Non-medical cannabis licensing

Operating a non-medical cannabis retail store in British Columbia without a provincial licence is illegal under both federal and provincial law. 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 Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.

In order to legally sell non-medical cannabis, a person must have a provincial licence issued under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). The licence is specific to sales at a specified physical location and does not allow online sales. The only online sales allowed in British Columbia are sold through British Columbia Cannabis Stores. It is illegal to sell non-medical cannabis in British Columbia without a valid provincial licence.

Cannabis retail stores operating without a valid provincial licence must obtain a provincial licence from the LCRB. Holding a business licence from the local government is not sufficient to operate in British Columbia.

For more information on obtaining a provincial non-medical cannabis retail licence, contact the LCRB.

Toll Free: 1-866-209-2111
Office: 250-952-5787
Email: cannabisregs@gov.bc.ca