Health Canada Visibility Notice Update, BC Cannabis Secretariat Changes, Stay Inspection-Ready, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: May 13, 2026 |
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Dear ABLE BC Cannabis Members and Industry Colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: -
ABLE BC Advocacy Update: Health Canada Visibility Notice
Stay Inspection-Ready: Reminder on ID Checks & Staff Training BC Cannabis Secretariat Shifts to Ministry of Agriculture and Food - BC Cannabis Retailer Opens Consumption Patio
- Multipacks Are Transforming Canada’s Edibles Market
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World Cup Vancouver: Cannabis Delivery Times
- Reminder: Pay Transparency Requirements in BC
- Reminder: Minimum Wage Increase on June 1
- Member Spotlight: Quartz Creek Cannabis
go2HR: New & Free - Health & Safety Team Huddles for Your Staff Out and About with ABLE BC -
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Help our Cannabis Advocacy - Join ABLE BC
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ABLE BC Advocacy Update: Health Canada Visibility Notice |
We wanted to share a positive update regarding a recent letter from Health Canada (dated March 20, 2026) that a number of cannabis retailers may have received concerning cannabis visibility and promotion rules.
The letter served as a general reminder to retailers across Canada about the federal requirements related to the visibility of cannabis and cannabis accessories from outside a store, as well as restrictions around promotion and display under the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations. Following member concerns, ABLE BC engaged with our provincial government partners to seek clarification on the matter and better understand whether there were any compliance concerns specific to BC retailers. We are pleased to share the following response from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB):
“LCRB has communicated to Health Canada that LCRB has no reports of licensed retailer non-compliance with visibility rules, and Health Canada confirmed that no complaints have been submitted to them regarding BC-based retailers. Generally, this was an effort to ensure provincial licensees across the country are aware of the federal rules, as Health Canada may have received complaints regarding retailers in other provinces through their online reporting form.”
At this time, there is no additional action required from BC cannabis retailers. Businesses can continue operating as usual with peace of mind. That said, retailers are encouraged to continue reviewing their stores regularly to ensure ongoing compliance with federal and provincial requirements related to visibility, display, and promotion.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to ABLE BC. |
Stay Inspection-Ready: A Reminder on ID Checks and Staff Training |
With summer just around the corner and students soon to be out of school, ABLE BC is encouraging cannabis retailers to remain diligent when it comes to ID checks, staff training, and due diligence procedures.
The Minors as Agents Program (MAP) is one of the LCRB’s key compliance tools used to monitor responsible cannabis and liquor sales. Under the program, minors employed and supervised by the LCRB attempt to purchase cannabis or liquor from licensed establishments. As a reminder, LCRB inspectors will contact licensees directly if a sale is made to a minor agent. Since May 2025, licensees who successfully refuse service during a MAP inspection will also receive an automatic email notification from the LCRB within 14 days confirming they passed the compliance check. Checking identification remains one of the most important steps retailers can take to prevent contraventions and protect their business from enforcement action or penalties. Licensees are encouraged to ensure staff understand: - When and how to properly check ID
- Acceptable forms of identification
- House policies for age verification
- Procedures for refusing service when necessary
- Documentation and due diligence practices
Some retailers choose to check ID for every customer, while others require ID from anyone who appears under a certain age threshold, such as 30 years old. Whatever your policy may be, consistency and staff training are critical.
Helpful resources for retailers can be found on the LCRB website, including Check ID Decal 2026 and Identification Sign for Entrance into a Licensed Establishment.
ABLE BC Members can access complimentary compliance resources through the ABLE BC Member Portal, including sample due diligence policies, signage, and educational materials related to MAP inspections and responsible service practices.
For additional support with policies, procedures, or legal guidance, members are encouraged to connect with the ABLE BC team and expert network.
If you have questions about the Minors as Agents Program, please contact the LCRB directly at LCRB.CandE.Admin@gov.bc.ca. |
BC Cannabis Secretariat Shifts to Ministry of Agriculture and Food |
The BC government’s Cannabis Secretariat has officially transitioned into a new department called the Cannabis Business & Governance Unit - Market Diversification and Growth Branch within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The move reflects the province’s evolving approach to cannabis, with an increased focus on economic development, industry growth, innovation, and market expansion.
