News and Updates

Canada Post delivery currently unavailable 

BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) advises customers that online order delivery is currently unavailable due to a national disruption to Canada Post mail delivery service.  

BCCS is monitoring the situation and updates will be posted here. Customers can also visit the Canada Post website for updates.  

Thank you for your patience. 

 November 18, 2024

Delays in shipments via Canada Post 

BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) advises customers that there will be delays in shipments as a result of a national disruption to Canada Post mail delivery service.  

BCCS is monitoring the situation and updates will be posted here. Customers can also visit the Canada Post website for updates and details on their shipments.  

Thank you for your patience. 

November 15, 2024

Update: We recently updated the back-end of our e-commerce platform, hosted by Shopify.

The required update transitioned the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) cannabis retail e-commerce website to Shopify’s global platform, as Shopify decommissions its existing Canadian platform and associated technical support.

What this means for you:

• The BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) e-commerce website is now hosted by Shopify’s global platform, with data storage and backup outside of Canada.
• Existing customer data has not been automatically migrated to the Shopify global platform.
• In order to transition your customer profile (name, email address, and physical address) to the updated platform, prior registered users are required to “sign in”.
• Whether you sign in or not, prior transaction history (i.e., before November 15, 2024) has not been migrated to the updated Shopify platform.
• If you do not want your order history (i.e., for orders made on or after November 15, 2024) stored on the updated platform, you can elect to check out as a Guest user. At the time of checkout, a Guest user's name, email address, and shipping address will be stored to process and deliver your order.
• Returns for products purchased before the November 15 update can only be refunded via cheque.
• There is otherwise no change to the website user/customer experience with this update.

The update to Shopify’s global platform is subject to privacy protection provisions endorsed by the Corporate Privacy Office of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. The LDB has completed Privacy Impact Assessments for cannabis retail customers, which found that there are no added privacy risks associated with this update.

More information on the Government of British Columbia’s laws regarding the storage of personal information can be found within the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (summary here).

Should you have any questions, please contact the BC Cannabis Customer Care Centre team via email at: CustomerCareCentre@bcldb.com.

Thank you for your continued business with BCCS and the LDB.

November 15, 2024

Updated Notice: Upcoming Scheduled System Outage: Friday, November 15, 2024

As previously communicated, please be reminded that on Friday, November 15, 2024, starting at 6:00 a.m., the BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) website will be temporarily out-of-service to accommodate an update to our e-commerce platform hosted by Shopify. The outage is expected to last between four and 12 hours.

The update is required to transition the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) cannabis retail e-commerce website to Shopify’s global platform, as Shopify decommissions its existing Canadian platform and associated technical support. Following the update, registered users will experience a faster checkout experience, benefitting from pre-filled details, as well as access to their order history for purchases moving forward.

What this means for you (updated)

• Following the update on November 15, the BCCS e-commerce website will be hosted by Shopify’s global platform, with data storage and backup outside of Canada.
• Existing customer data will not be automatically migrated to the Shopify global platform.
• In order to transition your customer profile (name, email address, and physical address) to the updated platform, prior registered users are required to “sign in” after November 15.
• Whether you sign in or not, prior transaction history (i.e. before November 15, 2024) will not be migrated to the updated Shopify platform. Registered users are advised to manually save any order history or summaries they wish to retain prior to November 15.
• If you do not want your order history (i.e. for orders made on or after November 15) stored on the updated platform, you can elect to check out as a Guest user. At the time of checkout, a Guest user's name, email address, and shipping address will be stored to process and deliver your order.
• During the outage of the e-commerce platform on November 15, order submission will be unavailable. Immediately following the update, order submission will re-open as usual.
• After November 15, returns for products purchased before the update can only be refunded via cheque.
• There will otherwise be no change to the website user/customer experience with this update.

The update to Shopify’s global platform is subject to privacy protection provisions endorsed by the Corporate Privacy Office of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. The LDB has completed a Privacy Impact Assessment for cannabis retail customers, which found that there are no added privacy risks associated with this update.

More information on the Government of British Columbia’s laws regarding the storage of personal information can be found within the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (summary here).

Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued business with BCCS and the LDB.

Should you have any questions, please contact the BC Cannabis Customer Care Centre team via email at: CustomerCareCentre@bcldb.com.

November 7, 2024

Notice: technical issues processing online payments

Please be aware that we are currently experiencing technical issues processing online payments, preventing customers from completing purchases. Our technical team is actively working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we work to address this issue. We will update this post once the issue has been resolved.

October 24, 2024

Planned updates to e-commerce platform scheduled for mid-November

In mid-November, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is updating the back-end of its e-commerce Shopify platforms. We are taking proactive measures to ensure a smooth transition by working closely with Shopify to conduct rigorous testing prior to implementing the back-end updates. Customer experience is expected to remain the same, and we anticipate minimal to no disruption to service.

More detail on the updates will be provided the week of October 21.

Sept 19, 2024

Scheduled Website maintenance on Sep 22, 2024

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance Sunday, Sep 22 from 5:00AM – 8:00AM PST. Please be advised customers may not be able to log in during this time.

Sep 18, 2024

Scheduled Website maintenance on Sep 18, 2024

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance Wednesday, Sep 18 from 5:00AM – 6:00AM PST. Please be advised customers may not be able to log in during this time.

Sep 13, 2024

Scheduled Website maintenance on Sep 8, 2024

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance Sunday, Sep 8 from 5:30AM – 8AM PST. Please be advised customers may not be able to log in during this time.

Sep 6, 2024

Expanded recall: iNaturally Organic Inc. recalls several lots of cannabis extract Emprise CBN+CBD Softgels SKU 1053172 and Ultra Plus MultiCannabinoid Softgels SKU 1065023

iNaturally Organic Inc. expands recall notice first issued in June 2024 for Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels SKU 1053172 and Ultra Plus MultiCannabinoid Softgels SKU 1065023 due to a labelling issue . As previously announced on June 5^th, the product label has incorrect cannabinoid values due to the presumed presence of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC,) an intoxicating cannabinoid. Consumers are not aware of the intoxicating cannabinoid HHC and may believe that Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels contain no or little total THC based on the ‘lesser than’ sign used to denote the amount of total THC.

