News

BC calls for new cannabis products

Published on August 14, 2019 by David Wylie

The province says it’s time to pitch them on new cannabis products.

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch says it’s inviting licensed cannabis producers to propose new products in several categories due to be legalized later this year. They include edibles, beverages, topicals and extracts.

“This product call marks an exciting time for the LDB as we work toward introducing new product categories into B.C.’s legal cannabis market,” said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, LDB in a statement.

“We are currently working with over 30 licensed producers and look forward to engaging with new suppliers to expand our wholesale product assortment.”

LPs have the chance to identify their interest and ability to supply the LDB with their new range of products.

The items they choose will be carried and sold through private and public retail cannabis stores.

Read the fine print

According to the BCLDB:

The product call opens at 9 a.m. PST on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, and closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Submission documents are available to licensed producers here.

New federal regulations come into force on Oct. 17, 2019. However, licensed processors must provide Health Canada with notice at least 60 days before making a new cannabis product available for sale. Consequently, edibles, topicals and extracts will not be available for retail sale until late December.

It will take time before a full suite of products in the three new classes will be available. Consumers should expect that, initially, there will be a limited selection, with further new products appearing gradually in legal stores.

An overview of the final Health Canada regulations for edibles, topicals and extracts is available here.