Originally created in 2017 ahead of legalization, the Cannabis Secretariat helped coordinate BC’s regulatory framework alongside the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. In 2025, the province announced that parts of the cannabis file would move to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The province has recently introduced several initiatives to support the legal cannabis sector, including extending Buy BC Partnership Program and BC Agriculture and Food Export Program eligibility to cannabis producers, as well as allowing cannabis growers access to the On-Farm Technology Adoption Program.
ABLE BC's Bo Chen comments:
"This shift is encouraging and it signals progression for our industry to be recognized as a key contributing sector that helps drives economic development in BC. ABLE BC commends the efforts of our partners from the BC Cannabis Secretariat and look forward to collaborating further with them in their new roles." Supporting and Growing BC's Legal Cannabis Sector
The article also highlighted key findings from BC’s April 2026 legal cannabis market strategy report. According to the report: - BC’s legal cannabis market captured approximately 61% of the total market in 2024, up from 37% in 2021, with a provincial target of reaching 80% by 2028.
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The Community Safety Unit (CSU) has disrupted more than 1,000 illicit online cannabis websites and conducted inspections and education visits targeting the illicit market.
- BC currently has approximately 550 licensed cannabis stores and 234 federally licensed cannabis producers and cultivators.
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The cannabis sector contributed approximately $1.7 billion to BC’s GDP in 2024, supports roughly 5,300 jobs, and generates an estimated $190 million in annual tax revenue.
- British Columbia continues to lead Canada in micro-cultivation licences.
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The report also emphasized ongoing collaboration with Indigenous governments through Section 119 agreements, which allow Indigenous Nations to participate in both cannabis production and retail. BC currently has seven such agreements in place, alongside continued investment through the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund.
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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 jesse@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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BC Cannabis Retailer Opens Consumption Patio |
A cannabis retailer in Kamloops has opened the city’s first outdoor cannabis consumption patio. Taste Cannabis officially launched the age-gated outdoor space on April 20, 2026, providing adults 19+ with a dedicated place to legally consume cannabis products.
The patio follows provincial rule changes introduced in 2024 that allow cannabis consumption in existing outdoor patio spaces where tobacco smoking and vaping are permitted, subject to local bylaws. The changes also allow cannabis retailers to advertise these consumption spaces.
Taste Cannabis owner Cody Savard shared that the initiative was inspired by Cannabis Cottage, which opened BC’s first retail cannabis consumption patio in 2024. Savard noted that the goal was to create a safe and welcoming space for consumers, particularly as more residents live in apartments or buildings where cannabis consumption may be restricted. |
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Multipacks Are Transforming Canada's Edibles Market |
Source: StratCann
Multipacks are quickly becoming one of the biggest trends in Canada’s legal cannabis edibles market, reshaping how consumers shop, how retailers stock products, and how brands compete.
According to industry leaders featured in a recent article by StratCann, multipacks have grown from just 2% of edible category sales to nearly 30% in under a year. Retailers are seeing consumers shift toward higher-value purchases, while brands are leaning into formats that offer greater convenience and perceived value.
The trend is also helping the legal market better compete with illicit edibles by improving affordability and reducing friction for repeat consumers. At the same time, retailers say budtender education remains critical, particularly around dosage awareness and responsible consumption. Many in the industry now view multipacks as more than a short-term trend — they represent a broader evolution in consumer purchasing behaviour within the edibles category. Read the full article here. |
World Cup Vancouver: Cannabis Delivery Times
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With Vancouver set to take centre stage as a Host City for the World Cup 26 , kicking off June 13, 2026, retail and hospitality businesses across the region have a major opportunity ahead — and an important deadline to prepare for.
Cannabis Delivery Times - Will Your Business Be Impacted?
In a collaborative effort between ABLE BC and the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, ABLE BC is reaching out to members and cannabis retail operators in Vancouver to help coordinate cannabis delivery times for businesses that may be impacted by FIFA-related road closures and events.
Access the Community Activation Playbook (includes road closure info) HERE .
View the Match Day Schedule HERE .
If your business anticipates any challenges receiving deliveries, please email bo@ablebc.ca with your licence name, address, and your usual delivery days and times. |
Reminder: Pay Transparency Requirements in BC |
ABLE BC is reminding members about ongoing obligations under BC’s Pay Transparency Act, which came into effect on May 11, 2023, and introduced new requirements for provincially regulated employers across the province.