The following SKU and lot combination are eligible for return:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lots
1053172	Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels	357045720 357045721 357055720 357055721 357065721
1065023	Ultra Plus 750 mg MultiCannabinoid Softgels	457075770

Returns of this product will be authorized by BC Cannabis Stores. Please contact our Customer Care Centre team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

Health Canada has shared the recall information on their website, for more information please visit Expanded recall: iNaturally Organic Inc. recalls several lots of cannabis extract Emprise CBN+CBD Softgels, NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Hemp Multicannabinoid Oil and Softgels, and Ultra Plus MultiCannabinoid Oil and Softgels - Canada.ca

Aug 12, 2024

Scheduled Website maintenance on Aug 11, 2024

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance Sunday, Aug 11 from 5:30AM – 8AM PST. Please be advised customers may not be able to log in during this time.

Aug 11, 2024

Scheduled Website maintenance on July 7, 2024

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance Sunday, July 7 from 5:30AM – 8AM PST. Please be advised customers may not be able to log in during this time.

July 5, 2024

 

iNaturally Organic Inc. recalls Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels SKU 1053172

iNaturally Organic Inc. recalls Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels SKU 1053172 due to a labelling issue. The product label has incorrect cannabinoid values due to the presumed presence of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC,) an intoxicating cannabinoid. Consumers are not aware of the intoxicating cannabinoid HHC and may believe that Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels contain no or little total THC based on the ‘lesser than’ sign used to denote the amount of total THC.

As a result of this, the following SKU and lot combinations are eligible for return:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lots
1053172	Emprise CBN+CBD 50mg Softgels	357055720 357065721 357055721

Returns of this product will be authorized by BC Cannabis Stores. Please contact our Customer Care Centre team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

Health Canada has shared the recall information on their website, for more information please visit https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/inaturally-organic-inc-recalls-6-lots-emprise-cbncbd-50mg-softgels-nuleaf-naturals

June 5th, 2024

 

 

Change of Customer Care Centre Operating Hours

Effective May 12, 2024, the BC Cannabis Customer Care Centre (CCC) is adjusting our business operating hours to make more agents available during peak times to serve customers most effectively.

Please see our updated hours below:

Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm (no change)

Sunday and Statutory Holidays:10:30am to 6:00pm (no change)

Saturday: Closed (updated)

As usual, the CCC is available to serve customers via phone call 1-844-420-2227 or email at customercarecentre@bcldb.com. Any messages left on Saturday will be returned on Sunday.

The CCC looks forward to continuing and improving our support with our updated operating hours.

CCC B2C Hours announcement.pdf

April 29, 2024

 

Acreage Pharms issues recall for Purple Gelato Punch 28g

Acreage Pharm has notified BC Cannabis Stores that Full Sesh is recalling its Purple Gelato Punch 28g, SKU 1062615, Lot PG23102; due to potential microbial contamination.

As a result of this, the following SKU and lot combination is eligible for return:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lot
1062615	Purple Gelato Punch 28g	PG23102

Returns of this product will be authorized by BC Cannabis Stores. Please contact our Customer Care Centre team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

April 23, 2024

 

Expected Delivery Delays due to Changing Road and Weather Conditions

Due to the continuously changing road and weather conditions as a result of heavy snowfall, Canada Post deliveries are delayed. Delivery schedules will resume once Canada Post deem it safe to do so.

For more information on Canada Post updates visit: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please contact our Customer Care Centre by phone at 1-844-420-2227 if you have any questions.

We thank you for your patience during these challenging times.

January 17, 2024

 

Now shipping carbon neutral with Canada Post

Aligned with BC Cannabis Stores’ commitment to the environment, Canada Post is now shipping carbon neutral on all domestic ground parcels. Carbon-neutral shipping balances greenhouses gas emissions generated from shipping by purchasing carbon offsets and neutralizing their impact.

Read more about Canada Post’s environmental efforts and carbon-neutral shipping here: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/greener-good.page?ecid=murl_dw_706

October 17, 2023

 

Change to delivery service provider for customers in Metro Vancouver area

Please be advised that all BC Cannabis Stores orders will now be delivered by Canada Post.

BC Cannabis Stores is no longer able to offer next-day delivery to customers in the Metro Vancouver area. Customers in the Metro Vancouver area should expect to receive their orders within one to four business days.

Canada Post will make one delivery attempt at the addressee’s door. If no one is available to accept the delivery, a delivery notice card will be left at the door with instructions about how to retrieve your order from a designated post office.

For more information about shipping and delivery, please read the FAQs on our website, or contact the BC Cannabis Stores Customer Care Centre via email or calling 1-844-420-2227.

June 7, 2023

 

BC Cannabis Stores is currently experiencing delays with one if its third-party carriers and next-business-day delivery for customers in the Metro Vancouver area is temporarily suspended.

We will continue to work closely with our third-party carriers to have orders shipped as quickly as possible; however, customers in the Metro Vancouver area can now expect their orders to arrive in one to four business days.

June 6, 2023

 

Peace Naturals issues voluntary recall for Infused Pre-Roll - Spinach FEELZ™ Tropical Diesel CBG 3 x 0.5g

Peace Naturals has notified BC Cannabis Wholesale that it is voluntarily recalling its Infused Pre-Roll - Spinach FEELZ™ Tropical Diesel CBG 3 x 0.5g due to a labelling error resulting in incorrect CBG potency values on the product’s label.

As a result of this, the following SKU and lot combination is eligible for return:

 

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lot
1054303	Tropical Diesel Infused Pre-rolls	008399

 

Returns of this product will be authorized by BC Cannabis Stores. Please contact our Customer Care Centre team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

January 10, 2023

 

Continued Delivery Delays due to Changing Road and Weather Conditions.

Due to continuously changing road and weather conditions, Pineapple Express and Canada Post deliveries are delayed. Normal delivery schedules will resume once the carriers deem it safe to do so. For the latest tracking status for your delivery, please check the Pineapple Express Delivery or Canada Post website, using the tracking number and link found on your shipping confirmation email.

Please note: Delivery times may also be delayed due to Canada Post holiday closures on December 26, 27, and January 2. For more information on Canada Post updates, please visit: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

We thank you for your patience.

