Top Right: Danielle Leroux (She Summits Co-Founder) & ABLE BC's Bo Chen
Bottom Left: Bo & Blake McVittie of Smyle Brands (local cannabis beverage producer on Vancouver Island)
Bottom Right: Snoop Dogg performing at BC Lions Season Opener Game
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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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