Advocacy Updates: Market Controls, BCGEU Updates , Surrey's First Store, and more industry news inside. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: September 10, 2025 |
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Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: -
ABLE BC Memberships Now Overdue
- Advocacy Update: ABLE BC - Sales at Events & Market Controls
- BCGEU Job Action Update
- Did You Know: List of Producers Able to Ship Direct to Licensees
- Surrey's First Cannabis Store Opens
- Retail West Conference: Sept 25 in Vancouver - Special Pricing for ABLE BC Members
- StratCann's Growing Relationships Event in Nanaimo Sept 19 & Promo Codes for ABLE BC
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FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver Community Activation Playbook for Businesses
- go2HR New Guide to Worker Injury Management for BC Tourism & Hospitality
- Member Spotlight: Honeycomb Cannabis
- Out and About with ABLE BC
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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ABLE BC Cannabis Membership Now Overdue |
ABLE BC memberships expired on September 1, 2025. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, then you are at risk of losing access to free resources and exclusive services and pricing from our benefit providers. Login to the Member Portal now to renew! ABLE BC is your seat at the table. We are your united voice, and we make a strong impact on government, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed.
We are only able to do this work because of the support of our members. Put simply, ABLE BC does not exist without your membership dues.
If you have questions about your renewal, don't know how to log into the Member Portal, or would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Bo Chen, at bo@ablebc.ca or 778-387-3108 |
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Advocacy Update: ABLE BC - Sales at Events & Market Controls |
Earlier this week, ABLE BC submitted industry recommendations to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) as part of the government’s current cannabis policy engagement on Sales at Events and Market Controls in BC. Following these submissions, ABLE BC met directly with the LCRB to reiterate the nuances and benefits of these policies that will provide stability and responsible growth for our sector. Key recommendations included: - Establishing a clear and straightforward separation distance between all classes of cannabis stores in BC (government-operated BC Cannabis Stores, private Cannabis Retail Stores, and PRS Licensees).
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Supporting a responsible roll-out of cannabis sales at events, with clear and defined roles between private retailers and producers to foster collaboration instead of conflict.
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Allowing collaboration between private retailers and BC producers to create retail-branded products sourced locally within BC.
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Prioritizing market stability before revisiting marginal increases to the licence cap, ensuring new policies (such as provincial distance criteria) are firmly in place first.
In addition, ABLE BC shared other high-level policy considerations with government, including:
- Streamlining and improving the PRS (“farmgate store”) framework to support the growth of cannabis hospitality in BC.
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Modernizing outdated retail restrictions to align with standard best practices, such as loyalty programs, cross-promotion with local businesses, and the ability to sell complementary non-cannabis products (e.g., snacks).
Thanks to the insightful feedback from our members - through townhalls, committees, surveys, and ongoing discussions - ABLE BC was able to deliver thoughtful, nuanced recommendations designed to benefit the industry as a whole.
ABLE BC’s Bo Chen commented:
“In addition to the much-appreciated efforts and support of our cannabis members, I also want to thank and acknowledge the collaborative support of the BC Cannabis Alliance in this recent advocacy work and emphasize how important it is for private retailers and BC producers to unite together on an indivisible front as we all continue to take industry agency and shape the landscape with our government partners.”
“I can see the momentum of everyone’s work starting to take effect, therefore it is essential that industry collectively continues to advocate together at this particular point.” ABLE BC remains committed to uniting BC’s more than 100 private cannabis stores and working closely with producers, industry partners, and government to build a strong and sustainable sector. Questions? Please reach out to Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca. |
ABLE BC Cannabis Committee’s discussions on policy and advocacy in the early stages last Fall. |
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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. |
| 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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As you know, the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) began job action on September 2, 2025. Since then, picket lines have expanded across the province, and the union has now escalated job action further.
In case you missed it, you can read our full September 8 update here. What’s happened since our September 8 update: -
The BCGEU released its full list of active picket sites as of September 9.
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CTV News coverage highlighted Premier David Eby’s remarks that government negotiators are working to balance fairness for workers with fiscal realities, noting: “We’re keen for a deal that’s fair to workers, that recognizes the hard work done by government employees right across the province – making life better for British Columbians – and is also fair to taxpayers, recognizing the fiscal headwinds that the province is facing.”
