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On January 18, 2022, the BC government announced the launch of the BC Indigenous Cannabis Product program (BCICP). Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said, “The launch of this new program demonstrates the Province’s commitment to supporting Indigenous participation in B.C.’s cannabis sector. With program registration opening, we look forward to seeing eligible products showcased in stores and online soon.”
Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance, added “Our commitment to a shared prosperity with Indigenous Peoples is critical to the economic health of our province and to advancing lasting reconciliation”.
If you are a licensed producer or BC cannabis retailer and need guidance navigating the BCICP program, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors can help.
What is the Aim of BCICP?
As stated in the BC Indigenous Cannabis Product program overview at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) website, the program is part of the province’s “commitment to develop a robust and diverse legal cannabis economy in BC, inclusive of rural and Indigenous communities”. The program highlights cannabis products from BC-based Indigenous producers in licensed retail cannabis stores in BC, and helps consumers easily identify their products.
Who is Eligible and How Do I Apply for BCICP?
Eligibility requirements and application steps are as follows:
- One of the parties (the cultivator or processor) must meet the 51% Indigenous ownership threshold and the facilities must be located in BC
- Both the cultivator and processor must have active and appropriate Health Canada cannabis licenses
- Before applying for the program, cannabis products must first be registered with LDB and have a SKU number assigned
- Both the cultivator and processor must submit a BCICP Participant and Product Registration form (PDF)
- Both parties must submit a product removal form for each product no longer eligible for the program
- Both parties must confirm product eligibility when requested to do so by the LDB
Get more answers to questions about the program by reading the BC Indigenous Cannabis Product program FAQ (PDF). Read the BCICP Terms and Conditions (PDF).
How Do BC Cannabis Retailers Market BCICP Products?
BC cannabis retailers logged in to the LDB Cannabis Wholesale portal will be able to identify BCICP program products by the program logo. Retailers are not under any obligation to use the program logo or create Indigenous product displays. The BCICP program logo and logo terms and conditions will be made available to retailers at the LDB Cannabis Wholesale website.
Get Retail Cannabis Strategy and Guidance from a BC Cannabis Consultant
Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors makes running a BC retail cannabis business easy! We provide clarity, roll up our sleeves and do the work, so you have more time to run your business. Our cannabis consultants guide and inform licensed cannabis retailers and producers every step of the way. From cannabis licensing to strategic planning, our tenacious attitude and expertise can help your licensed BC cannabis business succeed.
