People are already chomping at the bit to obtain a license that will allow holders to legally operate a cannabis retail store upon legalization.

B.C.'s government released details today outlining several details regarding regulatory requirements for private cannabis retail store licenses, saying the “application review process will include rigorous security screening and robust licensing requirements.”

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Who can obtain a license? 

The province has announced that having a criminal record or operating an illegal dispensary prior to legalization will not automatically exclude an individual from being considered for a license.

Applicants will also have to receive a positive recommendation from their municipal government. 

Cannabis license locations

The province will not be setting proximity restrictions on non-medical cannabis stores in terms of maintaining a certain distance from schools and other cannabis retailers.

There will be no cap set on the number of licenses issued in B.C.

Provincial regulations for operational hours will from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, local governments will also have jurisdiction over store hours of operation. 

Consumption regulations

Consumption lounges will not be licensed at this time. 

Customers will not be allowed to consume or test samples of products in retail locations.

Operation regulations

The sale of non-medical cannabis will not be permitted at outdoor festivals and events.

Edibles are not legal under federal legislation and will be prohibited from being sold in retail stores. 

Minors will not be permitted inside retail locations, with the exception of rural store which will fall under separate licensing. 

Cannabis products cannot be visible from outside the store.

Upon legalization, municipal governments will have the final decision on which applicants are granted retail licenses, the number of licenses granted and where cannabis stores will be located, 

Also announced today was the name change from B.C.’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

The application process is scheduled to open in early August, although no fixed date has been set.

A full list of licensing requirements can be seen here.