The British Columbia Liquor Distribution Division (LDB) is the only wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis in the province. It operates independent public retail stores and offers online sales. Unlike other products, such as liquor, non-medical cannabis will not be sold together with other products. This is the first phase of the labor action announced by the union representing 33,000 employees in various sectors, from victim services to casinos.
In British Columbia, all recreational cannabis and most alcohol are processed through a provincial distribution branch before being sent to stores. Although certain provincial breweries, distilleries and wineries are allowed to deliver directly to bars, popular and relatively cheap beverages may be scarce if the strike lasts for a week, according to Guignard. The LDB is actively seeking opportunities to establish its stores in municipalities that pass resolutions in favor of public stores. Both public and private stores can sell dry cannabis, cannabis oils that meet federal requirements, and seeds.
The LDB is the only entity that offers online sales through its BC Cannabis Online Store. Furthermore, placing and selling cannabis in liquor stores would lead to a greater proportion of the population being exposed to cannabis, including many people who would not otherwise find it. The LDB will actively seek to establish its stores in rural, urban and indigenous communities that have introduced guidelines and statutes that clearly dictate where public and private cannabis retailers can operate. The LDB is currently investigating suitable locations across the province for its future network of British Columbia cannabis stores.
Non-medical cannabis retail stores must comply with the zoning statutes, security codes and business licensing requirements of the municipality in which they wish to do business. The LDB's British Columbia online cannabis store ensures that British Columbians have access to a regulated and safe product, regardless of where they live in British Columbia. In conclusion, the LDB is committed to providing British Columbians with access to safe and regulated cannabis products through its network of public retail stores and online store. The LDB is actively investigating additional locations across the province to deploy its network of British Columbia cannabis stores.