December 23, 2022

 

Expected Delivery Delays due to Changing Road and Weather Conditions

Due to the continuously changing road and weather conditions as a result of heavy snowfall, Pineapple Express and Canada Post deliveries are delayed. Delivery schedules will resume once Canada Post and PED deem it safe to do so.

For more information on Canada Post updates visit: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please contact our Customer Care Centre by phone at 1-844-420-2227 if you have any questions.

We thank you for your patience during these challenging times.

December 20, 2022

 

Health Canada announces change in cannabis beverage equivalency

Effective December 2, 2022, Health Canada announced amendments to cannabis beverage equivalency.

The updated beverage equivalency values are now available on the BC Cannabis Stores website product description pages.

For more details on the announcement by Health Canada please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2022/12/amendments-on-cannabis-research-and-testing-and-cannabis-beverages.html

December 13, 2022

 

Motif Labs Ltd. voluntary recall for Boxhot Glowstick 510 Batteries from September

Motif Labs Ltd. notified BC Cannabis Stores of a voluntary recall for Boxhot Glowstick 510 Batteries due to reports of the batteries overheating when charging on September 23, 2022.

Further to the notice published on BC Cannabis Stores’ website on September 23^rd, please be reminded that products with the following SKU, model and UPC numbers combination are eligible for return from customers:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Model/Serial Number(s):	UPC Number
1044692	GLOW STICKS 510 BATTERY	MLL002, MLL009	848876000881

 

Please refer to the initial recall notice below.

November 22, 2022

 

Motif Labs Ltd. issues voluntary recall for Boxhot Glowstick 510 Batteries

Motif Labs Ltd. has notified BC Cannabis Wholesale of a voluntary recall for Boxhot Glowstick 510 Batteries due to reports of the batteries overheating when charging.

Products with the following SKU, model and UPC numbers combination are eligible for return from retail stores:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Model/Serial Number(s):	UPC Number
1044692	GLOW STICKS 510 BATTERY	MLL002, MLL009	848876000881

 

Returns of this product will be authorized by BC Cannabis Stores. Please contact our Customer Care Centre team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

September 23, 2022

 

BC Cannabis Stores online resumes accepting orders

BC Cannabis Stores has resumed accepting orders via its online store, effective September 20, 2022.

The placement of orders via the online BC Cannabis Store was put on hold while the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) cannabis distribution centre was closed due to job action by the BC General Employees’ Union, and while it took steps to resume operations once job action was lifted.

Orders will be delivered according to regular delivery times, based on the postal code the carrier used to deliver the order. Please visit our FAQs for more information about order delivery times.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers while online orders were on hold.

September 20, 2022

 

Orders placed via the online BC Cannabis Store throughout this time will be cancelled until further notice

As customers may be aware, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) cannabis distribution centre was closed between August 15 and August 30 due to job action by the BC General Employees’ Union.

To ensure a smooth resumption of services at the LDB’s cannabis distribution centre, the online BC Cannabis Store is currently not accepting orders, while the LDB focuses on fulfilling wholesale customer orders.

Orders placed via the online BC Cannabis Store throughout this time will be cancelled until further notice.

We hope to be able to resume accepting orders next week, and commit to providing customers with an update on the resumption of order fulfillment from BC Cannabis Stores online as soon as information is known.

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.

September 14, 2022

Cannabis Customer Care Centre updated hours

Effective Tuesday, September 6, the hours of operations for the Cannabis Customer Care Centre will be updated to:

Monday-Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm

Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays: 10:30am-6:00pm

If you require any assistance, please contact our Customer Care Centre at 1-844-420-2227 or by emailing customercarecentre@bcldb.com, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

September 6, 2022

 

Important customer update: Orders via online BC Cannabis Store continue to be on hold

As announced on August 30, 2022, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is pleased that job action has been halted, and the LDB has resumed operations at its Richmond Distribution Centre and cannabis Customer Care Centre as of today, August 31, 2022.

To ensure a smooth resumption of services at the LDB’s cannabis distribution centre, the placement of orders via the online BC Cannabis Store continues to be on hold while the LDB focuses on fulfilling wholesale customer orders.

Orders placed via the online BC Cannabis Store throughout this time will be cancelled until further notice.

We commit to providing customers with updates on the resumption of order fulfillment from BC Cannabis Stores online as soon as information is known.

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.

August 31, 2022

 

BC Cannabis Stores online orders currently not being fulfilled and orders placed will be cancelled

Due to current job action by the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU), BC Cannabis Stores’ distribution centre remains closed until further notice.

Please be advised that orders placed via www.bccannabisstores.com while job action is occurring will not be fulfilled. Please do not place any orders during this time. Any orders placed will be cancelled.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.

We recognize the news of the current job action may be concerning for customers, vendors and industry partners.

We commit to providing updates as they become known. Important notices will be posted here on the BCCS website at www.bccannabisstores.com.

Thank you for your patience, and your patronage.

August 22, 2022

BC Cannabis Stores online orders currently not being fulfilled

Due to the current job action by the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU), BC Cannabis Stores’ distribution centre will be temporarily closed as of 3:30 p.m. today.

Please be advised that orders placed via www.bccannabisstores.com while job action is occurring will not be fulfilled and will not be delivered. Please do not place any orders during this time.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.

We recognize the news of the current job action may be concerning for customers, vendors and industry partners.

We commit to providing updates as they become known. Important notices will be posted here on the BCCS website at www.bccannabisstores.com.

Thank you for your patience, and your patronage.

August 17, 2022

 

Scheduled Website Outage on June 11, 2022

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance Saturday, June 11 from 3 – 5PM PST. Please be advised customers will not be able to access the website or place orders during this time. We recommend you plan your ordering accordingly, by either placing their order before the scheduled outage, or after 5PM.

June 9, 2022

 

Scheduled Website Outage on January 23, 2022

The BC Cannabis Stores website will be under maintenance from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

 

Please be advised customers with a registered account will not be able to access the website or place orders during this time. We recommend customers place orders accordingly, by either placing an order before the scheduled outage, or after 8 a.m. on January 23. Note, guest orders will be processed during this time and registered customers can choose to process their orders as a guest order during the outage. The website will be available as soon as the maintenance has been completed.