- So far, job action has focused on
government service offices, with the BCGEU stressing it is prioritizing “core government services” to minimize the impact on the public. However, BCGEU President Paul Finch warned that this focus “won’t last forever.”
Global News reported that remote and hybrid work has emerged as a key bargaining issue. Roughly 4,000 BCGEU members currently work from home full- or part-time, and the union is seeking to enshrine remote work into contract language.
What ABLE BC is doing: - On behalf of our members, we are engaged in ongoing conversations with both the BCGEU and the BC Government separately, advocating for the shared concerns of private cannabis retailers in BC.
- On Monday, ABLE BC hosted cannabis and liquor townhalls to ensure members are aligned and informed. We will continue to update and host more as needed as this situation develops.
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Preparing ABLE BC members on communications and messaging.
- Engaged with cannabis producers that can ship directly to retailers, providing some relief to the supply chain.
We know this evolving situation is creating uncertainty for the industry. ABLE BC is committed to keeping members informed, advocating on your behalf, and supporting clear communication with all stakeholders.
Questions? Please reach out to Bo Chen (bo@ablebc.ca). |
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Did You Know: List of Producers Able to Ship Direct to Licensees |
Along with our partners at BC LDB Cannabis, we want to ensure cannabis retailers know about the list of eligible cannabis SKUs for direct delivery on the BC Cannabis Wholesale website.
The list is used to assist retailers in verifying the products being offered by direct delivery producers that are registered for the program. The direct delivery vendors will have a smaller subset of products in stock at any point in time. The LDB also posts a contact list for the direct delivery producers who have provided that information.
Find the two resources on the wholesale website under Resources, Direct Delivery, and Direct Delivery Product Catalogue or Direct Delivery Contact List. |
Surrey's First Cannabis Store Opens |
ABLE BC's Bo Chen (L) and Wine Growers BC's Jeff Guignard (R) with Surrey City Councillor Linda Annis |
Surrey’s first legal cannabis retail store has officially opened. On August 29, Imagine Cannabis welcomed customers at its new Newton location on King George Boulevard and 74 Avenue - a milestone moment for the province’s second-largest city.
This marks the first of a dozen cannabis retailers approved by Surrey City Council earlier this year, long after other Metro Vancouver municipalities had moved forward with legal cannabis retail. This shared industry achievement is something ABLE BC is particularly proud of as we have been a strong advocate for opening up legal cannabis retail bylaws in Surrey and other communities.
About Imagine Cannabis
Imagine Cannabis is operated by Harp Hoonjan, who first secured the Newton retail space in September 2022. The company has grown steadily since launching in Courtenay five years ago and now operating multiple locations in BC.
Harp is also an active member of ABLE BC’s Cannabis Committee, helping shape advocacy priorities and industry policies to support the growth of a responsible and successful legal cannabis retail sector in British Columbia. What’s Next
As of mid-August, 11 of the 12 approved cannabis stores in Surrey have received rezoning approval, with the last expected in September. ABLE BC is looking forward to the future development of legal and responsible cannabis retail operators within this community. |
Retail West Conference on September 25 in Vancouver: ABLE BC Members Special Pricing |
The Retail Council of Canada's Retail West Conference returns to Vancouver on September 25 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. RCC Retail West is where meaningful connections happen. Whether you’re exploring new trends and technologies or simply looking to learn from peers facing the same challenges, this event brings Western Canada’s retail leaders together for real conversations and practical insight. From consumer psychology to evolving payment systems, the conference offers retailers tools to thrive in a fast-changing marketplace. Networking is woven into every session, giving attendees both knowledge and connections to strengthen their businesses. Learn more and register here.
Thanks to our collaboration with the RCC, ABLE BC has secured special pricing for our members. If you’re interested in attending, please check your email inboxes for the promo code for ABLE BC Members. |
StratCann's Growing Relationships: Nanaimo - September 19 & ABLE BC Promo Codes |
StratCann is bringing its Growing Relationships event to Nanaimo on Friday, September 19 - the first time to Vancouver Island! This B2B event is designed exclusively for licensed cannabis retailers to connect with multiple producers, discover new products, and participate in timely discussions on BC’s retail landscape.
