Cannabis retailers in BC are now allowed to sell “cannabis-related items”, which are any items with a clear link to cannabis, such as books about cannabis or clothing with a cannabis motif. These items are still subject to regulations, however.
Cannabis-Related Items
According to the Cannabis Retail Store Licence Terms and Conditions Handbook, cannabis-related items are defined as “things that have a clear link to cannabis, such as books about cannabis, apparel or artwork featuring cannabis motifs, but are not used in direct or indirect consumption of cannabis (like cannabis accessories) and are not consumable (such as food, beverages (including liquor), and tobacco).” They are now available for private retailers to sell in their stores, along with cannabis products purchased from the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), cannabis accessories, gift cards, shopping bags, and delivery services.
These new items, of course, must still meet current regulations around promotional materials, and not promote cannabis in a way that is false or misleading, or by communicating information about its price or distribution, making it appealing to young people, using a testimonial or endorsement, depicting a real or fictional person, character or animal, or present it in a way that evokes an emotion or image of a life that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk, or daring.
Permitted items can also include branded items that display elements of cannabis or accessories as part of the brand, except if they are associated with young people, or meant to appeal to them or present a glamorous, fun, or daring way of life.
Supporting A Thriving Legal Cannabis Sector
The change takes effect on November 26.
“Expanding the range of items available through private licensees will provide further support to a thriving, legal cannabis sector in BC,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a news release. “At the same time, important restrictions will remain in place to help prevent unsafe activities and ensure we’re not promoting or supporting the use of cannabis by minors.”
Jaclynn Pehota, executive director of the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers, agreed, saying, “Many of our customers have a strong interest in peripheral items related to cannabis culture, like clothing. We welcome the freedom to meet this demand and provide our customers with more of a one-stop shopping experience.”
This will be a great way for retailers in BC to further differentiate themselves—and their revenue streams—and help them build a solid legal industry.