 

Our Customer Care team will be able to address any general inquiries during this time. For any questions, you can contact our Customer Care team at 1-844-420-2227 or customercarecentre@bcldb.com  to further assist you.

January 18, 2022

 

Expected Delivery Delays due to Changing Road and Weather Conditions

Due to the continuously changing road and weather conditions as a result of heavy snowfall, Canada Post deliveries across Greater Vancouver Regional District and Vancouver Island are suspended for the day. Delivery will resume once Canada Post deems it safe to do so.

Our call center has no further information.

We thank you for your continued patience during these challenging times.

January 6, 2022

 

Agro Greens Natural issues voluntary recall for Kootenay’s Finest Organic White Chocolate Diamonds 3.5g Dried Flower

 

Agro Greens Natural has notified BC Cannabis Wholesale that it is voluntary recalling its Kootenay’s Finest Organic White Chocolate Diamonds 3.5g Dried Flower due to reports related to an alleged presence of mould in the product.

The following SKU and lot combination is eligible for return:

 

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lot#
1037688	KOOTENAY WHITE CHOCOLATE DIAMONDS FLOWER - 3.5g Dried Flower	21040FL

 

Please refer to the following notice issued by Agro Greens about this recall:

Agro Greens Lot 21040FL Recall Notice

If you have any additional questions or would like to arrange for a return of the impacted product, please contact our Customer Care team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227.

December 1 2021

Possible delivery delays due to extreme weather

 

Due to the extreme weather situation in parts of the province disrupting some transportation routes, BC Cannabis Stores would like to inform customers that there is a possibility of limited product assortment resulting from delayed deliveries from our suppliers.

 

We have been and will continue to make considerable efforts to work with our suppliers and freight carriers to resume and maintain regular service levels.

 

Please visit DriveBC to check for road closures and impacted transportation routes and feel free to contact our Customer Care Centre by phone at 1-844-420-2227 or email customercarecentre@bcldb.com if you have any questions.

 

We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

November 17 2021

Joint Venture Craft Cannabis issues voluntary recall for Budcoast – Saltspring OG Shark 3.5g

Joint Venture Craft Cannabis has notified the LDB of a voluntary recall for Budcoast – Saltspring OG Shark 3.5g Dried Flower due to reports of mould and powdery mildew.

The following SKU and lot combination is eligible for return from retail stores:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lot#
1038652	Budcoast – Saltspring OG Shark 3.5g Dried Flower	CC22SEP2021.001

 

For more details on this voluntary product recall, please visit: Voluntary Product Recall | Joint Venture Craft Cannabis Inc

 

If you have any additional questions or would like to arrange for a return of the impacted product, please contact our Customer Care team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227.

October 7 2021

Canada Post Delivery Policy

Canada Post is resuming delivery of proof of age items (including cannabis), to some select house and townhouse residential addresses. To comply with physical distancing rules, the new process will involve you being asked to verify your age by displaying a piece of government ID and then being asked for a ‘verbal’ signature that will be acknowledged to complete delivery. If your address is not eligible for a verbal signature, the current process will be in effect and a card will be left for you to visit the post office for pick-up with government ID as proof of age and address.

Website Search Bar Currently Down

Please note we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our search bar functionality on the website. Customers are not able to search for specific products during this time. Our Technical Team is working on resolving this issue as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can continue browsing products through our dropdown options.

Thank you for your patience as we work to get our search bar functionality back on track.

August 9th 2021

June 7^th 2021 planned outage

June 3 2021

Effective Monday June 7^th from 6 – 8AM PST our website will be under maintenance, customers will not be able access the website during this time. We recommend logging in after 8AM on June 7^th to avoid any issues.

If you are experiencing any issues please try again after 8AM on June 7^th you can contact our Customer Care team at 1-844-420-2227 or customercarecentre@bcldb.com to further assist you.

We Grow BC issues recall for Dunn Cannabis Acai Berry Gelato 3.5g

April 16 2021

We Grow BC has notified the LDB it is recalling its Acai Berry Gelato 3.5g Dried Flower because the product’s potency has been incorrectly stated on the label.

The supplier has advised that total THC for the product is actually 205.0 mg/g and not 20.50 mg/g, and CBD value is 0.6mg/g and not 0.06 mg/g as misstated on the label.

Similarly, the labelled CBDA and THCA values were incorrectly represented: THCA is actually 3.8 mg/g and not 22.98 mg/g, while the CBDA is actually 0.0 mg/g and not 0.07 mg/g as stated.

The following SKU and lot combination is eligible for return from retail stores:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lot#
1032945	Acai Berry Gelato - 3.5g Dried Flower	2101002

 

If you have any additional questions or would like to arrange for a return of the impacted product, please contact our Customer Care team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227.

Customer Care Centre Expected Delays

March 10th 2021

Our Customer Care team is currently experiencing higher volumes in emails, please note response time may be delayed. If you require immediate assistance, please contact our Customer Care team by phone at 1-844-420-2227 to further assist you.

Aurora Cannabis announces voluntary recall

February 26th 2021

Health Canada has notified the LDB that two lots of Rafael '71 OG Chemdawg live resin cannabis extract have been recalled by Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc. due to the possibility of some units missing labels on the immediate container inside the box.

 

Our systems indicate that the above-mentioned lots were not shipped to any stores by the LDB. However, out of an abundance of caution, we ask you to validate the lot numbers on the package for this particular product. The following SKU and lot combinations are eligible for return from retail stores:

 

BCLDB SKU #	Product Name	Lot Numbers
1027671	San Rafael '71 OG Chemdawg live resin cannabis extract	1104021000377
1027671	San Rafael '71 OG Chemdawg live resin cannabis extract	1104021000438

 

If you have received these lots, please return the items to the point of purchase. Read Health Canada’s notice on recall to know more.

 

Please contact our Customer Care team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

Revised Recall Direction: TerrAscend Haven St. Gummies

February 1st 2021

TerrAscend has notified the LDB that ALL LOTS of Haven St. Drift No. 470 Sour Watermelon THC and Rise No. 570 Wild Berry Gummies are now included in the voluntary recall that was announced on January 26^th, 2021 due to complaints related to alleged mould presence in the product.