As an ABLE BC member, you’ll receive a special discount on tickets - If you’re interested in attending, please check your email inboxes for the promo code for ABLE BC Cannabis Members. Don’t miss this unique chance to meet growers, exchange ideas, and build stronger industry connections!
Learn more and register here. |
FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver Community Activation Playbook for Businesses |
The FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ Community Activation Playbook is now live.
With more than 350,000 fans expected to attend the seven Vancouver matches at BC Place, excitement is building across the city and province. For businesses, residents, and communities throughout BC, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the sport, showcase our vibrant culture, and bring people together for matches and festivities. This Playbook is your guide to joining the FIFA World Cup 26™ celebrations. It includes practical tips on community activation, permitting, and public viewing so you can bring the FIFA World Cup atmosphere to life province-wide. ABLE BC Advocacy
Earlier this week, ABLE BC - along with other industry associations - met with the City of Vancouver’s FIFA 2026 planning committee. This meeting ensured industry perspectives were heard and allowed ABLE BC to share the Community Activation Playbook directly with members and partners. Our goal is to help you plan ahead and take full advantage of this historic event. In this Playbook, you’ll find: -
Creative celebration ideas: country flags, soccer themes, community pride
- Information on FIFA Public Viewing Licenses and how to obtain one
- Brand use rules (note: FIFA marks, logos, slogans, and other branding cannot be used without licensing/official partnership)
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Guidance for Vancouver-based businesses on hosting events during FIFA World Cup 26™, including how to obtain permits via the City of Vancouver
Call for FIFA World Cup 26™ Volunteers
Being part of the FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteer team is a unique chance to help deliver the world’s largest sporting event - uniting three countries, 16 Host Cities, and billions of fans around the globe. Volunteer Team Tryouts start in October - apply as soon as possible! Volunteer roles include: - Supporting operations at BC Place in Vancouver
- Welcoming fans along stadium routes
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Assisting at the FIFA Fan Festival™
- Acting as local ambassadors to showcase Vancouver’s culture, diversity, and hospitality
Find out more about FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteering opportunities including key details and dates.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Playbook or how ABLE BC can support your business as you prepare for FIFA World Cup 26™, please contact Bo: bo@ablebc.ca. |
go2HR New Guide to Worker Injury Management for BC Tourism & Hospitality |
go2HR has developed a new visual guide to help employers in our sector manage workplace injuries effectively - including both physical and psychological injuries. The guide walks through best practices for supporting workers across different levels of injury - from minor to severe - with clear steps for: - First aid and medical care
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Time loss and return-to-work planning
- Communication and documentation
- Mental health support during recovery
This resource is designed to ensure safer, more effective reintegration for injured workers, while helping employers meet their responsibilities with confidence. |
Member Spotlight: Honeycomb Cannabis |
At Honeycomb Cannabis, they take their flower seriously - and their customers’ satisfaction even more so. Proudly stocking one of the most diverse selections in Langford, Honeycomb offers everything from bud, pre-rolls, and vapes to edibles, beverages, oils, tinctures, and accessories.
Whether you’re a daily CBD user or a special-occasions THC consumer, Honeycomb has something to suit your lifestyle. After all, your satisfaction is their “bee’s knees.” |
Located in the heart of Langford at 2317 Millstream Rd #107, Honeycomb Cannabis is part of a vibrant community surrounded by local shops, restaurants, and the natural beauty of Mill Hill Regional Park. It’s the perfect spot to #FindYourBestBuzz while enjoying the laid-back West Coast vibe. |
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Left: Bo with ABLE BC President Yvan Charette @ the Jolly Coachman Pub. Right: Bo checking out a cannabis store in Okinawa, Japan during his time off over the summer break. |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: -
Growing Relationships: Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, September 19
- RCC Retail West, Vancouver, September 25
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Growing Relationship + Tether, Kelowna, October 5 & 6
BC Restaurants Hall of Fame, Vancouver, October 20
TOTA Summit, Kelowna, October 22-23 - Grow Up Conference & Expo, Vancouver, January 20-21, 2026
2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference, Kelowna, March 4-6, 2026
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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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