Will Delta residents drive to one of the local cannabis growers in the city to purchase products directly?
The B.C. government this week announced that option will be available to federally licensed cultivators as the province is introducing a new cannabis retail licence that will allow eligible producers to sell non-medical products from stores located at their grow sites.
When the producer retail store licence (PRS) comes into effect on Nov. 30, 2022, applications will be open through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s liquor and cannabis licensing portal, the province explained.
All federal standard cultivator, micro-cultivator and nursery licence-holders will be eligible to apply, the province noted, adding it is intending to support the development of a robust, diverse and sustainable legal cannabis economy that is inclusive of Indigenous and rural communities.
“The fourth anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in B.C. 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,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in a news release. “The PRS licence is another way we are working to support the success of B.C.-based producers.”
Danielle Bronson, Communications Manager for Pure Sunfarms in East Ladner, said it is exciting news to see the progress for the industry and cultivators.
She noted that it’s currently not an area of focus for Pure Sunfarms, however, they are keeping a close eye on the regulations and will have more to say once they know all the details and understand the scope.
One of several cannabis growers in Delta, Pure Sunfarms, which is owned by Village Farms International, has two large-scale side-by-side greenhouse complexes on 80th Street.
Cannabis stores are already part of Delta’s retail landscape as additional outlets recently opened in Ladner and Tsawwassen commercial zones, while a couple more approved by council this year are to open in North Delta.
The new stores join others that have already opened this year throughout the municipality with just one application remaining on the books, a proposal to open a dispensary in an industrial area at 7550 River Road.
If the last application is approved, Delta will have nine cannabis stores.
The city can’t prohibit the cultivation of cannabis in the Agricultural Land Reserve but can require the growers to have a business licence when it comes to on-site retail sales.
