Identify or report illegal cannabis sales or production

Learn how to identify illegal cannabis stores, websites, or producers before you buy cannabis or submit a complaint.

On this page

• Illegal cannabis stores
• Illegal cannabis websites
• Illegal cannabis producers
• Submit a complaint

Illegal cannabis stores

In B.C., there are two types of legal cannabis stores:

• Government-operated BC Cannabis Stores
• Privately-owned stores with a Cannabis Retail Store licence from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB)

View the list of legal cannabis stores 

Licensed and authorized cannabis retailers may also display this government decal:

Recognizing illegal cannabis retailers

Look for these red flags to recognize an illegal cannabis retailer:

• Sells unpackaged “loose” cannabis flower (see examples of legally packaged cannabis)
• Sells cannabis edibles with illegal concentrations or marketed to children
• Sells other substances such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or tobacco
• No provincial licence on display in-store
• Offers free cannabis gifts and samples
• Offers friend referral programs
• Accepts e-transfer or cryptocurrency
• Does not accept credit card payments

If you suspect a cannabis store is operating illegally and they do not appear on the list of legal stores, submit a complaint.

Illegal cannabis websites

Legal cannabis stores in B.C. may only direct ship non-medical cannabis to customers within B.C.

The online store may be operating without a provincial licence if it:

• Does not have a licensed physical location and offers its services exclusively online 
• Does not age-gate its website
• Ships across Canada/out-of-province
• Accepts alternative payment methods such as e-transfer or cryptocurrency
• Offers products in packaging that appeal to children
• Offers cannabis products that do not have an excise stamp
• Offers free cannabis gifts and samples
• Offers friend referral programs
• Allows purchases that exceed the legal possession limits
• Offers other drug or substances other than cannabis

If you suspect an online store is selling illegal cannabis, submit a complaint.

Illegal cannabis producers

Under the federal Cannabis Act, cannabis production in B.C. is licensed and regulated by the federal government through Health Canada.

Legal, federally licensed commercial producers and processors are listed on:

• Health Canada’s list of licensed producers and processors

If you have a complaint about a cannabis producer or processor that appears on the Health Canada list, or a concern about one of their cannabis products, report it on Health Canada’s Cannabis Reporting form.

If you have a complaint about a cannabis producer or processor in B.C. that is not on the Health Canada licensed producer and processer list, submit a complaint.

Medical cannabis and growing at home

Medical cannabis is licensed and regulated by Health Canada. Authorized medical cannabis users can:

• Grow cannabis at home in excess of the 4-plant limit for non-medical home grows
• Designate another person, who is registered with Health Canada, to grow cannabis on their behalf
• Purchase cannabis from licensed producers registered with Health Canada

A single designated grow site may grow cannabis for up to 4 medical registrants. Questions or concerns about the designated grower program should be sent to Health Canada.

Submit a complaint

Complaints regarding illegal cannabis stores, websites or production may be made using the:

• Online complaint portal

Photos or other additional documents related to your complaint may be sent to:

• CSU@gov.bc.ca

If you cannot access the online complaint portal, you may also complete a:

• Notice of Complaint form (PDF, 189KB)

Completed forms may be emailed to CSU@gov.bc.ca.