Cannabis Industry Update---------------------------------------------------------
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Cannabis Industry Update:
June 12, 2024
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Dear ABLE BC cannabis members and industry colleagues,
Here's the latest news for the private cannabis industry:
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Hello from Kelowna!
Hello canna-folks & friends,
With summer right around the corner, industry is bustling with plenty of events, engagements, and advocacy work.
I'm in Kelowna this week to speak at StratCann's Growing Relationships event that brought out many of our industry partners and members. While in town, I'm meeting with local cannabis retail owners, operators, and budtenders to learn more about the specific challenges in this region. Thank you to everyone who has taken time out of their busy schedules to meet with me.
Kelowna is gorgeous in June, and the local canna-hospitality has been awesome. I’m looking forward to visiting again!
Bo Chen
Head of Cannabis Membership
ABLE BC
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Bo Chen at StratCann's Growing Relationships
Photo courtesy of Jeff Curtis of Boro & Beyond
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BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health
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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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.
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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 david@ablebc.ca if you need help logging in.
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Health Canada Proposes Changes to Federal Cannabis Regulations
Earlier this week, Health Canada proposed several changes to federal cannabis regulations. Industry has been waiting on the ongoing review of cannabis regulations, and we are pleased to see movement in the right direction.
Government has requested industry consultation, and ABLE BC will submit our feedback this month. If you would like your comments included in ABLE BC's feedback, please send them to Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Membership, at bo@ablebc.ca. You can also submit feedback directly in the comment sections of the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement until July 8, 2024.
The proposed changes reflect the needs of a maturing cannabis industry and evolving marketplace. ABLE BC strongly supports many of these long overdue changes, which will have a positive impact on product packaging and labelling, production capacity, and will allow certain cannabis products to come to market faster.
Some of the proposed changes include:
- Increasing cultivation and processing threshold limits for micro-class licenses.
- Removing the requirement to list actual THC and CDB on product labels and only require total THC and CBD to be labelled.
- Removing the requirement for Licensed Processors to provide printed consumer information documents with packaged products.
- Simplifying packaging requirements: allowing differentiation in colour between container and lid; permitting cut-out windows for some products; and allowing transparent containers for some products.
- Removing the cumulative 10mg THC limit for an outermost container of edible cannabis products.
- Removing the notice of new cannabis products (NNCP) reporting requirement for dried and fresh cannabis products.
We encourage you to read the complete Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement from Health Canada and submit your feedback to bo@ablebc.ca.
Health Canada's proposed changes do not address increasing THC limits on edibles, an issue we support and will continue to advocate for on behalf of our members.
We are working with MP Patrick Weiler, who presented a petition to raise THC limits to the House of Commons on May 30, and we're grateful of his support of industry's needs.
We look forward to sharing further updates as they are available.
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A Message from ABLE BC President Yvan Charette
In April, ABLE BC and the Community Safety Unit (CSU), who carry out compliance and enforcement under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA), presented a webinar on Provincial Efforts to Address Illicit Cannabis Operations. If you missed this webinar, a recording is available in the video library of the member portal.
After the webinar, ABLE BC’s President, Yvan Charette, met with CSU officials to further discuss members' questions about enforcement actions. Yvan and the CSU had an open and productive conversation that highlighted the CSU’s commitment to education, enforcement, and working with ABLE BC and industry.
Yvan shares this message with ABLE BC’s cannabis retail members about working with the CSU:
The CSU’s work is crucial in strengthening the cannabis industry and ensuring opportunities for legal producers and retailers. Although progress may seem slow at times, it is important to remember that building strong, respectful relationships with regulatory bodies like the CSU is key to our long-term success.
We are committed to continuous advocacy for a fair regulatory environment, always striving to enhance communication about the challenges posed by illicit operations. We will continue to build collaborative relationships with the CSU and other stakeholders.
I am confident that our efforts with the CSU will lead to a stronger, safer cannabis industry for all. We are stronger with a united voice.
Recently, the CSU conducted a second raid of cannabis stores on K’omoks First Nation land. No arrests were made, but a large amount of illicit cannabis and other products were seized.
We appreciate the CSU’s continued enforcement efforts that support legal and responsible cannabis operators. If you have questions about the CSU and enforcement actions, please contact Bo Chen, ABLE BC's Head of Cannabis Memberships at bo@ablebc.ca.
