Despite BC’s slow rollout of retail cannabis stores, the province’s solicitor general says the government has been working hard to move away from a “well-entrenched” illegal marijuana industry. 

On Friday, Mike Farnworth said in a statement that the province recognizes the illegal industry has been a significant driver in many rural regions. 

While the legal cannabis industry has faced plenty of criticism, Farnworth maintained that BC is committed to supporting a legal, small-scale cannabis industry.

“As this new industry matures, B.C. will continue to take the steps necessary to make sure it is safe and successful,” said Farnworth.

“For example, we know there is interest in farm-to-gate sales, particularly from small-scale producers, and that’s an option we’re considering in determining how to support B.C.’s cannabis industry.”

Cannabis has officially been legal for over a year, but BC will only have 10 government-owned stores open by year’s end. 

As of Oct. 17, producers of edibles, extracts, oils and topicals can submit their products to Health Canada and consumers are likely to begin seeing those products on store shelves in December.