Pot growers in British Columbia are getting their own ‘farm gate’ licenses for cannabis sales.
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Eight companies have already applied to grow marijuana in Langley after a ruling by the Agricultural Land Commission; seven of those are in the ALR.
The BC government is introducing a new cannabis retail license that will allow eligible federally licensed cannabis producers to sell non-medical cannabis products from stores located at their cultivation site.
When the producer retail store (PRS) licence comes into effect on Nov. 30, 2022, applications will be open through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s (LCRB) liquor and cannabis licensing portal. All federal standard cultivator, micro-cultivator and nursery licence-holders will be eligible to apply.
This licence was created as part of the province’s commitment to enable farm gate cannabis sales in British Columbia. It is intended to support the development of a robust, diverse and sustainable legal cannabis economy that is inclusive of Indigenous and rural communities.
“The fourth anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in BC is around the corner, and we continue to look for ways to support growth of the legal market while providing safe and accessible options for British Columbians,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“The PRS licence is another way we are working to support the success of BC-based producers.”
License holders will also be able to register for the direct delivery program, allowing them to ship product to local retailers, which the province says will help small growers build brand loyalty in their local markets.
The launch of the program follows the recent opening of BC’s first-ever farm gate cannabis facility in Williams Lake, which resulted from a local agreement between the provincial government and Williams Lake First Nation.
For more information on this and other cannabis regulations in BC, growers can go to https://www.cannabis.gov.bc.ca