The producer retail store license comes into effect on Nov. 30
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The B.C. government is providing cannabis producers with opportunities to sell non-medical cannabis products on farm.
The government created a new “producer retail store” (PRS) license, which comes into effect on Nov. 30.
At that time, cannabis producers holding a federal production license can apply for a PRS license through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s liquor and cannabis licensing portal.
B.C. is home to 212 federally licensed cannabis producers, 34 public cannabis stores and has issued 441 licenses for private cannabis retailers.
The license would also allow for holders to sell cannabis products directly to licensed retailers in the province.
“The fourth anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in B.C. (Oct. 17) 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,” Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, said in a statement. “The PRS licence is another way we are working to support the success of B.C.-based producers.”
This announcement comes months after a B.C. First Nation opened the province’s first farm-to-gate cannabis shop.
Sugar Cane Cannabis opened on Williams Lake First Nation earlier in the year following an agreement between the community and the Province.
With is opening, customers can “come in, they’ll be able to see the product, they’ll be able to smell it, and ultimately, they’ll be able to hold the cannabis in their hand … less than a month after it’s been processed,” Daniel Penny, chief operating officer, told Global News in June.
Having legal and licensed cannabis in B.C. is changing the way people consume its products.
B.C.’s 2021 Cannabis Use Survey of 24,974 people found more British Columbians are purchasing cannabis from licensed outlets than from other sources compared to a similar survey conducted in 2018.
“Since legalization, fewer people report buying cannabis from an unlicensed store (from 56% to 17%) or dealer (from 16% to 9%) although more people report buying it from unlicensed online sites (from 1% to 9%),” the 2021 survey says.
Farms.com has contacted Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham’s office and the Craft Cannabis Association of BC for comment.