The delivery of non-medical marijuana is about to become a reality in B.C. as licensed cannabis retailers can bring products directly to people’s doors as of July 15.
The B.C. government announced the news on Thursday, suggesting that adding a delivery option provides more economic opportunities for retailers.
This is the latest step in legislation changes around non-medical marijuana, building off a move in August 2020 that allowed cannabis retail stores (CRS) to sell their products online.
The government highlights that delivery options allow consumers to gain a new way to purchase non-medical cannabis from a legal source in their community, helping to support B.C.’s legal cannabis industry.
“Since the federal legalization of non-medical cannabis, we’ve been working to support a strong and diverse cannabis industry, shrink the illicit market and keep products out of the hands of children and youth,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Allowing direct delivery to consumers isn’t just an advantage retailers have told us is vital to the viability of their sector, it’s also a way we can further our public safety goals.”
The government states that only adults will be allowed to receive delivery orders, and anyone who appears to be under 19 will have to present two pieces of identification. As part of the delivery guidelines, B.C. says that the recipient will not have to be a resident at the address or the person who placed the order, however, they will have to provide their name and signature to take delivery.
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Licensees will not be able to use third-party delivery services either. The delivery of cannabis products may happen by motor vehicle, bike or on foot, but employees must carry a copy of their CRS licence as identification for law enforcement.
Similar to the sale of alcohol, the delivery of marijuana is restricted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Additionally, B.C. is removing security verification requirements for cannabis workers, which is intended to eliminate delays in hiring. The government says it made this decision in response to industry feedback and hopes it enables legal retailers to hire staff quickly in order to implement delivery services.
“Government has consulted, listened and really delivered,” said Jaclynn Pehota, executive director, Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers.
“Knowing retailers can start hiring without delay and be ready to better meet customers’ needs when delivery becomes an option is incredibly welcome news. Adding convenient home delivery to the mix of knowledgeable staff and regulated product can only serve to make the legal cannabis sector the source of choice for more people.”
According to the B.C. government, more than 7,000 prospective cannabis workers have had security screenings and officials have not identified any significant risk of links to organized crime.
Graham Cox
