How Difficult is it to Get a Cannabis License in BC?

In BC, cannabis license application approval depends on many factors, including the business’s financial integrity, store location, store details such as floor plans and site plans, etc., all of which must meet provincial requirements. Startups may also have to attend public consultation meetings and get approval and a positive recommendation from local or Indigenous government before the application is approved by LCRB.

The retail cannabis industry is very competitive. There are currently 488 active cannabis store licenses in BC, with many applications submitted and processed each year. Local and Indigenous governments dictate the number of stores permitted in their communities, therefore the competition for each available license is fierce.

Current number of cannabis stores in BC:

• Vancouver Island, Powell River, Gulf Islands: 117
• Greater Vancouver and Sunshine Coast: 136
• Surrey and Fraser Valley: 21
• Interior and Northern BC: 214

Working with a Retail Cannabis Consultant Streamlines the Process

Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors works with cannabis store startups from the planning stage to opening day and beyond. Our retail cannabis consultants increase your chances of cannabis license application approval, reduce frustration, provide invaluable guidance and knowledge, and streamline the process.

Below is a summary of how our retail cannabis consultants are involved at each step.

Startup Planning

Our knowledge of the industry and LCRB licensing requirements is invaluable while you assess the viability of your business. During planning, our retail cannabis consultants guide, educate and inform stakeholders.

Cannabis License Application Phase

Our cannabis license application services makes the application phase go smoothly. We ensure that all required supporting documentation is complete before the license is submitted. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of application delays or rejection.

Public Consultation & Presentation Guidance

Pitching your operation in public meetings and to local or Indigenous government requires tailoring communications to underscore the benefits to the community. Presentations should be scripted or outlined to focus on those benefits and demonstrate the applicant’s thoroughness and professionalism. Supporting material for presentations (slideshows, PDFs) must do the same.

Thrive provides guidance and editorial input while you build your public presentation package. We understand how local government presentations and public consultations work and what is expected of the applicant. Read our Avenue Cannabis case study for some insight into how our team works with cannabis store startups.

Store Build Consulting

When you choose a location, the store build must accommodate government requirements of cannabis store site plans, floor plans, signage and more. Thrive can consult with you during the build planning stage to ensure your physical store meets all LCRB requirements.

Oversee Cannabis License Compliance

After your cannabis license is approved, it’s vital to ensure that your store remains compliant, and that your employees understand their role in meeting compliance requirements. Thrive provides compliance training, checklists and manuals, as well as compliance audits to ensure you license is protected long-term.

Begin Your Cannabis Store Journey with Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors

If you’re considering opening a cannabis store in BC or Alberta, get Thrive on your team. We work with cannabis store owners and stakeholders from the planning stages through to cannabis license application approval. Once your license is approved, we can provide strategic planning, license update services, compliance audits and compliance training.