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If you’re considering applying for a retail cannabis license in BC, understanding requirements and responsibilities for your license type is the key to application approval and ensuring your operation continues to be compliant in the future. This brief guide provides an overview of cannabis store licenses available in BC.
Medical Cannabis License vs Non-Medical Cannabis License
Medical cannabis has been legal in Canada since 1999. When recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation was repealed and rolled into the new Cannabis Act. Health Canada oversees medical cannabis licensing.
Non-medical (recreational) cannabis is governed at the provincial level. Each province and territory regulates the use, sale and distribution in their jurisdiction. For more information, read “Cannabis laws of Canada by province or territory”.
Types of Retail Cannabis Licenses Available in BC
In BC, there are three types of cannabis licenses available though the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), two of which are retail cannabis store licenses. Each type of license has its own application process, requirements, and license terms and conditions. The third type of cannabis license available is the “Cannabis Marketing License”, which is not discussed in this article.
Cannabis Retail Store License
A cannabis retail store license (CRS) allows licensees to sell cannabis and accessories in BC.
CRS resources:
Producer Retail Store License
Allows federally-licensed producers to sell cannabis in a store located at their production site. Micro cultivators, standard cultivators, nursery sub-classes, and cultivators with a processing license are eligible to apply.
PRS resources:
PRS and CRS License Application Steps
The following is a summary of retail cannabis license application steps for PRS and CRS licensees:
- Meet local government or Indigenous Nation requirements
- Meet store location requirements
- Complete a Business Financial Integrity form
- Include store details: storage, floor plan, site plan, photos of store exterior, proposed store name, proposed signage
- Include required documents for your business type (private corporation, public corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, society or non-profit, Indigenous Nation)
- Consent to and complete a security screening
- Upload documents and pay fees
If the above requirements have been met and the application is supported by local or Indigenous government, LCRB grants an “approval in principle” and the CRS or PRS licensee must then:
- Review store security requirements
- Schedule and pass inspection
- Complete required Selling it Right certification
- Order cannabis products:
PRS licensees must register as a retailer and purchase products they sell through the BC Liquor Distribution Branch Wholesale Program or Direct Delivery Program. CRS licensees must register with the LDB and purchase cannabis products from LDB once their license has been approved.
Source for steps above: “Apply for a Producer Retail Store License” and “Apply for a Cannabis Retail Store License”, LCRB.
Thrive Makes Retail Cannabis Licensing Easier Than You Think
Whether you’re considering starting a retail cannabis store or have an existing store, the cannabis consultants at Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors make licensing and compliance easy! By working with Thrive, you increase your chances of retail cannabis store license application approval. Once you’re open for business, our consultants provide business strategy, compliance audits and compliance training to help you succeed!
