The Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES) is changing its name to the Retail Cannabis Council of BC (RCCBC). The association was founded in British Columbia as the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) in 2017 and originally serviced the needs of medical dispensaries in British Columbia. After legalization, the directors decided they should move to looking after licensed retailers so they formed the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers.
Since the association primarily focuses on BC businesses, the new name will better reflect the organization’s membership base as it advocates for its 52 members across the province. The name also brings BC into alignment with the Retail Cannabis Council of Ontario (RCCO), which held its first annual meeting on June 10th.
Alfred Schaefer, President of RCCBC, is honoured to represent the membership base in BC and continue advocating for the local cannabis industry. He says, “We’re very excited to announce the name change, and it is a sign of our dedication to focus on BC for our advocacy first and foremost, as we want to see the industry in this region thrive. The new name perfectly fits who we support.”
The association has worked closely with the BC regulator and distributor to develop policies supportive of independent, legal cannabis retailers, such as direct delivery, licensing density, and combating the unregulated market. RCCBC also has a federal advocacy plan that includes changes to marketing restrictions and edible dosage limits.
The mandate of the Ontario council is similar as it strives to build a strong business community as the foundation for a prosperous Ontario Cannabis retail market. The RCCO is advocating to eliminate red tape, eradicate the illegal market, and promote regulations that help make the industry safer and more profitable.
Interestingly, both the RCCBC and RCCO are only representing independent retailers and not giving a voice to the big chains.
Photo courtesy of Rural Leaf Cannabis.