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LCRB Panel Discussion with ABLE BC, BCCBG, and BCRFA
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) gathered nearly 200 of their staff from across the province in Victoria last month. As a part of this conference, David Hume, General Manager of the LCRB, invited ABLE BC, the BC Craft Brewers Guild (BCCBG), and the BC Restaurant Foodservices Association (BCRFA) to organize a panel discussion followed by a meet & greet between LCRB staff, BC Cannabis Secretariat, and local licensees.
ABLE BC’s Head of Cannabis Membership, Bo Chen, and Senior Communications Manager, Ann Brydle, sat on the panel alongside Thom Riley, General Manager of Vancouver Island Brewing and BCCBG Board Member, and Ian Tostenson, President and CEO of BCRFA. David Hume moderated a lively and productive discussion on the state of the cannabis and liquor industry, and how LCRB staff can support our members.
All three associations emphasized the troubling state of our members’ businesses. Cannabis retailers are facing pressure from overregulation, high taxes, inflation, increasing labour costs, and harsh punishments for MAP and other inspections – all of which are squeezing margins and disrupting operations.
Bo stressed to LCRB staff and the BC Cannabis Secretariat that private licensed cannabis retailers are struggling to gain market share, given competition from government stores and illicit operations. He also highlighted the need for improving the Direct Delivery system and reducing the LDB’s 15% markup.
After the panel discussion, some of ABLE BC’s cannabis members in Victoria had an opportunity to meet directly with LCRB and Cannabis Secretariat staff to discuss their unique business challenges and perspectives.
We are grateful that our partners at the LCRB and BC Cannabis Secretariat trust ABLE BC as the leading advocates for cannabis retailers, and actively seek our engagement and collaboration. We look forward to working together on the issues discussed on the panel and developing solutions that will better support our members.
If you have questions for ABLE BC about our work with the LCRB, please contact Bo at bo@ablebc.ca.
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Pictured left to right:
Thom Riley (VIB & BCCBG), Bo Chen (ABLE BC), Ian Tostenson (BCRFA), David Hume (LCRB), Ann Brydle (ABLE BC)
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Open for Business: North Saanich Permits Licensed Cannabis Retail
Bo Chen, ABLE BC’s Head of Cannabis Membership, was on the island last month to attend a District of North Saanich Council Meeting to speak in support of opening the municipality to licensed cannabis retailers.
North Saanich Council considered a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow licensed cannabis retail in their community. At a hearing on Monday, May 27, ABLE BC spoke in favour of this amendment. Bo addressed Council and highlighted that licensed retailers operate responsibly, ensuring that cannabis products are tested and safe, and additionally are kept out of the hands of minors.
Council voted in favour of staff’s recommendation to give third reading to a zoning bylaw amendment that will allow cannabis retail at Sandown Park. We commend North Saanich Council on this decision and their support of opening the community to legal, safe, and responsible cannabis operations.
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Bo Chen addressing North Saanich Council
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SSBR Program Provides Funds for Property Damage Repairs
A Kelowna cannabis store was recently broken into, suffering significant property damage. Thankfully, no one was injured during the break-in, and the owner is confident the store will recover from the damage.
Many businesses have reported a rise in property damage, crime, and vandalism. If your business has been damaged, or if you have invested in preventative measures, you may be eligible for a rebate through the Securing Small Business Rebate Program.
Did you know the Province has made changes to the Securing Small Business Rebate Program based on feedback received from the business community? Program administrator, BC Chamber of Commerce, has re-opened the application portal and is now accepting applications until January 31, 2025.
Updates to the application process include:
- Removal of the requirement to provide proof of an insurance claim when applying for funding through the reparative stream of the program. Applicants are now required to simply provide the name of their insurance carrier and policy number.
- Permitting an applicant’s self-installation of reparative and/or preventative measures. If equipment is self-installed, the rebate will be for eligible equipment only and will not include the cost of internal labour.
- Removal of the requirement for the applicant to demonstrate there is vandalism in their community in order to be eligible for the preventative rebate.
- Removal of the application deadline of Feb. 29, 2024, for preventative and reparative applications in respect of crime and vandalism incidents that happened in 2023. Applications will now be accepted until the program ends in 2025.
