Advocacy Day in Victoria, Reducing Licensing Delays, LDB Cannabis Session, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: June 10, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis retail industry:
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Advocacy Day in Victoria: ABLE BC & Minister Popham |
ABLE BC meeting with Minister Lana Popham (2nd from right) in the Office of Agriculture & Food |
Late May, ABLE BC traveled to Victoria to meet with the Honourable Lana Popham (Minister of Agriculture and Food) ahead of the close of the Spring 2026 legislative session.
Joining the discussion were ABLE BC President Yvan Charette, Cannabis Committee Chair Feven Berhane, Director Mike McKee, and Don Calveley, alongside ABLE BC Executive Director Bo Chen, to continue strengthening collaboration between government and industry partners while raising awareness of the ongoing challenges facing BC’s cannabis sector. The meeting focused on several key issues impacting businesses across the province, including: -
The current state of cannabis retail in British Columbia
- Concerns about illicit market supply in relation to the need for stability in the retail sector
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Navigating stronger cohesion between industry and government, building the perspective that legal stores are partners for government revenue and supporting the economy
- The future outlook for the industry
These conversations are an important part of ensuring the voices of BC’s cannabis businesses are heard at the provincial level and that industry concerns remain part of ongoing policy discussions.
"The engagement was productive and served as an excellent continuation in building stronger relationships amongst regulatory partners and the small businesses of our industry,” said Bo Chen. "ABLE BC Directors and myself look forward to more of these discussions and will continue to advocate for the collective success of our industry and our members.” As advocacy efforts continue, ABLE BC remains committed to representing the interests of cannabis retail businesses across British Columbia. By working together, we can help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry.
Interested in supporting industry advocacy and staying connected on the issues that matter most? Become an ABLE BC Cannabis member and join a collective voice working to strengthen and support BC’s cannabis retail sector. |
Advocacy Win! Reducing Licensing Delays for Low-Risk Cannabis Retail Applicants |
Effective May 21, 2026, a significant improvement to the cannabis licensing process is now in place for all new cannabis applications submitted on or after this date. Under the updated approach, applicants will undergo baseline security screening, which includes completing a Cannabis Screening Form and submitting a Police Information Check (PIC) or a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC). Only applications that present identified risk will be referred for a comprehensive “fit and proper” assessment.
This shift to a risk-based model aligns cannabis screening with the LCRB’s liquor licensing framework, helping to reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining strong public safety and market integrity standards.
ABLE BC worked closely with industry partners and consulted with the LCRB on this change, advocating for a more efficient, risk-proportionate approach that supports responsible operators and speeds up time to market.
ABLE BC's Executive Director Bo Chen comments:
"This is a step towards the right direction in reducing regulatory red-tape for cannabis retailers. Our government partners streamlined this to align their licensing processes with other sectors in BC and that is encouraging to see."
Licensees can review full details in Bulletin 26-02: Risk-based security screening for cannabis applicants on the LCRB website.
For questions, please contact: CannabisRegs@gov.bc.ca. |
ABLE BC x LDB Cannabis Session: June 17 |
ABLE BC is pleased to host an upcoming cannabis industry session in partnership with the LDB Wholesale Cannabis, offering members a valuable opportunity to gain insights into wholesale performance trends and market activity across British Columbia.
Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 1:30 PM PST
Where: Online
Who: LDB Cannabis & ABLE BC Cannabis Members
RSVP: Email comms@ablebc.ca for invite link Topics will include: - 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
This is a valuable opportunity for members to better understand what is driving performance in the provincial cannabis marketplace and to hear directly from LDB Cannabis on current data and trends. We look forward to seeing you there! |
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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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LCRB Public Education Materials |
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has released a new set of optional public education materials designed to support awareness of cannabis rules in British Columbia ahead of the busy summer travel season, including increased international visitation and major events such as the World Cup.
These materials include a fact sheet, posters, and digital assets that provide clear, plain-language information on key topics such as cannabis possession limits and public consumption laws in B.C.
ABLE BC encourages members to review and use these optional resources at their discretion, including sharing them on their own platforms or with industry partners where appropriate.
The intent of these materials is to ensure visitors and new consumers have access to factual, easy-to-understand information about cannabis laws in the province. The LCRB aims to support informed and responsible decision-making, reduce stigmatization, and promote a clearer understanding of cannabis as a legal, regulated product in British Columbia.
As the LCRB notes, while British Columbia is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading cannabis-producing regions, information about cannabis regulations is often missing from mainstream travel resources—particularly for visitors and inexperienced consumers. These materials are intended to help close that gap and support a more informed public during a high-traffic travel season. |
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Vancouver World Cup Bylaw Changes |
New temporary bylaws tied to the FIFA Men’s World Cup officially came into effect in Vancouver on May 13 and will remain in place through July 20, 2026.
The changes are intended to support tournament operations and prepare the city for an estimated 350,000 visitors attending matches and events connected to the World Cup. Under the new bylaw, the City of Vancouver has expanded authority around advertising, street vending, busking, noise, graffiti removal, and management of public spaces within designated event zones — primarily within a two-kilometre radius of BC Place and Hastings Park. Key changes include: - Relaxed rules for temporary event infrastructure, signage, and fan zones
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New restrictions on street vending, busking, and unauthorized advertising
- Faster removal of non-approved commercial signage
- Extended noise allowances to support broadcasts and event operations
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Potential adjustments to truck routes and downtown deliveries for security and logistics purposes
Most violations may result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, with enforcement shared between the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department. The City says the measures are necessary to host one of the world’s largest sporting events, while critics have raised concerns about the scope of FIFA’s influence and the impact on local residents and businesses. |
District of North Vancouver: Proposed Extended Retail Hours |
The District of North Vancouver is advancing proposed changes to cannabis retail operating hours that would allow stores to remain open until 11:00 pm.
