GS1 Barcodes, SPARK Liquor & Cannabis Conference, Advocacy for North Vancouver, and more! --------------------------------------------------------- |
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Cannabis Industry Update: December 4, 2024 |
Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry: -
ABLE BC Working with the LCRB
- New GS1 Barcodes Coming for Cannabis Products
- ABLE BC Advocacy on Behalf of North Vancouver Cannabis Retailers
- LDB Cannabis Holiday Order & Delivery Schedule
- Bill C-78: Tax Break for All Canadians
- SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference Registration Open!
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High Levels of Contaminants Found in Illicit Cannabis Products
- Order Your 2025 ID Checking Guides
- Congratulations Flight Cannabis, Winner of the Breadstack Webinar Giveaway
- Canna Winter Clothing Drive
- go2HR on Tap: Enhancing Workplace Culture Through Employee Feedback
- Member Spotlight: MJB Cannabis
- Out and About with ABLE BC
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
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ABLE BC Working with the LCRB
As the new provincial ministers are going through the onboarding process of their respective ministries, ABLE BC is working with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to advocate for policies that support the financial viability of private cannabis retailers in BC. In a recent meeting with the LCRB, we discussed several issues important to BC's private cannabis retail industry, including: - Market controls;
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Allowing cannabis sales at events;
- Reviewing CRS Terms & Conditions;
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Streamlining LCRB administration; and
- Creating more opportunities for cannabis consumption spaces.
We are encouraged by the LCRB's commitment to working with industry and look forward to further collaboration with our government partners in 2025.
If you would like to learn more about the issues ABLE BC is working on, please contact Bo Chen at bo@ablebc.ca. |
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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. |
| Liquor Industry Update Newsletter
Sign up for our Liquor 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 bo@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in. |
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New GS1 Barcodes Coming for Cannabis Products
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) and BC Cannabis Wholesale Operations are supporting a national change to barcode formats on licensed non-medical cannabis products. ABLE BC shared the GS1 Canada Barcode Readiness Survey in August 2024 to help prepare industry for the changes coming next year.
As of March 31, 2025, the LDB will authorize Licensed Producers to use the GS1 DataMatrix barcode on cannabis retail packaging. The new GS1 DataMatrix barcode format will improve scanning accuracy and reduce the required barcode size. The new barcode only impacts retail packaging, there is no change to the required GS1-128 barcode on the shipping case. Licensed Producers will have the option to use the new GS1 DataMatrix or the currently approved GS1 DataBar or GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked barcodes. Barcodes will contain the GTIN, packaging date, and lot number.
Action Required: To avoid scanning issues, please confirm your hardware and software systems support the GS1 DataMatrix barcode. To help ensure you are prepared to handle products with the GS1 DataMatrix barcode, GS1 Canada have provided the following guidance: -
Scanner Readiness: Ensure your scanners can read GS1 DataMatrix symbols, which require two-dimensional scanning technology (such as camera or imaging-based scanners). Laser scanners that are commonly used for linear barcodes will not be able to read 2D barcodes like GS1 DataMatrix. Most scanners capable of reading GS1 DataMatrix can also scan linear barcodes such as GS1-128, GS1 DataBar Expanded, and UPC-A.
- System Compatibility: Confirm that your internal systems, including POS systems, are capable of receiving, storing, and processing the additional information encoded in GS1 DataMatrix, such as batch/lot numbers and packaging dates.
For further information, please consult the Barcode Scanning Equipment Selection Criteria for Retailers Guide.
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the LDB Customer Experience Team at cannabis.customerexperience@bcldb.com or visit the GS1 Canada website.
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ABLE BC Advocacy on Behalf of North Vancouver Cannabis Retailers
ABLE BC is working with municipalities across BC to reduce business licensing fees for cannabis retailers, as Powell River has recently done.
