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LPs can now give samples to BC cannabis retailers

Published on September 27, 2023 by David Wylie

Photo: David Wylie/the oz.

Cannabis producers are now allowed to give out samples to BC cannabis retailers under a new rule change.

The BC government changed its rules this week to allow federally licensed cannabis producers to promote their cannabis by providing product samples for a nominal fee.

“There is no prescribed maximum size for cannabis samples,” says the provincial government bulletin.

“However, cannabis samples are expected to be of reasonable size and quantity and should have little retail value. A sample shall not be used for any type of inducement.”

Stores are not allowed to provide samples to customers.

Retailers who receive samples are not allowed to share them with other licence holders.

The province says the change is in response to industry feedback and calls it a first step in helping federal licence holders to promote cannabis with samples while meeting legislative requirements.

The BC government’s cannabis retail store and producer retail store handbooks have been updated to reflect the change.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is also exploring further changes, including allowing cannabis stores to provide samples to other licensees and allowing marketing licensees to accept and provide samples to other licensees.

Cannabis consumption inside cannabis stores remains prohibited, even when the store is closed.

Some of the fine print for BC cannabis retailers

Licensees have to keep records relating to cannabis samples that contain the following information:

• the unique excise tax identifier from the original packaging of the cannabis sample;
• the date the licensee received the cannabis sample;
• the federal licence holder and name of the representative that provided the cannabis sample;
• the nominal purchase amount that the licensee paid for the cannabis sample; and
• the amount or quantity of cannabis sample received.