Following a Public Input Meeting held on May 25, 2026, Council is considering an amendment to the Business Licence Bylaw that would extend permitted cannabis retail store hours from 9:00 am–9:00 pm to 9:00 am–11:00 pm. The proposed change would align municipal regulations with the District's updated Non-medical Cannabis Policy and bring local operating hours in line with provincial standards.
The bylaw amendment has not yet been adopted. The hours change to the Business Licence Bylaw is now tentatively scheduled for 2/3 Reading on June 22, 2026 (agenda published on June 16). If approved, final adoption is anticipated on July 4.
ABLE BC welcomed Council's consideration of the proposed change, and provided written support ahead of the decision, highlighting the benefits of harmonizing local hours with provincial standards. |
Resources Available for Changes to Pay Transparency Act |
Effective November 1st, employers with 50 or more employees (approximately 8,500 employers) will be required to prepare and post pay transparency reports, many for the first time. To build employer awareness and readiness ahead of the November reporting period, the Ministry of Finance has developed several tools and resources, including a pay transparency reporting tool, to make the reporting process simple and straightforward for employers. The Ministry is also offering regular webinars that employers can register to attend.
Resources - Further information about this and other requirements under the Pay Transparency Act is available HERE
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Free tools and resources are available HERE
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Access the instruction video HERE
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Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club Enforcement |
The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) is requesting a pause on enforcement action until a judicial review currently before the courts is completed.
According to CHEK News, the request follows a recent enforcement raid on the storefront, during which officials seized approximately $100,000 worth of products. The raid was followed by further regulatory action, including a civil forfeiture notice issued to the landlord, which resulted in an eviction notice being served to VCBC.
The club has faced ongoing enforcement over several years related to compliance with federal cannabis regulations. It filed a judicial review last fall after being issued a $3.2 million administrative penalty, with the review covering both the fine and broader regulatory issues. In response to recent actions, VCBC has called for enforcement to be paused while the judicial process proceeds. The judicial review remains ongoing, and no court decision has yet been made. |
Mastercard Annual Fees Increase: Update for Members |
In our April update, we shared that Mastercard has implemented increased interchange-related fees for cannabis retailers in Canada, effective April 1, 2026. Based on communications from payment processors and industry partners, annual fees for cannabis retailers are now increasing from approximately $500 USD to nearly $1,000 USD or more per merchant account. While the exact increase varies by provider, many businesses are reporting cost increases of 50% or higher. Operational impact on retailers
For cannabis retailers, this change represents a direct increase in operating costs at a time when many businesses are already managing tight margins and operating in a highly competitive retail environment.
Key implications include: - Higher annual payment processing costs
- Reduced profitability, particularly for small and independent operators
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Additional financial pressure within an already regulated and cost-sensitive sector
- Potential downstream impacts on pricing and overall business operations
Regulatory classification and fee structure
Since cannabis legalization in 2018, Mastercard has applied an annual merchant fee of approximately $500 USD per account under its Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation and Specialty Merchant Registration Program (SMRP). This fee is outlined in Sections 9.1 and 9.2.1 of Mastercard’s SPME Manual and is associated with their classification of cannabis as a “high-risk” industry. What retailers can do Retailers may wish to: -
Review updated fee structures and communications from their payment providers
- Assess the financial impact on their business operations
- Explore alternative payment processing solutions where available
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Stay informed as industry policies and classifications continue to evolve
ABLE BC advocacy update
ABLE BC has formally raised these concerns directly with Mastercard on behalf of licensed cannabis retailers in British Columbia. Our recent letter outlines the sector’s concerns regarding the impact of these fee increases on operational sustainability and competitiveness within the legal market. We will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with industry partners and national and provincial associations as this issue evolves. Additional updates will be shared with members as more information becomes available. |
Valued Partners of ABLE BC - Cannabis
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Our valued partners play a vital role in advancing our industry, and we’re proud to highlight their continued support. |
Member Spotlight: Truth + Alibi |
Located in the heart of Sidney, BC, Truth + Alibi has become a trusted destination for premium cannabis products, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming community atmosphere. As Sidney's first legal cannabis retailer, this family-owned and operated Canadian business has helped shape the local cannabis landscape while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, education, and customer experience.
Whether serving longtime residents or visitors exploring the Saanich Peninsula, the team prides itself on creating an approachable and inclusive environment for everyone who walks through the door.
Truth + Alibi carefully curates a selection of premium cannabis products, with a focus on quality, variety, and locally sourced options whenever possible. From flower and pre-rolls to edibles, concentrates, and accessories, customers can explore a wide range of products backed by knowledgeable guidance from the store's friendly staff. |
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go2HR: Game On! Is Your Team Mentally Ready for Soccer's Biggest Event? |
The upcoming global sports season will bring busier shifts, higher expectations, and constant pressure. It's not just about having enough staff, but making sure your team can stay focused, safe, and perform at their best through it all.
Because when pressure builds, it doesn't just impact operations; it impacts people. How they communicate, respond, and show up each day is the difference between just getting through the shift and delivering strong, consistent performance. Now is the time to explore go2HR's expanded (PH&S) Advisory services. With guided discussions, practical advice, and tailored support, we can help you to build a healthier, more supportive workplace and equip your team to withstand the pressure and perform at their best when it matters most.
Book here. |
Top: ABLE BC President Yvan Charette, Cannabis Chair Feven Berhane, and Bo Chen @ Bard & Banker Pub
Below Left: ABLE BC Team with IVSA Executive Director, Stacy Kyle @ Tequila & Agave Festival 2026
Below Right: Yvan Charette & Global BC Legislature Bureau Chief Keith Baldrey @ BC Legislative Building |
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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