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The enforcement process and penalties

Last updated on November 6, 2025

The Community Safety Unit (CSU) enforces against illegal cannabis operations and can undertake a range of enforcement activities. Legal cannabis stores are inspected and enforced by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).

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Inspections

Inspections of illegal cannabis operations result from complaints and proactive work by the CSU. The CSU receives complaints from members of the public, government agencies, police, legal market operators, and others.

Under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA), CSU Officers may:

  • Conduct inspections, and
  • Enter premises, without a warrant, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the sale, supply, production, or storage of cannabis has occurred or is occurring

The CSU employs a progressive enforcement approach against those that continue to sell without a licence.

Under the CCLA, CSU Officers performing an inspection may:

  • Seize cannabis if it appears to violate the CCLA
  • Remove records, electronic devices or substances believed to be cannabis for inspection or testing
  • Open packages, or locked and unlocked receptacles on premises
  • Request identification, records, or passwords
  • Request the assistance of a peace officer
  • Seize, dismantle, or remove equipment suspected of being used to sell, produce or distribute illicit cannabis
  • Make audio or video recordings

Cannabis seizures

The CSU may seize or remove cannabis products that appear to be possessed in contravention of the CCLA or its regulations, with or without a warrant.  An application for the return of seized cannabis can be made within 30 days from the date of seizure. 

Learn more about cannabis seizures.

Administrative monetary penalties (AMPs)

The Director of the CSU or their delegate may issue an administrative monetary penalty (AMP) to those who have sold or produced cannabis in contravention of the CCLA. The AMP is equal to two times the retail value of the cannabis sold, produced, or possessed for the purpose of sale.

Learn more about AMPs.

Provincial charges or criminal charges

If the CSU determines that an individual or corporation is in contravention of the CCLA, CSU Officers who are appointed as Special Provincial Constables can recommend charges to the British Columbia Prosecution Service.

If charges are approved by the British Columbia Prosecution Service, the accused may have to attend BC Supreme Court.

The consequences for violating the provincial regulatory regime can be severe and may include:

  • A fine of up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, under the CCLA

Criminal charges may also be pursued for certain offences.

Violation Tickets

CSU Officers are authorized to issue violation tickets for certain offences under the CCLA by the Violation Ticket Administration and Fines regulation. Individuals who receive a violation ticket from a CSU Officer may:

  • Pay the fine, or
  • Dispute the ticket within 30 days

An individual is considered to have plead guilty to the offence under the Offence Act if they:

  • Pay the fine associated with the violation ticket;
  • Do not file a dispute within 30 days of issuance; or
  • File a dispute but fail to attend the scheduled hearing.

In these circumstances, the fine stated on the violation ticket will be subject to enforcement.

Receiving documents from the CSU

Where the Director gives or serves a document to a person, the document is deemed to be received as follows:

  • If the document is left with an individual, on the day it is left,
  • If the document is sent by ordinary mail, registered mail or courier, on the fifth day after it is mailed or received by the courier,
  • If the document is left in a mailbox or mail slot, on the third day after it is left,
  • If the document is attached to a door or other conspicuous place, on the third day after it is attached,
  • If the document is sent by email, on the third day after it is sent, and
  • If the document is transmitted to a fax number, on the third day after it is transmitted

If the Director gives or serves a document multiple times, the document is deemed to have been received on the receipt date that occurs first. 

Authorized representative forms

Individuals or corporations who wish to have a representative act on their behalf on matters before the CSU must fill out the applicable form and submit it to the CSU as instructed on the form:

Once a signed form is submitted, the CSU will communicate and share information with the authorized representative.