Last week, we wrote to North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little and Council to express our strong support of reducing the $5735.20 business licence fee for cannabis retailers. We are also pushing the District of North Vancouver to align operating hours for licensed cannabis retailers with the provincial standard of 11:00 pm, set by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). We look forward to sharing updates as they are available. We will continue to push for more opportunities in other communities across BC. |
LDB Cannabis Holiday Order & Delivery Schedule
As the holiday season approaches, BC Cannabis Wholesale Operations wants to ensure wholesale customers are aware of important changes to order cut-off and delivery schedules to accommodate statutory holidays for Christmas and New Year’s Day.
If your order cut-off and delivery schedule is being changed during the two-week period from December 22 to January 4, you have been notified via email. Please make note of these changes to ensure your orders are fulfilled in a timely manner. Any orders placed after cut-off will be delivered the following week. Click here to confirm if your store is affected by these changes. If you have questions about your store’s order cut-off and delivery schedule over the holiday period, please contact the Customer Care Centre by phone at 1-833-420-2227 or email at businesscustomercarecentre@bcldb.com. Please note that the Customer Care Centre will not be available on December 25 and January 1.
Keep in mind that at this time of year, shipping delays may occur due to inclement weather conditions. |
Bill C-78: Tax Break for All Canadians
The federal government has passed legislation to temporarily relieve GST on food and some alcohol, Bill C-78 Tax Break for All Canadians Act. This bill requires that businesses remove GST from food, non-alcoholic beverages, and most alcoholic beverages from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025.
ABLE BC discussed the inclusion of cannabis products in Bill C-78 with our federal government partners, and they have confirmed that cannabis products are not included in this bill.
To learn more about Bill C-78 and how it could impact your business, read ABLE BC's comprehensive FAQ. Have a question not addressed in the FAQ? Reach out to Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Memberships, at bo@ablebc.ca.
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SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference Registration Open!
Registration for SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference is now open!
Early bird rates are now available for ABLE BC members and non-members. Register before January 10, 2025, to secure the best price for BC's premier liquor and cannabis conference.
All conference registrations include breakfast, lunch, networking reception with the BC Tourism Industry Conference, vendor marketplace, and access to all educational sessions, advocacy updates, workshops, and panel discussions. Get pumped for a full day of liquor and cannabis advocacy, engaging with representatives from the LDB and LCRB, networking with like-minded business owners, and learning from industry experts in the liquor and cannabis fields. |
Member Rates Early Bird: $395 | Regular: $549
Log in to the Member Portal to secure your member rate.
Questions about the portal or ABLE BC memberships? Contact jesse@ablebc.ca.
Non-Member Rates Early Bird: $495 | Regular: $649
All liquor, cannabis, tourism, and hospitality industry members are welcome! |
High Levels of Contaminants Found in Illicit Cannabis Products
A recent study by RPC Labs, New Brunswick's provincial research organization, found high levels of contaminants and pesticides in illicit cannabis products. The study compared illicit products (including vape cartridges, shatter, hash, flower, and edibles) to legal cannabis products.
“The intent here is very much for people to have a better understanding of the reality of the illicit cannabis market,” says Andrien Rackov of RPC Labs. “You really don’t know what you’re getting and these products are not being screened for contaminants.”
Legal products are regularly tested so that items with contaminants can be removed from the supply chain. “If there are any issues that pop up with legal cannabis, we actually have mechanisms for doing recalls, investigations...opposed to illicit products where you’re not going to know what you’re getting,” says Rackov. Key findings of the study include: - All legal cannabis samples tested had THC label claims compliant with Health Canada regulations.
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Ten of the illicit samples tested had 16-24% less THC than claimed on the label. Four illicit samples had 42-86% less THC than claimed on the label.
- None of the legal samples had pesticides detected at Health Canada limits.
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The majority of illicit samples tested has pesticides detected above Health Canada limits.
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Order Your 2025 ID Checking Guides The NEW 2025 North American ID Checking Guide and NEW 16th Edition International ID Checking Guide are now available to order through ABLE BC.