The following SKU and lot combination are eligible for return from retail stores:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Name	Lot Numbers
1026400	Haven St.Rise No.570 Wild Berry Gummy	2002172, 2002228, 2002291, 2002307, 2002308, 2002364, 2002366, 2002372,2002374, 2002381, 2002591, 2002593, 2002670, 2002672, 2002674, 2002774, 2002794
1026319	Haven St. Drift No. 470 Sour Watermelon Gummy	2002230, 2002232, 2002289, 2002311, 2002313, 2002339, 2002341, 2002368, 2002370, 2002595, 2002597, 2002599, 2002601, 2002738, 2002740, 2002742

The returns will be authorized by LDB. Please note, unlike other returns, a picture of the product is not required for this specific product and lot combination. Please contact our Customer Care team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

TerrAscend Announces Voluntary Recall

January 26th 2021

TerrAscend has notified the LDB of a voluntary recall for Rise No.570 Wild Berry Gummy by Haven St. Premium Cannabis, due to product complaints related to pontential mould presence in the product.

The following SKU and lot combination are eligible for return:

BCLDB SKU #	Product Description	Lot#
1026400	Rise No. 570 Wild Berry Gummy	2002374

The returns will be authorized by LDB. Please note, unlike other returns, a picture of the product is not required for this specific product and lot combination. Please contact our Customer Care team at customercarecentre@bcldb.com or 1-844-420-2227 to initiate a return request.

Masks Required in BC Cannabis Stores

November 20 2020

Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), recently announced a new order mandating the use of face masks in indoor public and retail spaces. In line with this order, effective November 20, 2020, BC Cannabis Store employees and customers are required to wear a face mask. Exemptions are made for people who cannot wear a mask due to health reasons or put on or remove a mask on their own.

The health and safety of our staff and their families, our customers and the communities in which we operate remains the LDB's most critical priority. We are committed to following the direction of the PHO as this situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve.

Dr. Henry has been consistent in her message that the best way to stop the virus is to maintain physical distancing and proper hand hygiene.

To that end, we have implemented a number of operational changes to our stores and workplaces to support and protect employees and customers, including the installation of protective shields at checkout areas and floor decals to support physical distancing, increased cleaning and sanitation of frequently used common surfaces, and addition of hand sanitizer in stores.

With this new order, signage is used in BC Cannabis Stores to communicate the requirement by customers to wear a face mask while shopping in our stores.

The LDB is committed to making decisions with the goal of protecting the health and safety of the most vulnerable, our employees, our customers and the communities we serve, while following the direction of the PHO.

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Bottle Return Suspended

BC Cannabis Stores will be temporarily suspending the return of empty drink containers. We recognize the inconvenience and economic hardship this may cause some customers, however, the well-being of our employees remains our number one priority.

Thank you for your understanding.
BC Cannabis Stores

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COVID-19 Preventative Measures

March 13, 2020

To our valued customers and partners,

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is watching closely as the global situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve. I wanted to reach out to you personally to let you know what we’re doing to stem the spread of viral infections, including COVID-19.

 

The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority

Our highest priority continues to be the health and safety of our customers, employees and those in our supply chain network including wholesale customers, manufacturers, suppliers and delivery partners.

We are in regular contact with our team members across the organization to reinforce protocols that support everyone’s wellbeing. Each of our facilities, including Head Office, BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) and our distribution centre are implementing more frequent processes for the cleaning and disinfecting of common areas and equipment. Within our network of BC Cannabis Stores, this includes:

• Entrance and exit door handles
• Cash register countertops
• Pin pads
• Sniff pods

We remain committed to delivering excellent customer service

We are working closely with our industry partners to mitigate potential supply issues, while reinforcing our safety and hygiene procedures. At this time, we are not experiencing any delays or impacts to the supply of non-medical cannabis product.

Store customers lining up for service are asked to respect one another’s personal space and practice ‘physical distancing’, the maintaining of a physical buffer of two metres from others (where possible). As per direction from the BC Ministry of Health, BC Cannabis Stores is suspending the use of reusable bags, personal containers and boxes until further notice. Customers are also asked to refrain from placing personal items on checkout counters. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

We are following the guidance of government and health authorities

We have activated our Emergency Operations Centre to monitor the situation and ensure our standards are being strictly adhered to. We are closely following the direction of our provincial health officials which maintain a low public health advisory for British Columbia at this time.

We have put processes in place to support prevention and are monitoring the health of our employees.

We will do everything we can to support provincial efforts to manage this virus, while continuing to provide service to British Columbians.

 

Blain Lawson

GM and CEO

BC Liquor Distribution Branch

 

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Call for new cannabis products

Aug. 14, 2019

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is inviting licensed cannabis producers to participate in a product call for new products that are due to be legalized later this year.

The product call is an opportunity for licensed producers to identify their interest and ability to supply the LDB with edibles, beverages, topicals and extracts, and other products included within the soon-to-be legalized non-medical cannabis product categories.

Products selected will be available to wholesale customers throughout the province in both licensed private retailers and government-run BC Cannabis Stores.

"This product call marks an exciting time for the LDB as we work toward introducing new product categories into B.C.'s legal cannabis market," said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, LDB. "We are currently working with over 30 licensed producers and look forward to engaging with new suppliers to expand our wholesale product assortment."

The product call will open at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, and will close at 5p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Submission documents are available to licensed producers on BC Cannabis Wholesale website.

New federal regulations come into force on Oct. 17, 2019. However, licensed processors must provide Health Canada with notice at least 60 days before making a new cannabis product available for sale. It will take time before a full suite of products in the three new classes will be available. Consumers should expect that, initially, there will be a limited selection, with further new products appearing gradually in legal stores.

The LDB contributes over $1.1 billion annually to the Province of British Columbia, providing funding for services like health care and education.

Learn More:
An overview of the final Health Canada regulations for edibles, topicals and extracts is available.

 

BC Cannabis Store set to open in Cranbrook

July 25, 2019

BC Cannabis Stores will soon open its doors in Cranbrook.

The store, located at unit #102 425 Victoria Avenue N, is one of nearly 15 government-run BC Cannabis Stores expected to open across the province before the end of the year.

The store will open to the public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31st. Regular operating hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. It will offer a range of product including dried cannabis flower, oils, capsules and pre-rolls approved by Health Canada.

