The government of BC has removed the prohibition on promoting places to consume cannabis and is allowing people to consume cannabis on public patios where smoking and vaping tobacco is already allowed.
A survey by government was completed back in 2022 and asked whether consumers would frequent a licensed cannabis consumption space. Of those who responded via telephone, 53% of cannabis consumers said that they would visit a consumption space versus 22% of those who do not consume cannabis. And, online responses seem stronger, with 78% of cannabis consumers stating that they’d be willing to visit a consumption space opposed to 0% of non-cannabis consumers.
Associations like ABLE BC have been lobbying to get regulations changed. Bo Chen, Head of Cannabis Membership for ABLE BC, says, “This is a welcome first step in addressing stigma and will improve the social acceptability of cannabis use. We are grateful to our partners at the LCRB for their openness to industry engagement and diligent work to foster a responsible and thriving cannabis retail landscape. This change is just the beginning of building a policy framework that works for our cannabis retail members.”
The industry was asked for feedback on this matter back in the summer, so is happy to see this change. Chen notes, “Much like enjoying a pint at a pub, consuming cannabis in a shared social setting is at the centre of BC’s cannabis community. With the appropriate regulatory framework in place, cannabis use on public patios will preserve an existing culture and provide an opportunity for private cannabis retailers to innovate and establish new revenue streams. ABLE BC, with help from our Cannabis Policy Committee members, is developing proposals on both consumption spaces and special events.”
Retailers are advised that local government bylaws and other laws such as the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation must be followed.
Licensed and non-licensed businesses will have equal opportunity to promote an outdoor consumption space at another business.
The government is still looking at how to enable cannabis sales at special events such as music festivals where cannabis consumption commonly occurs.