About Us

Since the beginning of cannabis legalization ABLE BC has been actively and successfully advocating on behalf of British Columbia’s private cannabis stores.

A non-profit organization funded by membership dues, our mission is to help all cannabis businesses succeed.

On behalf of our members, we work with all levels of government to create business-friendly policies and enhance private sector opportunities.

Learn more about membership and sign-up here.

Member Testimonials

ABLE BC has been instrumental in the success of the private liquor retail industry.

We continue to be impressed with their effective advocacy and suite of benefits and resources.

Our liquor stores have benefited greatly from membership, and we are confident our cannabis retail stores will too.

— Keith Barbon, Cascadia Liquor Stores and Flight Cannabis Co.

We joined ABLE BC because we believe in supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of BC’s cannabis and liquor industries. At Craft Greenery Cannabis, we see ourselves as part of a larger movement to promote fair regulations, enhance consumer education, and create a level playing field for independent retailers like us.

ABLE BC gives us a stronger voice in advocating for policies that benefit small businesses and ensure the diversity of our industry, helping us maintain our focus on offering quality, locally sourced products.

Being part of this organization allows us to stay connected with other like-minded retailers and actively contribute to shaping the future of cannabis retail in British Columbia.

— Dennis Park, Craft Greenery Cannabis

WHAT DOES ABLE BC DO?

  • Leading advocate for BC’s cannabis retail and your voice to government

  • Work with government to create business-friendly policies and enhance private sector opportunities

  • Help you resolve issues with the LDB and other industry suppliers

  • Negotiate industry-leading benefit programs that save you time and money

  • Provide cannabis policy and government relations expertise

  • Your one-stop shop for the urgent industry information you need to run your business

Learn more about membership.

ADVOCATING ON YOUR BEHALF SINCE Legalization

When recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, ABLE BC saw an opportunity to support a new industry. ABLE’s deep understanding of government relations, policy development and regulation make us a perfect fit to advocate for private cannabis retailers. With our longstanding relationships with all levels of provincial government, the LCRB, LDB and BC Cannabis Secretariat, ABLE is uniquely placed to reach decision makers to positively influence cannabis policy.

Learn more about our advocacy work.

Our Team

BO CHEN

Head of Cannabis Membership.

Email: bo@ablebc.ca | Phone: 604-688-5560 ex 3

Bo’s career in BC’s cannabis industry began in the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) days. He primarily worked on the Licensed Producer (LP) side of the industry, particularly focused on licensing and regulatory compliance.

Since cannabis legalization, Bo has been a dedicated advocate who supports businesses in navigating this unique and challenging industry. Bo now brings his years of expertise working in cannabis production, licensing, and compliance, to ABLE BC’s cannabis retail members. He is here to champion our members, fight for their businesses’ needs, and connect them with industry leaders and government officials.

Outside of work, Bo geeks out about fitness, wellness, and fly fishing.

JEFF GUIGNARD

Executive Director of ABLE BC.

Email: jeff@ablebc.ca | Phone: 604-499-2566

Jeff is a dynamic leader and communicator with extensive experience in government relations, strategic communications, and association management. As Executive Director of ABLE BC, Jeff advocates for BC’s multi-billion dollar private liquor industry as well as licensed retailers of non-medical cannabis.
 
Outside of the office, Jeff is passionate about curling, cooking, reading, and motorcycling.

Cannabis Committee & Advisory

ABLE’s policy priorities and advocacy strategy is guided by our Cannabis Committee. All of the committee members are experienced and dedicated industry professionals

feven berhane – Chair

Feven is the proud Co-Founder of KushKlub Canada, a cannabis retail brand with locations in Vancouver and Toronto. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in BC's private cannabis retail industry, and we are excited to see how her leadership steers our cannabis advocacy in the coming months. 

Feven grew up in Richmond, with humble beginnings as an Eritrean refugee. This background shaped her approach to entrepreneurship, instilling a holistic and intentional perspective and goal of enriching her community. 

Starting her career in banking, Feven quickly climbed the ranks to Corporate Trustee. Her time in this industry ignited a passion for entrepreneurship and drive to build a sustainable legacy in the cannabis industry. 

Feven uses her success to empower new Canadians, regularly volunteering for philanthropic endeavours and supporting youth in her East African diaspora community. 

To better represent the needs of our growing membership, ABLE BC is developing a Cannabis Advisory group to work alongside our staff, Directors, and Cannabis Committee. This group will be made up of seasoned cannabis retailers representing a variety of business sizes and BC regions. They will steer policy priorities to ensure our advocacy work benefits BC’s private cannabis industry.

Thank you to our Cannabis COmmittee members, who continue to play an important role: Mike McKee, Yvan Charette, Keith Barbon, and Michael Jahnke.