The B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch is inviting licensed cannabis producers to participate in a product call for new products that are due to be legalized later this year, but it remains to be seen if those products will eventually be available in Delta.
According to the branch, which oversees the distribution of cannabis products to private and government-run retailers in the province, the product call is an opportunity for producers to identify their interest and ability to supply edibles, beverages, topicals and extracts, as well as 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 B.C. 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. "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 closes Sept. 11.
New federal regulations come into effect 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. Consequently, edibles, topicals and extracts will not be available for retail sale until late December, the liquor distribution branch explains.
Several Delta greenhouses have already been making the switch from vegetables to cannabis and are also connected to the future edibles and other products market.
City council has yet to discuss whether to allow government-run cannabis stores in Delta - B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch photo
While there’s currently no application by the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch to open a government-run recreational cannabis store in Delta, the branch earlier this year reached out to city council, providing information on the legal framework regarding the possibility of a B.C. Cannabis Store.
“Local governments play a key role in the licensing process for the brick and mortar retail stores, having been granted the authority to prohibit or limit the number of stores in their community, determine the types of stores that will be permitted (government, private or both), set minimum distancing requirements from other cannabis stores and organizations/institutions servicing children and youth (e.g. schools, daycares, community centres ect.) and determine the processes, requirements and fees associated with setting up a cannabis retail store in their community,” explained Lawson in a letter to council.
“Prior to the recent Local General Election we were made aware that your municipality would not be permitting retail cannabis stores in your community. Should your position on this matter change, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss locating a government operated cannabis retail store in your community, and answer any questions and/or address any concerns you may have.”
Any private or government retail application requires a positive response from a host municipality.
In Delta’s case, the city last year, in a preemptive move ahead of the legalization of recreational weed, amended the zoning bylaw to prohibit stores from setting up shop in all zones.
It’s not clear if that means pot shops could eventually open in Delta, but only in certain areas.
Delta’s overall policy endorsed by council was not supportive of private retail stores but was supportive of government-run outlets and Internet sales.
Any private or government application has to apply for a rezoning to Delta council.
“BC Cannabis Stores will be bright, clean, welcoming and professional, with the intent of creating a safe and favourable alternative to purchase cannabis from the illicit market,” noted Lawson.
