Cannabis Membership Renewals, Secretariat, Burb Store for Sale, and More ! ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: March 12 , 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: - Thank You for Attending SPARK 2025!
- Cannabis Recap - SPARK 2025
- Farewell Message from Ann Brydle, ABLE BC's Senior Communications Manager
- BC Government Confirms 2025 Minimum Wage Increase
- BC Budget 2025
- Reminder - BCGEU Collective Agreement Expires March 31
- Member Spotlight: Coast Range Cannabis
- Advocacy Win! Updates to federal Cannabis Regulations
- Breadstack’s Live Virtual Event: How to Increase Your Online Revenue
- Ask an Expert: Why Compliance is Your Secret Weapon
- go2HR: Serving Success: Mastering Reviews, Performance Management, and Goal Setting
- Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Thank You for Attending SPARK 2025! Thank you to everyone who attended SPARK 2025: BC's Liquor & Cannabis Conference! The ABLE BC team (Jeff Guignard, Ann Brydle, Bo Chen, and Jesse Sidhu) worked hard to bring together members and industry colleagues from hospitality, liquor retail, and cannabis retail for a day of advocacy, learning, and connection. We are incredibly proud of this successful event! SPARK 2025 wouldn't have been possible without the support of our members, our partners, inspiring speakers, and most importantly our generous sponsors. We look forward to sharing more details and photos with delegates in the coming weeks! Thank You to Our Sponsors! |
Did you know ABLE BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy for the private liquor and cannabis industries this year? Click below to learn more and help us celebrate! |
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People Working Well The CMHA BC and go2HR have created a resource for tourism and hospitality employers and employees dealing with mental health challenges at work. |
| Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter Sign up for our Cannabis Industry Update Newsletter to learn more about our advocacy for liquor businesses. Click here to read past liquor newsletters. |
| ABLE BC Member Portal The Member Portal is your hub for all resources and benefits available to ABLE BC members. Contact david@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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Cannabis Recap - SPARK 2025! A very special thank you to our sponsors, advocacy partners, members, and government representatives from the cannabis industry! Although we host SPARK annually, this was our first conference including cannabis members and it was an honor to host you! Here are some conference highlights from our cannabis specific program: |
SPARK Main Conference Room |
Understanding Cannabis Policies and Modern Outlooks Our first cannabis panel of the day featured a discussion of BC’s cannabis policies with senior leadership from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). The panel offered insights on the existing regulatory frameworks and shared industry’s business outlook on how modernizing rules can drive growth for the future. For example, we discussed: - Market controls (i.e., provincial store-to-store distance criteria, white-label for retailers, the eight store cap);
- Allowing cannabis products to be sold at events;
- The need to review and streamline CRS Licensee Terms & Conditions Handbook (i.e., loyalty programs, allowing stores to sell snacks, and other non-cannabis items);
- Continuing work to build a regulatory framework for consumption spaces to foster cannabis tourism and hospitality.
"SPARK was a good way to show the different government bodies that attend the interest in engagement that the cannabis industry has in investing in growing it together. Bringing producers and retailers together and leveraging relationships that have been established over the last fifty years, to try to make the most impactful change.” - Alannah Davis, Dabble Cannabis & BC Cannabis Alliance |
Feven Berhane (KushKlub & ABLE BC Cannabis Chair); Danielle Naylor (LCRB); Bo Chen (ABLE BC) |
Cannabis Market Trends: Product Categories in BC Featuring BC LDB Cannabis Wholesale Category Managers and industry’s experts, this panel assessed market trends and shared performance data of product categories unique to BC. Topics included: - BC’s market size, year-over-year growth, future projection;
- Sales trend by quarter;
- Category share and trends;
- Flower wholesale dollar per gram and sales mix format
- Standard and Infused Pre-Rolls size and trending sales mix
- Beverages seasonality and emerging formulation options
- Vape market share (cartridges vs disposables)
- Edibles (retail sales unit mix and cannabinoid content)
“ The relevance and timeliness of SPARK's information, paired with ABLE BC's strong advocacy, made it an invaluable event.” - Dennis Park, Craft Greenery Cannabis |
SweetJustice; BC LDB Data; Myles Blue (LDB Cannabis Category Manager); Woody Nelson |
Exploring Canna Tourism and Hospitality This star-studded panel showcased a broad spectrum of various cannabis tourism and hospitality businesses, each from different backgrounds within the industry: |
Paul Kamon (West Coast Weedery); Jorah Porteous (Amsterdam Cafe); Connor McNamee (WestBlvdCannabis); Colin Bambury (THC Canada) |
- Dabble Cannabis (Vancouver Island cannabis producer with a beautiful farm primed for tourism)
- Amsterdam Café (Internationally known amongst cannabis connoisseurs and one of BC’s most historic cannabis hospitality businesses)
- West Blvd Cannabis (a standalone cannabis micro processor located in the heart of Mount Pleasant in Vancouver, with an unique angle on cannabis culinary experience and products)
- THC Canada (cannabis retailer with investments allocated into an adjacent indoor consumption space)
- And Paul Kamon from West Coast Weedery (Paul brings ample tourism expertise from years as Executive Director at Sunshine Coast Tourism and as one of the co-founders of the BC Ale Trail for craft breweries.
