Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to break into Canada’s rapidly growing Cannabis industry? Below we’ve listed resources and supports available in British Columbia that can help grow your business.
General Resources
Small Business BC
Small Business BC provides a wide variety of resources and services to entrepreneurs looking to start a business. No matter which industry you are looking to start in, we will have expert advice. Below are some of the valuable services we offer that can prepare you with adequate knowledge to start a business.
- Free Business Plan Template & Cash Flow Forecasting Tool
- Business Plan Services
- Free Introductory Business Advisory
- Educational Webinar
- One-on-one Business Advisory
Government of BC
- Discover all the rules and regulations governing BC’s Cannabis Industry
- Read the Government of BC’s Cannabis Clarity website for further details on public health considerations.
- Learn about the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act and how your business can comply
Government of Canada
- How to apply for a Cannabis Licence
- What you need to be aware of before selling Cannabis
- Information on the Import/Export of Cannabis
Cannabis Industry Resources
Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers
The Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES), is a cannabis industry advocacy group. Their mandate is to promote and advocate for private cannabis retailers to the government at all levels.
Cannabis Council of Canada
The Cannabis Council of Canada (‘C3’) is the national organization of licensed producers of Cannabis under Health Canada’s Cannabis Act.
The Council’s mission is to act as the national voice for their members in their promotion of industry standards; support the development, growth and integrity of the regulated cannabis industry; and serve as an important resource on issues related to the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes.
Cannabis Advertising Guidelines
All cannabis promotion must follow the
Licensee responsibilities
The Cannabis Control and Licensing Act regulates who may promote cannabis to sell it. Only people who have a marketing licence or retail store licence can promote and sell cannabis to adults age 19 and over in B.C.
All non-medical cannabis licensees and permittees must be aware of and follow federal and provincial laws about the promotion and advertising of
- Cannabis
- Cannabis accessories
- Services related to cannabis
- Cannabis promotion prohibitions
The federal Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations have strict rules around promotions and advertising of cannabis, cannabis accessories and services related to cannabis. These rules restrict advertising and promotions in a place where minors may be or are permitted.
Read the Cannabis Promotion Prohibitions from Health Canada to find a summary of the rules and commonly asked questions about cannabis promotion prohibitions.
Updates from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is the sole, wholesale distributor of non-medical Cannabis for the province of BC. Stay up to date with their latest updates in the following key areas: