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Farmgate cannabis coming to BC

Published on September 24, 2020 by oz. staff

There are big changes coming to the cannabis industry in BC.

The province will allow cannabis producers greater access to local retailers and consumers through direct delivery and farm-gate sales programs.

The change is expected in 2022, and was announced by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

The programs are currently in development by the province.

It’s unclear what effect the upcoming election will have on this issue.

Long-time cannabis growers and Indigenous leaders have been lobbying the province for the change.

Under the plan, Health Canada-licensed small-scale producers, including nurseries, would be able to deliver cannabis directly to licensed retailers.

“We’ve heard clearly how important these kinds of sales are for smaller cannabis producers trying to get a foothold in a market currently dominated by larger players,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Now more than ever, our government is committed to supporting BC businesses and encouraging people to buy local, and that includes creating conditions for cannabis businesses of all sizes to succeed.”

   • RELATED: Indigenous company first in BC for ‘farm-gate’

The farm-gate sales program would give B.C. cannabis growers the ability to sell their products from “farm-gate” stores located at their production site.

BC says it’s committed to developing “a robust, diverse and sustainable legal cannabis economy in BC.”

Next year, the province will launch an Indigenous Shelf Space Program in BC Cannabis Stores to highlight cannabis products produced by BC Indigenous producers.

“These steps will help grow the legal cannabis industry in B.C. in an inclusive way,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “By making it easier to know more about the product, those who choose to use cannabis can make careful decisions about what types of product they want to buy and what sectors of the industry they want to support.”