This panel only highlighted the diverse range of stakeholders already invested in cannabis tourism and underscored the opportunity to reinforce economic development in BC. “ With many large high profile international events coming to Vancouver such as the Web Summit 2025 and FIFA 2026, many tourists will be exposed to legal cannabis for the first time; it is incumbent on us as responsible hosts to provide safe and hospitable environments for our valued guests. The time for legal Cannabis consumption spaces in Canada has arrived.” - Paul Kamon |
Canna-Tourism & Hospitality Panel Moderator - Alannah Davis |
Optimize Your Sales & Profits with Cannabis Retail Best Practices This panel brought together cannabis retailers with different approaches and other industry subject matter experts to discuss strategies in managing business and optimizing cannabis retail: |
Gary Hehar (Local Cannabis); Luke O'Hare (Muse Cannabis/JAKs Liquor); Fernanda Soldera (Water Street & Panel Moderator) |
- Fernanda Soldera (Water Street Cannabis) led the discussion with fellow panelist based upon her hands-on experience;
- Dennis Park (Co-Owner of Craft Greenery Cannabis) focused on unique product offerings via Direct Delivery;
- Gary Hehar (Co-Owner of Local Cannabis Co.) highlighted the journey of expanding into new locations;
- Luke O’Hare (President of Muse Cannabis & JAKs Liquor) shared perspectives on managing multiple locations in different BC markets;
- Shahbaaz Kara (VP Growth, Greenline / BLAZE) offered his insights and best retail practices from cannabis clients in other mature markets
- Riel Roussopoulos (Head of Marketing, Breadstack Technologies) focused on e-commerce and SEO solutions that helps boost online retail revenue and further outreach out online consumers.
“ The Spark Cannabis Conference in Vancouver was an outstanding event that kept us informed on the latest industry trends, news, and best practices. It provided an excellent opportunity to connect and gain actionable knowledge.” - Sheila Rivers, Coast Range Cannabis |
Riel Roussopoulos (Breadstack); Shahbaaz Kara (Greenline - BLAZE); Dennis Park (Craft Greenery); Gary Hehar (Local Cannabis); Luke O'Hare (Muse Cannabis/JAKs Liquor) |
Bridging the Gap: Licensed & Illicit Cannabis And finally, our closing panel offered an engaging discussion about addressing illicit cannabis businesses in BC.
Thanks to our panelist of government and industry experts, we examined a range of issue on this complex topic, including enforcement, shifting trends, on-going challenges, pro-business policies and incentives, and First Nations reconciliation. ABLE BC recognizes the complexity of tackling illicit cannabis issues and the need for multi-faceted solutions. We were delighted to host a productive initial session and share it with a wider industry audience.
ABLE BC commends industry stakeholders on this cohesive engagement and encourage others to continue this challenging discussion. |
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Farewell Message from Ann Brydle, ABLE BC's Senior Communications Manager After three amazing years with ABLE BC, the time has come for me to take on a new adventure. While I'm excited to take the next step in my career, I am sad to leave an organization that does amazing work and that introduced me to so many liquor and cannabis professionals who I am now fortunate enough to call friends. I will miss my team (Jeff, Bo, and Jesse) dearly, and I will always look back fondly on the achievements we made together. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every ABLE BC member, partner, and colleague for making my tenure at ABLE an unforgettable experience. I welcome you all to stay connected with me on LinkedIn! |
ABLE BC is Hiring!
With Ann's departure, ABLE BC is seeking a Communications Coordinator to take over our communications needs. We are on the hunt for a detail-oriented individual with excellent verbal and written communication skills, an interest in liquor and cannabis policy, and a passion for helping liquor and cannabis licensees thrive. |
BC Government Confirms 2025 Minimum Wage Increase On June 1, 2025, BC’s minimum wage will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, a 2.6% change. This follows the changes made in Spring 2024 to the Employment Standards Act, which mandated annual wage increases.
We know it is a challenging time to increase costs for businesses. However, tying minimum wage to inflation is a win for industry that ABLE BC pushed for in recent years. Regular, predictable, and small increases make budgeting and planning for your business easier.