“We are looking forward to opening a BC Cannabis Store in Cranbrook, as we continue our efforts to rollout our network of retail stores and service the province,” said Kevin Satterfield, Director of Retail, Cannabis Operations. “BC Cannabis Stores is committed to being a good neighbour and integrating into the Cranbrook community.”

The store will be staffed by about 16 employees, including a store manager, two assistant store managers and knowledgeable cannabis consultants. Staff are committed to keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth, and will employ a strict two-ID check for people who look under 30, which ensures only those over the age of 19 enter the store.

The Cranbrook location will open on the same day as the BC Cannabis Store in Campbell River. Two stores are already open and operating in Kamloops.

All BC Cannabis Stores will be designed to be bright, clean, welcoming and professional, while creating a safe and favourable alternative to purchasing non-medical cannabis from the illicit market.

 

BC Cannabis Stores set to open in Campbell River

July 24, 2019

The first BC Cannabis Store on Vancouver Island will soon open its doors in Campbell River next week.

The store, located at #130 – 1416 Island Highway, within the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre, is one of nearly 15 government-run BC Cannabis Stores expected to open across the province before the end of the year.

The store will open to the public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31st. Regular operating hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. It will offer a range of product including dried cannabis flower, oils, capsules and pre-rolls approved by Health Canada.

“We are looking forward to opening a BC Cannabis Store in Campbell River, as we continue our efforts to rollout our network of retail stores and service the province,” said Kevin Satterfield, Director of Retail Operations, Cannabis Operations. “BC Cannabis Stores is committed to being a good neighbour and integrating into the Campbell River community.”

The store will be staffed by about 16 employees, including a store manager, two assistant store managers and knowledgeable cannabis consultants. Staff are committed to keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth, and will employ a strict two-ID check for people who look under 30, which ensures only those over the age of 19 enter the store.

The Campbell River location will open on the same day as the BC Cannabis Store in Cranbrook. Two stores are already open and operating in Kamloops.

All BC Cannabis Stores will be designed to be bright, clean, welcoming and professional, while creating a safe and favourable alternative to purchasing non-medical cannabis from the illicit market.

 

BlissCo Voluntary Recall- Cold Creek Kush and Green Kush Pre-Rolls

April 17, 2019

BlissCo has issued a voluntary recall on two SKUs (listed below), as the labelled “THC/total THC (mg)” per pre-roll is incorrectly overstated. Blissco encourages any customers who may have concerns about the labelling discrepancy to contact the LDB’s Customer Care Centre to make return arrangements.

Lot #s	BCLDB Sku #	Product Description
1905001	1013275 1013309	BLISSCO - COLD CREEK KUSH - 2X0.5G BLISSCO - GREEN CUSH - 2X0.5G

Note: “THC/ Total THC (mg)” per pre-roll is not visible on the Cannabis Operations eCommerce website, and is only displayed on the retail selling unit packaging and inner container. The estimated THC/CBD % ranges, which were visible to you online at the time of purchase, remain accurate.

Summary of labelling error:

• The “THC/total THC” information for Green Cush was printed 13.8mg/225.0mg per unit, instead of 6.9mg/ 112.5mg per unit, respectively.
• The “THC/total THC” information for Cold Creek Cush was printed 8.95mg/229.0mg per unit, instead of 4.48mg/ 114.50mg per unit, respectively.

If you have any additional questions, or would like to arrange for a return of the impacted product, please contact our Customer Care Centre at 1-844-420-2227 or ccc@bcldb.com.

 

Six months since legalization of non-medical cannabis

April 17, 2019

Despite widespread supply shortages across Canada, steps taken by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) prior to and following legalization have safeguarded the province from supply outages impacting the business operations of retailers throughout the first six months of legalization.

The LDB has engaged with 34 licensed producers, and continues to work closely with suppliers to procure product as it becomes available. As part of ongoing efforts to create a range of products that include exclusive offerings, the LDB has also been engaging with new and small-scale producers as they receive licensing.

In the six months since legalization, the LDB has welcomed 18 private retailers to its wholesale line of business and looks forward to expanding service as more applicants successfully complete the licensing process. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch has accepted 480 applications, 331 of which are awaiting local government approval. As part of a commitment to providing best-in-class service to wholesale customers, the LDB has encouraged open dialogue with its customers in order to understand and accommodate their needs.

The LDB has also been actively investigating potential locations for the rollout of its network of BC Cannabis Stores. To date, the LDB has received municipal approval for an additional 18 BC Cannabis Stores locations, and continues to work closely with municipalities across the province to identify and develop sites.

Locations that have received municipal approval include Williams Lake, Cranbook, Campbell River, Terrace, Fort St John, Salmon Arm, Prince George (two stores), Powell River, Quesnel, Port Alberni, Trail, Courtenay, Sechelt, Penticton and Vernon. The City of Kamloops, which welcomed the first BC Cannabis Store in the province on October 17, 2018, will be home to two additional stores expected to open this summer.

As part of the LDB’s commitment to continuous improvement, BC Cannabis Stores’ online sales channel will be adding user account functionality to enable a faster and more convenient shopping experience. Customers will soon be able to create a personal account and store their shipping information and view their order history, while ensuring the continued protection of their privacy.

Social responsibility has always been one of the LDB’s top priorities, and this value is being reinforced through the creation of extensive social responsibility campaigns and in-store education material. Campaigns such as ‘Don’t Drive High’ and ‘Keep Cannabis Away From Youth’ highlight the importance of responsible use of non-medical cannabis.

In an effort to further highlight the importance of social responsibility and share key operational updates, BC Cannabis Stores recently launched on social media, and can now be followed by people over the age of 19 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The LDB looks forward to continuing to strive towards offering best-in-class service via its wholesale and retail channels, and achieving its mandate of protecting young people and keeping the criminal element out of cannabis. It contributes over $1.1 billion annually to the Province of B.C., providing funding for services like health care and education.

Fast facts:

• Since 12:01am on October 17, when the BC Cannabis Stores online sales channel went live, we have recorded a total of 100,716 transactions.
• The Kamloops BC Cannabis Store has served 123,456 customers since opening its doors on October 17, 2018.
• The LDB has engaged with 34 licensed producers, and is committed to working with any licensed producer that is interested in supplying the BC market.
• Acknowledging BC’s discerning market, the LDB has worked closely with LPs as they create products that are exclusive to BC.
• Top sellers continue to be high-CBD products, such as oils and capsules, and low-cost, high-THC products.

