LCRB Bulletin 24-01 Allows Cannabis-Friendly Spaces & Promotion
March 12, 2024
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As we reported in this news item about Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch Bulletin 24-01, Cannabis Retail Stores (CRS) and Producer Retail Stores (PRS) can promote a place to consume cannabis. Additionally, outdoor cannabis consumption spaces (e.g. patio) are permitted where tobacco and vaping is permitted within a businesses (e.g. Liquor Primary smoking patios). The bulletin didn’t have much detail and seems to rely on local government bylaws. We at Thrive Advisors hope cannabis-friendly patios are a sign of things to come, including permitting (fingers crossed) indoor cannabis lounges.
In Bulletin 24-01, LCRB hinted that more changes are in the works, stating “the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is making gradual changes to improve hospitality and tourism opportunities for the cannabis industry.”
While the relaxing of restrictions around where cannabis can be consumed is very welcome news to BC’s legal retail cannabis industry, the next logical step is permitting provincially-licensed indoor cannabis consumption spaces (i.e. cannabis lounges). Indoor consumption lounges would be a draw for cannabis store clients and tourists while further normalizing and destigmatizing weed use in this country – where recreational cannabis use has been legal for more than five years.
BC’s cannabis industry has had many struggles since the province first permitted licensed retail cannabis stores. In the beginning, legal cannabis stores competed with a still flourishing illegal online market and were hampered by restrictive government rules (remember blacked out windows?). Slowly, the BC government relaxed some of these restrictions including permitting cannabis home delivery and online ordering for pickup in store.
The U.S. is far ahead of Canada. According to the MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) article “State-By-State On-Site Consumption Laws”, there are currently 12 states that allow on-site cannabis consumption lounges, although local/municipal government does not have to opt in. Of the 12 states, about half also allow some kind of food service (including food preparation or at least packaged food) in the cannabis lounge.
The MPP article points out that not only are cannabis cafés a draw for tourists, they are also “an important feature of equitable legalization: individuals living in subsidized housing and renters are often not allowed to use cannabis at home.”
Thrive Advisors Clears the Haze of Cannabis Consumption Spaces
While cannabis retailers can now promote consumption in outdoor patios, bulletin 24-01 didn’t provide many details. If your CRS or PRS is considering promoting a cannabis-friendly patio, Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors can give you clarity, make recommendations, and help make your cannabis patio grand opening a reality.
Our cannabis consultants support BC cannabis retailers, guide cannabis license applications, and provide input on public consultations and presentations to city councils.
