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The cannabis industry

Last updated on February 14, 2024

The Province recognizes that the cannabis sector can be a driver of economic growth and employment in B.C., as it has been in other jurisdictions. One of the Province’s goals from the outset has been to develop a sustainable cannabis industry that generates jobs and economic growth throughout B.C.

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Becoming a licensed producer or processor

The federal government is responsible for regulating and licensing cannabis producers and processors. Information about becoming a licensed cannabis producer or processor is available from Health Canada. The Province’s guide on How to Become a Licensed Cannabis Producer in B.C. provides information on how to get started.

 

Applying for a private non-medical cannabis retail licence

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is responsible for licensing and regulating British Columbia’s private non-medical cannabis retail and marketing licensees. Applicants must apply through the cannabis licensing application portal. Learn more about how to apply or amend non-medical cannabis licences.

 

Supplying B.C. non-medical cannabis retailers

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is the sole, wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis for the Province. The LDB distributes pre-packaged products to licensed public and private cannabis retail locations. The product brands belong to the licensed producers and retailers are not authorized to re-package the product with their own branding.

The LDB is committed to being as inclusive of as many licensed producers as possible and will engage with any producer licensed by Health Canada that wishes to do business in British Columbia. Going forward, the LDB will issue product calls on a regular basis. If you are a licensed producer and would like to receive updates related to doing business with the LDB, please contact cannabis.products@bcldb.com to provide contact details for your organization.

 

Advertising and Promotion

There are strict federal rules around promotion of cannabis.

In addition, under provincial regulations, it is illegal for anyone without a retail licence issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to advertise themselves as a licensed retailer.

 

Providing security services to the cannabis industry

Individuals providing security services to the cannabis sector follow the scheme set out in the Security Services Act. Under British Columbia’s Security Services Act, businesses and individuals offering security services must hold a valid security licence issued by the Registrar of Security Services. Approved applicants are issued a licence that specifies the types of security services they may provide as well as special authorizations they have such as the use of dogs and restraints while performing security duties. For more information, visit the security industry licensing website.