Cannabis Retail Sales

On October 17, 2018, the federal Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations came into effect, legalizing recreational cannabis. Cannabis edibles, extracts, and topical products were legalized by the federal government in late 2019. Currently, cannabis retail sales are not permitted in the Township of Langley until amending bylaws have been adopted. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments have differing roles in regulating cannabis. The figure below illustrates a simple breakdown of some of the responsibilities related to retail sales.

Cannabis is available legally through government-run stores and the online store operated by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch as well as licensed private retailers. In the Township of Langley, no government-run stores or licensed private retailers currently exist.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is responsible for issuing licenses for cannabis retail stores. Before a license is issued, the local government, where the proposed store is located, is required to provide a positive recommendation. The Township of Langley is conducting public consultation on cannabis retail sales in order to understand the desires and opinions of community members and stakeholders.

For more information on non-medical cannabis, please see:

• Cannabis in Canada (Government of Canada)
• Get Cannabis Clarity (BC Government)
• Public Safety and Access to Cannabis (BC Government)
• Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization (Federation of Canadian Municipalities)

The Township of Langley undertook public engagement to gather the views and preferences of residents and stakeholders regarding cannabis retail sales. The results of public consultation informed development of the Cannabis Retail Sales Policy.

Policy development took place over three phases:

Phase 1 – Background Research: Best practice research was conducted to identify options for regulating cannabis retail sales in local municipalities.

Phase 2 – Public Engagement: Public engagement gathered the views and preferences of residents and stakeholders. Stakeholders were informed and educated about the options for cannabis retail and their views were gathered through a survey and at public open houses. The results were published in an engagement summary at the end of Phase 3.

Public engagement had the following goals:

• Provide information on the current regulatory scheme and options for cannabis retail
• Gather the views of the stakeholders on how cannabis retail sales should be regulated and if cannabis retail sales should be permitted
• Communicate to Council the views of the stakeholders gathered through the public engagement program

Public Open Houses were held at multiple locations across the Township in October, 2019. A survey was also conducted throughout the month of October to collect public opinion on policy options for cannabis retail sales, including whether cannabis retail sales should be permitted in the Township of Langley.

Phase 3 – Development of Regulatory Framework: Based on the research conducted in Phase 1 and results of public engagement in Phase 2, a regulatory framework for cannabis retail sales was developed and presented to Council on March 9, 2020. The framework addresses issues such as the prohibition or allowance of cannabis retail stores and a proposed retail model.