The BC Chamber of Commerce wants the province to “modernize” recreational cannabis by, among other things, allowing in-app delivery of products from private retailers.
A new chamber report says BC’s recreational pot industry is missing out on opportunities with current regulations.
The chamber makes 13 recommendations for rules regarding the retail sale and delivery, licensing and taxation of cannabis businesses.
“Implementing the…recommendations will unlock billions of dollars of private sector investment,” Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the chamber, said in a statement.
“This will create more jobs for British Columbians, increase tax revenue and position BC’s cannabis sector as a leader in Canada and abroad.
One of the report’s sponsors, Eleanor Lynch, chief operating officer of Kiaro Cannabis, said it was time to look at the BC rules and how they could be changed to improve the experience. consumers, help regulated businesses thrive and further reduce the illicit market.
Competing with the illicit market
Among the report’s recommendations is a call for the province to allow private hot pot retailers to accept online orders and for delivery services like Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes to be able to bring their orders to customers.
The chamber also wants cannabis producers to take advantage of the agritourism boom by allowing “on-farm” sales directly to customers, much like wineries can sell their vintages to visitors.
The province is currently working on an on-farm program, Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said, which is expected to launch in the spring.
“The thrust of the paper is to address some of the market imbalances where consumers still don’t have easy access to regulated cannabis,” Lynch said, adding that regulated retailers are still struggling with the illicit market.
“It’s very frustrating for you to go out and market, raise your own capital… And then, you know, maybe an illicit operator opens up on the street.”
Municipal bureaucracy in the crosshairs
The report also calls for simplified licensing for retailers, especially when it comes to municipal issues.
It also calls for an end to the 20% tax on cannabis vapes in British Columbia and calls on the province to work with the federal government to reduce and streamline taxes on regulated cannabis.
Lynch argues that if taxes on cannabis vapes are too high, young consumers are more likely to buy unregulated vapes, but health officials have said the vaping tax is important for tackling smoking for young people.
Lynch said the report was given to various politicians and policymakers for review.
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