If you have questions not answered in the FAQs, please contact the BC Chamber of Commerce at ssbr@bcchamber.org.
The BC Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
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Important Changes to Cannabis Age of Inventory Thresholds for LPs
Last month, LDB Cannabis Wholesale shared the following memo for Licensed Producers:
LDB Wholesale has recently reviewed the age of inventory thresholds for central delivery products. In order to improve product freshness for wholesale customers, some changes to the current LDB requirements will be made.
The Wholesale Shipping Requirements Guide, posted on the central delivery supplier site, has been updated to reflect the changes (https://www.bcldbcannabisupdates.com/bcldb-cannabis-supplier-information).
LDB Age of inventory reports are expected to be updated to the new thresholds in June. Please review your weekly reports and act as needed to minimize the return of ageing inventory. LDB will begin using the new thresholds for returns as of November 1, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact the LDB Vendor Relations Team at cannabis.vendor@bcldb.com
Click here to read the complete memo.
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go2HR on Tap:
New Return-to-Work Requirements are in Effect
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.
On January 1, 2024, WorkSafeBC’s new amendments to the Workers Compensation Act came into effect. The amendments pertain to the duty to cooperate and the duty to maintain employment.
In the Act, Bill 41 outlines the responsibilities of employers and workers to collaborate and maintain communication to ensure an injured worker safely returns to work when they are able. This new regulation requires tourism and hospitality employers to support injured workers in their recovery and minimize the impact of workplace injuries.
On February 21, go2HR and WorkSafeBC joined forces to host an information session for employers to help them understand and comply with the new regulatory changes. The session saw active participation and a Q&A as participants discussed how the regulatory changes affect their businesses.
Missed the workshop? Employers can view the recording here and visit go2HR’s website for additional resources about injury and claims management.
Questions about Health & Safety? Contact the go2HR Health & Safety Team online or call 604-633-9787.
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:
Buddy's Place
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Buddy’s Place is a friendly cannabis retailer with two locations in the Kootenays, servicing local Nelson and Trail customers and visitors from around the world.
Buddy’s offers a cozy, comfortable, and welcoming environment to explore their wide range of cannabis products.
Whether you’re stopping by to learn more about cannabis, start a new adventure, or find products to support your wellness goals, Buddy’s friendly budtenders are ready to understand your needs and guide you to the best products for your needs.
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Out and About with ABLE BC
Bo Chen, ABLE BC’s Head of Cannabis Memberships has had a busy few weeks of travel, events, and meeting with members in Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna.
Two weeks ago, Bo presented to the District of North Saanich Council in support of opening the municipality to licensed cannabis retailers. We commend North Saanich Council for exploring opportunities for licensed, legal, and responsible cannabis operations in the community.
Bo also participated in a panel discussion in Victoria with the LCRB, BCRFA, and BCCBG. Our three associations came together to discuss our members’ shared concerns and challenges with inspections, application timelines, and other cannabis and liquor industry issues.
Last week, ABLE BC celebrated 20 years of successful advocacy with a party in Vancouver that brought together Minister Farnworth, Minister Bailey, the LCRB, cannabis retail members, and liquor industry members. We were honoured to celebrate this important milestone with our friends and colleagues in both liquor and cannabis. Stay tuned for photos from the event!
Earlier this week, Bo headed up to Kelowna to attend two cannabis events: the Tether Budtender Sampling Event on June 9 and StratCann’s Growing Relationships on June 10. These were great events that brought together business owners and stakeholders from across the cannabis industry!
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ABLE BC cannabis members at HighMark Brand'sGas and Glass Party in Vancouver
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Member store Craft Greenery in Vancouver
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Member store Water Street Cannabis in Vancouver
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Bo Chen with the Cheeky's Cannabis Merchants team
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events and Webinars
Check out these upcoming events:
- FLWR BOSS, Vancouver, June 20
- BCHF Vancouver Golf Tournament, Vancouver, July 5
- Hi Point Wellness Retreat, Duncan, July 5-7
- The Rosebud Bowl at The Unicorn Music Festival, Salmo, August 9-12
- BCHF Victoria Golf Tournament, Victoria, August 21
- StratCann Kootenay Cannabis Farm Tour, Nelson, August 30-31
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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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BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC)
200 - 948 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1N9 Canada
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