BC to allow cannabis sale online for local stores

The Province has amended regulations to allow private cannabis retail store licensees to sell non-medical cannabis products online.

Customers can place an order online, but will still need to pick up from the store.

Previously, customers could reserve cannabis products online, but they were required to complete payment at the store.

The new regulation will allow for payments to be made on a website, app or by telephone, limiting customer time in stores and permitting physically distanced pickup.

The change comes after a request from private cannabis retailers who wanted the change because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

In-store pickup is still required to allow employees to check identification, and retailers must also include an age-verification tool in their online sales systems.

Meanwhile, the government is considering proposals from private retailers for online cannabis delivery.

Any potential relaxation to the current rule would need to maintain strict standards that would prevent underage youth from getting access to cannabis.

BC will also permit CRS licensees with multiple stores to accept prepaid purchase cards (gift cards) at any of that licensee’s locations or through its online system.

Previous regulations restricted the use of such cards to the store where the card was purchased.

“We’ve heard from legal cannabis retailers that they want more tools to help increase competitiveness with the illegal market by allowing online sales,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“By offering online sales for cannabis products, we can support the growth of a vibrant, legal cannabis industry, while also keeping public safety as our top priority.”