We recognize the financial pressure our members are under and will continue to work with government on relief measures and other solutions that will help your business thrive.
If you have questions about minimum wage, please contact Jeff Guignard, ABLE BC’s Executive Director, at jeff@ablebc.ca |
BC Budget 2025 Last week, the provincial government released Budget 2025: Standing Strong for BC .
While we support strategic investments to grow our economy, ABLE BC joins BC’s business community in expressing deep concerned about the Budget’s projected deficits—which will total approximately $10 billion per year for each of the next three years.
As BC is facing great uncertainty and instability in the face of US tariffs, it is encouraging to see the province invest in sectors like arts and tourism as these industries do help hospitality and retail businesses thrive.
“With uncertainty on the horizon, it is prudent to protect the essentials and prepare for what comes next by investing in our greatest resource, the people of British Columbia,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “While our economy is built to withstand the threat of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs relatively better than most other provinces, the impact would still be significant. Our budget prepares us to carefully navigate these uncharted waters so we can put people first and support businesses as we build a stronger, more self-sufficient future.” |
Reminder - BCGEU Collective Agreement Expires March 31 As you may already know, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) collective agreement expires on March 31. In 2022, cannabis retailers were greatly impacted by BCGEU labour action. Many of you have already reached out with concerns about the possibility of similar action happening again.
That strike hurt your businesses and workers and led to millions in lost revenue. To be blunt, industry cannot afford another similar disruption. We have already delivered that message directly to government and the BCGEU and will continue to offer updates as they become available.
Please contact bo@ablebc.ca if you have questions or concerns. |
Member Spotlight: Coast Range Cannabis |
In celebration of International Women’s Month, ABLE BC is proud to feature Coast Range Cannabis in our membership spotlight. And more specifically highlighting Sheila Rivers! Sheila is the President of Coast Range Cannabis and currently operates two beautiful stores in Comox and Courtenay on Vancouver Island. Additionally, Sheila also sits on ABLE BC’s Cannabis Advisory Committee — offering valuable insight as an independent retailer and perspectives from that region of BC. |
Coast Range Cannabis is the ultimate destination for cannabis enthusiasts in the Comox Valley. As a locally owned and legally licensed retailer, the Coast Range Team takes pride in offering the best selection of small-batch BC craft cannabis and Island-grown products. Their massive collection of affordable flower, edibles, vapes, CBD, extracts, and pre-rolls is unmatched. Sheila and the Coast Range Team were recently featured in the March edition of Island Farm & Garden , highlighting their passion in sourcing from local quality producers on Vancouver Island! |
Coast Range Cannabis - Courtenay Location |
Advocacy Win! Updates to federal Cannabis Regulations Last year in ABLE BC’s Cannabis Newsletters during the summer , we shared information on anticipated proposed amendments to the federal Cannabis Regulations and encouraged our industry readers to submit their feedback to government. We also corresponded with Health Canada to express our support as licensed cannabis retailers in BC for proposed changes that would strengthen the legal cannabis market and its stakeholders. As of March 12, 2025 — Health Canada has released the following updates that may impact retailers: - Simplify product packaging requirements (i.e., allowing both cut-out windows and transparent containers for flower and non-infused pre-rolls as well as allowing the cap and container to be different colours);
- Diversified labelling (i.e., allowing the use of an additional bar code on all product labels - for example, a QR code for educational and product knowledge purposes);
- Allowing co-packing for dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis extracts, cannabis topicals, and edible cannabis (think of a variety pack, bundle pack, experience kit);
- Removal of NNCPs process for dried cannabis (removes waiting 60 days for a producer to submit a new product such as flower and non-infused pre-rolls);
- A fourfold increase of how much cannabis micro cultivators, microprocessors, and cannabis nurseries can have on-site;
- Removal of size limit on non-infused pre-rolls (i.e., no longer has a limit of 1 g)
- And many others that help streamline processes for producers
While there are still numerous regulatory changes that our industry needs on the federal level, ABLE BC is encouraged that these changes will help streamline processes and reduce red-tape in all stages of industry’s supply chain and operators. Questions about what these changes mean to cannabis retailers? |
Breadstack’s Virtual Event: How to Increase Your Online Revenue ABLE BC invites you to join Breadstack for an exclusive live virtual event on March 26 - 10AM PST and discover how top cannabis retailers are scaling their same-day delivery operations into a major revenue driver.
Clients of Breadstack have increased their online delivery orders by $13K per week within just 4 months of launching Breadstack. Now, it's your turn!
What You'll Learn: - Proven strategies for maximizing same-day delivery revenue
- Best practices from high-performing cannabis retailers
- How to streamline operations for efficiency & growth
- Limited spots available! Secure your seat now
- BONUS: Win a StratCann Farm Tour!
