The legal landscape for recreational cannabis has been evolving continuously since its legalization in Canada on October 17th, 2018. Since then, each province has adopted its own framework and certain municipalities have further rules and restrictions governing the marketing, retail and distribution of recreational cannabis. In British Columbia, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is responsible for the licensing of private non-medical cannabis retailers.
What are the Requirements to Get a Cannabis License?
If you are interested in applying for a retail licence in BC, some of the preliminary requirements include that you have a registered corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship (with a Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency) and secure the ownership or lease of the proposed site location. Applicants will also be required to provide extensive disclosures and otherwise comply with the licensing process. Further, the federal and provincial regimes include prescribed guidelines and restrictions relating to the proximity of the store to schools and certain places, the reporting of inventory and sales, the hiring and training of workers, signage and advertising, and the display of cannabis products, amongst other things.
What can ATAC LAW help me with?
While the ongoing conversations around the legalization of non-medical cannabis have brought about new opportunities in BC and throughout Canada, they have also impacted core areas of law. Our team of lawyers at ATAC LAW have cannabis-specific experience and expertise to help you to navigate the fast-paced and potentially growing market. We have a deep understanding not only of the regulatory complexities and legislations relating to recreational cannabis, but also the commercial, cultural and political dynamics at play.
We can guide and assist prospective retailers and distributors with the licensing process for non-medical cannabis in BC and other provinces throughout Canada. We can also advise businesses on matters relating to product labeling, advertising and marketing; funding and monetization policies; private placements or public offerings; employment and workplace issues; plant breeders’ rights; trade secrets and intellectual property (IP) protection; outsourcing; franchising; and licensing agreements.
Contact one of ATAC Law’s lawyers now to discuss your commercial lease.