As of November 1, 2023, all public job postings in British Columbia must include either the expected pay or a pay range for the position. The legislation was introduced as part of the province’s efforts to help address gender-based pay inequities and promote fairness and transparency in the workplace. Under the Pay Transparency Act, employers must comply with several key requirements, including: Job Posting Requirements All publicly advertised job postings must clearly include the expected salary or wage range for the role. This requirement applies to all provincially regulated employers in BC.
Restrictions on Pay History Questions Employers are prohibited from asking job applicants about compensation earned from previous employers. The goal is to help prevent historical wage disparities from continuing throughout a person’s career. Protection from Employer Reprisal
The legislation also protects employees who engage in conversations about pay transparency. Employers cannot dismiss, discipline, demote, suspend, harass, or otherwise retaliate against employees who: - Ask about their pay
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Share pay information with coworkers or job applicants
- Ask about their employer’s pay transparency report
Annual Pay Transparency Reporting
Certain employers are also required to submit annual pay transparency reports by November 1 each year. These reports are being phased in based on employer size and are intended to increase accountability and awareness around workplace pay gaps.
Members are encouraged to review their hiring practices, job postings, and workplace policies to ensure they remain compliant with the legislation.
More information about the Pay Transparency Act can be found on the Province of British Columbia Pay Transparency Information Page. |
Reminder: Minimum Wage Increase on June 1 |
Earlier this year, the Government of British Columbia announced that the province’s general minimum wage will increase to $18.25 per hour effective June 1, 2026.
This increase is part of an automatic annual adjustment established under the Employment Standards Act. Since 2024, minimum wage increases in B.C. have been tied to the annual average change in the province’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). For 2026, the CPI increase was slightly over 2.1%, with the final wage rounded to the nearest nickel. Learn More -
Members can review the official announcement from the Ministry of Labour
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Additional information about minimum wage rules is available through the Employment Standards Branch
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If you have questions about how the minimum wage applies in specific situations, you can contact the Employment Standards Branch directly
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ABLE BC will continue to keep members informed about labour policy changes that may impact licensed businesses across the province.
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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. |
Member Spotlight: Quartz Creek Cannabis |
Located in the heart of Golden, Quartz Creek Cannabis was Golden’s original legal cannabis retail store and continues to serve both locals and visitors with a strong commitment to responsible cannabis retail. Conveniently located on the road to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden Golf Club, the Gorman Lake Snowmobile Zone, and some of BC’s most renowned mountain biking trails, Quartz Creek Cannabis has become a trusted stop for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the region. The team at Quartz Creek Cannabis is guided by four core values: responsibility, quality, education, and service. Their approach to retail is rooted in the belief that cannabis should be delivered to consumers in a safe, responsible, and informative environment.
Committed to offering high-quality, legal cannabis products, the store places a strong emphasis on customer education, helping consumers make informed choices that best fit their needs and preferences. Their knowledgeable team works to create a welcoming experience built on support, understanding, and personalized service. |
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go2HR: New & Free - Health & Safety Team Huddles for Your Staff |
Keeping safety top of mind in fast-paced Tourism & Hospitality workplaces is not always easy. Between busy shifts, changing priorities, and operational pressures, finding time for meaningful safety conversations can be a challenge. That’s where go2HR’s new Team Huddles service comes in. Delivered virtually by go2HR’s Health & Safety specialists, Team Huddles bring ready-to-go safety talks directly to your staff. These 15–30-minute sessions are designed to reinforce safe work practices, encourage open conversations about workplace safety, and help teams stay focused on working safely without creating extra work for employers.
The sessions fit easily into existing team meetings or pre-shift briefings and cover practical topics relevant to Tourism & Hospitality workplaces, including team roles in workplace safety, staying safe under pressure, and working safely in hot environments. For workplaces in select locations, in-person Team Huddles may also be available. By making safety conversations more accessible and consistent, Team Huddles help build stronger awareness, shared accountability, and safer workplace cultures across the industry!
Book a Team Huddle Today |
Top: ABLE BC Members & Partners catching up during KIND Gardens in downtown Vancouver
Below Left: Bo Chen visiting ABLE BC's Vice President Poma Dhaliwal @ Jolly Miller Pub
Below Right: ABLE BC checking out Bagheera during the North America’s 50 Best Bars events in Vancouver
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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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