 

BC Cannabis Stores is hiring in Port Alberni

April 10, 2019

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be holding a job fair in Port Alberni to recruit prospective employees for its BC Cannabis Store, set to open later this year.

The job fair will be held on Tuesday, April 16 from 11am to 6.30pm at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. The event will serve as an opportunity for prospective BC Cannabis Stores employees to speak to representatives from the LDB, which operates BC Cannabis Stores, and learn more about the positions available and experience required.

BC Cannabis Stores is looking for one store manager, two assistant managers, six full-time cannabis consultants, and eight part-time/auxiliary cannabis consultants.

While LDB recruiters will be collecting resumes at the event, all prospective candidates must submit their application via the LDB’s online portal at www.bcldb.com/about/careers to be considered. All employment opportunities for BC Cannabis Stores are posted at this site.

Successful candidates will receive extensive training, concentrating on social responsibility practices related to safety and responsible adult use, comprehensive product knowledge and customer service skills. Product knowledge and an understanding of the essential elements related to cannabis products and the industry are appreciated, but not required. Retail experience is also appreciated.

BC Cannabis Stores employees will be required to undergo an Enhanced Security Screening check, in accordance with the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.

The Port Alberni store will be located at #303 – 3555 Johnston Road, within the Pacific Rim Shopping Centre, and is expected to open later this year.

The LDB is considering a number of locations across various municipalities for its network of BC Cannabis Stores, and is focused on ensuring a careful and efficient rollout that will provide the best possible customer experience and meet all health and safety regulations.

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BC Cannabis Stores is hiring in Courtenay

April 10, 2019

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be holding a job fair in Courtenay to recruit prospective employees for its BC Cannabis Store, set to open later this year.

The job fair will be held on Monday, April 15 from 12pm to 7pm at the Best Western Westerly Hotel. The event will serve as an opportunity for prospective BC Cannabis Stores employees to speak to representatives from the LDB, which operates BC Cannabis Stores, and learn more about the positions available and experience required.

BC Cannabis Stores is looking for one store manager, two assistant managers, six full-time cannabis consultants, and eight part-time/auxiliary cannabis consultants.

While LDB recruiters will be collecting resumes at the event, all prospective candidates must submit their application via the LDB’s online portal at www.bcldb.com/about/careers to be considered. All employment opportunities for BC Cannabis Stores are posted at this site.

Successful candidates will receive extensive training, concentrating on social responsibility practices related to safety and responsible adult use, comprehensive product knowledge and customer service skills. Product knowledge and an understanding of the essential elements related to cannabis products and the industry are appreciated, but not required. Retail experience is also appreciated.

BC Cannabis Stores employees will be required to undergo an Enhanced Security Screening check, in accordance with the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.

The Courtenay store will be located at #105 – 757 Ryan Road within the Washington Park Shopping Centre complex, and is expected to open later this year.

The LDB is considering a number of locations across various municipalities for its network of BC Cannabis Stores, and is focused on ensuring a careful and efficient rollout that will provide the best possible customer experience and meet all health and safety regulations.

 

Invitation to Tender issued for Campbell River

March 27, 2019

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for tenant improvements for BC Cannabis Stores in Campbell River.

A one-time mandatory site inspection will be held on Wednesday, April 3, at 1pm Pacific Standard Time. The inspection will be held at #130 – #132 - 1416 Island Highway, Campbell River, BC V9W 8C9. The LDB’s project manager will be on hand to answer questions at this time. Late attendees may not be permitted to participate in the site inspection.

Documentation and bidding instructions related to this ITT are available at www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca, and can be found when browsing for opportunities by organization.

 

Canopy Growth Voluntary Recall LBS Sunset 3.5 gram

March 5, 2019

Canopy Growth has issued a voluntary recall of its LBS Sunset 3.5 gram dried flower specific to lot #SUN8213TSB. LDB Cannabis Operations has not shipped any of this product to customers; however, those with questions please contact the Customer Care Centre.

Please visit this link for further information.

 

LDB continues efforts to roll out BC Cannabis Stores

February 1, 2019

The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is continuing its efforts to roll out its network of BC Cannabis Stores across the province.

The LDB is committed to working with municipalities to understand and align with their bylaws and business requirements, and has submitted applications to a number of municipalities throughout the province.

To date, we have received municipal approval to open BC Cannabis Stores in Campbell River, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Terrace, Salmon Arm and Fort St John. The City of Kamloops has also approved applications for two stores to be established in Kamloops, in addition to the BC Cannabis Store that opened in that community on October 17, 2018.

At this time the LDB cannot say when additional stores might open, as lease negotiations are ongoing for many of the sites. Once a lease has been signed, it can take up to seven months to develop the site to suit the LDB’s needs and complete the store fit out. Updates related to the opening of BC Cannabis Stores will be announced as details are finalized.

Each BC Cannabis Store will be designed to be bright, clean, welcoming and professional, while creating a safe and favourable alternative to purchasing non-medical cannabis from the illicit market.

Employment opportunities for BC Cannabis Stores will be posted at http://www.bcldb.com/about/careers as they become available.

All BC Cannabis Stores employees will receive extensive training concentrating on social responsibility practices related to safety and responsible adult use, comprehensive product knowledge and customer service skills.

BC Cannabis Stores online store ensures all British Columbians have access to a regulated, safe cannabis product, regardless of where they live in BC, via a safe and secure sales platform.

LDB identifies efficiencies to benefit BC Cannabis Stores’ online customers

October 31, 2018

The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has identified a number of efficiencies in its delivery model for online orders of non-medical cannabis to directly benefit customers of BC Cannabis Stores.

To support the best possible customer experience, the LDB has reduced the cost of shipping and now provides a shorter delivery period for orders.

Effective immediately, customers of the online store will pay a reduced shipping fee of $8.00, down from $10.00, and the LDB has committed to delivering online orders within one to four business days; however, there may be delivery delays in the areas affected by the ongoing Canada Post rotating strikes.

