The B.C. government has just announced how recreational cannabis will be sold in the province.
According to the government, liquor stores will not be allowed to sell cannabis, which will make way for the creation of a new standalone network of public retail stores.
Licensed retailers will only be allowed to sell cannabis and cannabis accessories, and will be prohibited from selling other products, such as food, gas, clothing and lottery.
B.C.'s Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be responsible for operating the new network of licensed retail stores and will also be responsible for licensing private stores and monitoring the retail sector.
The province will establish exceptions for rural non-medical cannabis retail stores, similar to those of rural liquor stores. The criteria for determining these rural areas are currently under development.
Regulations are expected to be implemented through a series of bills during the upcoming legislative session, with the goal to be in place by the time non-medical cannabis is legalized this July.
Individuals and businesses will be allowed to begin early registration for retail licences later this spring.
Local governments will have veto power that will give them the authority to make local decisions, based on the needs of their communities.
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