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Ask an Expert: Why Compliance is Your Secret Weapon Pierre Bourbonnais, Co-Founder at SuperHR and trusted HR advisor to the ABLE BC team, shares why compliance might just be your company's secret weapon.
Too many businesses treat compliance like a chore, a list of rules to skim through so regulators stay off their backs. But here’s the truth: compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s the bedrock of every resilient, high-performing organization.
The Engagement Crisis (and How Compliance Fixes It)
Let’s talk about Canada’s workplace problem. A 2024 ADP Research survey paints a sobering picture: Only 19% of Canadian workers consider themselves fully engaged in their jobs, down from 22% in 2023. Disengaged teams cost businesses millions in lost productivity, constant turnover, and recruitment Band-Aids. However, companies that bake compliance into their culture, rather than treating it as a checkbox, see radically different results.
Let’s cut to a common (and costly) oversight: shaky employment contracts. In Canada, if your termination clause isn’t airtight, you’re playing with fire. Without this crucial safeguard, employers could find themselves on the hook for common law severance payouts—amounts that dwarf statutory minimums.
The real power of compliance lies in its ability to create workplaces people actually want to be part of. When teams understand the rules of the game and trust leadership to enforce them fairly, engagement soars. That stability lets companies double down on mentorship, upskilling, and culture-building initiatives that competitors can’t replicate. |
The Bottom Line Canada’s top employers aren’t just avoiding legal trouble. They’re using compliance as a springboard for loyalty, innovation, and market dominance. Because when your team knows you’ve got their back, they’ll fight to push the business forward. Is your business built on solid ground—or shifting sand? The answer could determine your next decade. |
Interested in becoming an ABLE Expert? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca to learn more. |
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go2HR on Tap: Serving Success: Mastering Reviews, Performance Management, and Goal Setting go2HR is a regular contributor to the ABLE BC Cannabis Industry Update newsletter, providing tips and guidance on current HR trends, new legislation, employee recruitment and retention, and more. To read the latest instalment, sign in to the member portal or sign up for the newsletter . Employee reviews, performance management, and goal setting are crucial elements of managing a successful team in any industry, but they are especially vital in the fast-paced and competitive world of food and beverage businesses. Small businesses in this sector face unique challenges when it comes to managing their workforce, from ensuring high-quality customer service to maintaining food safety standards. In this article, we will explore best practices for conducting effective employee reviews, implementing performance management strategies, and setting achievable goals. Employee Reviews Employee reviews are an essential tool for providing feedback, setting expectations, and recognizing achievements within your team. Here are some tips for conducting effective employee reviews: - Schedule Regular Reviews
- Prepare in Advance
- Provide Constructive Feedback
- Log in to the Member Portal to read more details on employee reviews
Performance Management Performance management involves setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, and providing support to help employees reach their full potential. Here are some strategies for effective performance management: - Set SMART Goals
- Provide Ongoing Feedback
- Offer Training and Development Opportunities
- Log in to the Member Portal to read more details on performance management
Employee Goal Setting Setting clear and achievable goals is essential for motivating employees, improving performance, and driving business success. Here are some tips for setting effective goals for your team: - Collaborate with Employees
- Align Goals with Business Objectives
- Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
- Log in to the Member Portal to read more details on employee goal setting
In conclusion, conducting effective employee reviews, implementing performance management strategies, and setting achievable goals are essential elements of managing a successful team for your business. By following these best practices and fostering a culture of feedback, support, and collaboration, employers can empower their employees to reach their full potential and drive business growth. go2HR , the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of free resources to support cannabis retailers. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees with health and safety at safety@go2HR.ca . |
Out and About with ABLE BC |
ABLE BC Team has been busy! - Top Left: ABLE BC Executive Director, Jeff Guignard with CEO of Tourism Industry Association of BC, Walt Judas
- Top Right: ABLE BC Cannabis Chair, Feven Berhane (KushKlub) at SPARK 2025
- Bottom Left: ABLE BC Team - Debrief day after SPARK Conference
- Bottom Right: Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim with Jeff Guignard
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: Cannabis Hospitality Summit , Vancouver, March 14-15 - Breadstack’s Live Virtual Event: How to Increase Your Online Revenue , Virtual, March 26
Victoria Cocktail Week , April 13-20 Cowichan Valley Wines Trade Tasting , Victoria, April 19 BCHA Summit , Vancouver, April 22-23 - Cowichan Valley Wines Trade Tasting , Nanaimo, May 6
Cowichan Valley Wines Trade Tasting , Courtenay, May 13 - North Van Cannabis Expo , North Vancouver, August 23
- Growing Relationships: Vancouver Island , Nanaimo, September 19
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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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