Customers who order from the online BC Cannabis Store before 11.59pm will receive their order within one to four business days, depending on where in the province they are ordering from.

Also, as part of its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, the LDB has reduced the size and formatting of packing materials.

As its cannabis line of business continues to mature, the LDB will continue to identify possible efficiencies that will have a flow-on effect to customers.

The LDB’s retail product assortment will continue to be refined and updated in order to cater to customer demand. New products are being added to the site on a weekly basis, and the LDB is looking at opportunities with additional licensed producers.

Visit BC Cannabis Stores’ online store at www.bccannabisstores.com to view the entire product assortment.

B.C. enters new era as cannabis becomes legal

October 16, 2018

On Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, British Columbians throughout the province will be able to legally purchase non-medical cannabis online from: www.bccannabisstores.com

British Columbians 19 years of age and older will have the opportunity to purchase regulated cannabis regardless of where they live in the province. The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has entered into a contract with Canada Post to deliver online cannabis orders to customers.

Keeping cannabis out of the hands of minors was a key consideration for the LDB in appointing a third-party delivery provider. Canada Post will undertake age-verification checks in the event that a customer appears to be under the age of 25 years. If age verification fails, the product will be returned to the LDB and full purchase price and associated taxes will be refunded.

Customers will pay a $10 shipping fee when ordering from BC Cannabis Stores’ online store. Online orders will be shipped from the LDB’s distribution centre within 48 business hours of the order being placed.

The first BC Cannabis Store in Kamloops is set to open at 10 a.m. (Pacific time) Wednesday morning. The store, located in the Columbia Place Shopping Centre, will have 24 cannabis consultants standing by to serve. The store will feature about 85 dried-flower strains of cannabis plus a selection of oils, capsules and pre-rolls approved by Health Canada.

Additional licensed cannabis retail stores will open in the coming months, as private cannabis retailers proceed through the regulatory and permit process overseen by the Liquor Cannabis Regulation Branch. Private and public retailers will be allowed to sell dried cannabis, cannabis oils, capsules and seeds that comply with federal requirements. These stores may also sell cannabis accessories, as defined in the federal Cannabis Act, such as rolling papers, pipes and bongs.

The provincial government is committed to ensuring safe, responsible sales of non-medical cannabis and helping ensure products stay out of the hands of minors.

Learn More:

Explore our cannabis responsibility blog to find out more about the legal, health, and social issues surrounding the safe and responsible use of cannabis in British Columbia.

BC LDB establishes retail brand for non-medical cannabis

April 26, 2018

VANCOUVER – The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is announcing that, once legalized, public cannabis stores and the online retail store for non-medical cannabis will operate under the brand, BC Cannabis Stores.

The name and brand aligns with the BC Liquor Stores brand and will be used on store signage and printed materials. Developed in-house, the brand will be used as the LDB creates a new and separate business operation to support the wholesale distribution and sale of non-medical cannabis.

The LDB expects to open the first government-operated retail store and to implement an e-commerce solution to offer online sales to the public, by the end of summer 2018, to ensure British Columbians have access to non-medical cannabis once legalized.

Retail stores (both government and private) will only be permitted to sell a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent in oil) to an individual at one time. BC Cannabis Stores will be the province’s sole online cannabis retailer.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (formerly Liquor Control and Licensing Branch) is responsible for licensing private non-medical cannabis retail stores and monitoring compliance of both public and private stores. Information regarding retail licensing can be found on its website.

BC LDB to begin preparing for retail and online non-medical cannabis sales

February 5, 2018

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is aiming to open the first government-operated non-medical cannabis retail store by late summer, and has begun exploring an e-commerce model to offer online sales to the public.

This follows the announcement by the provincial government that British Columbians will be able to purchase non-medical cannabis from both privately run and government-operated standalone retail stores.

“We’re excited about planning and building-out online sales and a new retail network of standalone, public cannabis stores – but it’s important to keep in mind that this won’t happen overnight,” said Blain Lawson, LDB’s general manager and CEO.

“First, we have to establish a wholesale distribution system and prepare its operations for when the federal government is expected to legalize cannabis later this year. The public retail model will be phased in over time.”

The LDB’s top focus will be on ensuring safe, responsible sales of non-medical cannabis and helping ensure the product stays out of the hands of minors.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) will be responsible for licensing and monitoring the retail non-medical cannabis sector, leveraging its expertise in managing the licensing, regulation and inspection of liquor retailers. The rules governing non-medical cannabis retail stores will be similar to those currently in place for liquor retail stores, and public and private retailers will have similar operating rules. LCRB will be launching an application portal for individuals and businesses interested in applying for a private non-medical cannabis retail licence this spring.

Non-medical cannabis retail will not be co-located with any other businesses, such as liquor stores or pharmacies. The provincial government may consider exceptions in the future but, for now, a non-medical cannabis retail store must be a self-contained business. There may be exceptions for rural stores, similar to rural liquor stores, with more information on this to come.

This decision was made based on recommendations by a federal government task force which cautioned against co-locating alcohol and non-medical cannabis; a position supported by British Columbia’s medical health officers, it also reflects feedback received from local governments.

Public and private non-medical cannabis retail stores will be permitted to sell dried cannabis, cannabis oils that comply with federal requirements, and seeds. These stores may also sell cannabis accessories, as defined in the proposed federal Cannabis Act, such as rolling papers, holders, pipes, bongs, etc. Cannabis edibles are expected to be available within 12 months of legalization, as determined by the federal government.

Quick Facts:

• The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be the sole, wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis for the province and will also operate stand-alone, public retail stores and provide online sales.
• The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch will be responsible for licensing private non-medical cannabis retail stores and monitoring compliance of both public and private stores.
• LDB has issued a Request for Proposals for an e-Commerce solution and will have more information about timelines and how this solution will work in the coming months.
• Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories are the only jurisdictions in North America that plan to pair alcohol and cannabis sales. No U.S. state that has legalized cannabis allows co-location of the two products.
• Retail stores (both government and private) will only be allowed to sell a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent in oil) to an individual at one time.
• Private retail stores will not be permitted to offer online sales.
• Unlike liquor stores, minors will not be permitted to enter non-medical cannabis retail stores, even if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. (There may be exceptions for rural businesses).