Place your order before January 10, 2025, to secure our group buying discount! |
ID Checking Guides help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver’s licenses and ID cards – your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats. |
Congratulations Flight Cannabis, Winner of the Breadstack Webinar Giveaway
Congratulations to Jeffry Fridfinnson of Flight Cannabis, on winning the ABLE BC and Breadstack eCommerce webinar giveaway! Jeffry is heading to Las Vegas to catch the action at MJBizCon, with a complimentary conference ticket, travel, and accommodation provided by Breadstack.
A special thanks to Breadstack and speakers Riel Roussopoulos, David Brown, Gary Hehar, and Dennis Park for sharing their experience and insights.
Breadstack offers powerful, innovative, and modern e-commerce solutions for private cannabis retailers. ABLE BC members have access to the best pricing and service from Breadstack, including subscription discounts, integration with COVA and Greenline POS, and more! Contact bo@ablebc.ca to learn more about Breadstack today.
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Canna Winter Clothing Drive Give back this holiday season! Join us in collecting new or gently used winter clothing and blankets to donate to those in need. Participating stores will collect donations from until December 18. Volunteers will pick up donated items and deliver to Lookout Housing & Health Society. |
go2HR on Tap: Enhancing Workplace Culture Through Employee Feedback
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.
Gathering and implementing employee feedback is crucial for fostering a positive and psychologically safe workplace culture, especially in fast-paced workplaces within the liquor industry. When employees feel heard and valued by their employer, it leads to increased job satisfaction, higher levels of retention and engagement, and improved overall performance. Additionally, tapping into employee insights can help drive innovation and continuous improvement, enhance guest service, and create a more cohesive and motivated team.
Here are a few tips to get started: -
Set the Stage for Feedback: Ensure employees feel psychologically safe to share ideas, feedback, concerns, and suggestions, without fear of reprisal. Don’t ask for feedback if you are not prepared or equipped to follow up or take action. Acknowledge and respond to all feedback in a timely manner.
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Create Open Channels for Communication: Establish multiple ways for employees to share their thoughts - directly and anonymously (e.g. Regular meetings, open-door policy, informal chats, online polls or feedback forms, employee engagement surveys).
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Respond Genuinely: Show an interest in what employees have to say. Show gratitude for participation, be willing to explore ideas (no matter how outrageous) and respond with empathy towards concerns.
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Implement Feedback Promptly: Demonstrating that feedback leads to tangible changes is vital. When employees see their suggestions being implemented, it reinforces their value within the organization and boosts morale. While not all feedback may be reasonable or actionable, it is just as important to acknowledge and to let employees know why not and what, if anything, can or will be done with it.
By integrating these practices, liquor industry employers create a more inclusive and positive work environment. This not only enhances employee satisfaction and engagement but also leads to improved guest service, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole. For more information, or to explore ways to gather and implement feedback from your employees, contact your go2HR Regional HR Consultant today!
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 at hr@go2HR.ca.
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Member Spotlight: MJB Cannabis |
At MJB Cannabis, customer satisfaction is our top priority. This is why we strive to provide experiences tailored to each individual's needs. We offer a diverse range of products, catering to both newcomers and seasoned cannabis enthusiasts alike. Our dedicated staff go above and beyond, providing knowledgeable support for all of your cannabis related concerns.
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Out and About with ABLE BC
The ABLE BC office will be closed from December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025 so our team can enjoy the holidays. Even when our office is closed, we will still keep you informed of any urgent issues or updates for the cannabis industry. If you have questions during our holiday office closure, please reach out to Jeff Guignard at jeff@ablebc.ca.
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Bo Chen with new members Don & Carol of WEEDs |
| Bo Chen with members Dennis & Mark of Craft Greenery |
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Bo Chen, Jeff Guignard, and Rebecca Hardin of Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors |
Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars Check out these upcoming events: -
Growing Relationships, Mission, February 10, 2025
- SPARK: BC Liquor & Cannabis Conference, Vancouver, March 5, 2025
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BC Tourism Industry Conference, Vancouver, March 5-7, 2025
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WORTH Leadership Summit, Vancouver, March 11, 2025
- BCHA Summit, Vancouver, April 22-23, 2025
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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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