News

Bungling bud in BC

Published on September 20, 2019 by David Wylie

Advertising in 19+ establishments was one of the few certain ways cannabis brands and publications could advertise and guarantee not to have info viewed by those who are under age.

No more.

The BC government has issued a cannabis info blackout in licensed establishments, laying down new restrictions that forbid marketing cannabis in any way in any licensed establishment.

It’s a strange move, considering the provincial government has its own booze magazine, called Taste, advertising its liquor store products.

Business In Vancouver got a Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch issued directive, which had been sent out late on Sept. 16.

The letter was sent to all LCRB staff, licensees, industry associations, local governments, First Nations and police agencies.

According to the BIV story, the B.C. government has banned advertising and anything else that could be construed as promoting cannabis in licensed establishments. That includes restaurants as well as bars, and it is in effect for events that have special permits.

The timing itself is madness, with the news breaking while the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) made its fourth annual appearance in Vancouver.

The BC Liberals have been flogging the NDP for a while over cannabis, saying they’re “bungling” it. Laws like this are proving that narrative.

It’s not just politicians calling the provincial government out.

Shea Coulson, a partner at Dentons, one of the world’s largest law firms, reacted to the story with scorn.

“This will keep the legal industry hobbled. If there is no where and no way to promote legal cannabis, the black market will thrive for years to come,” he predicted.