British Columbia Now Allows Cannabis Use on Public Patios

British Columbia now allows smoking and vaping cannabis on public patios, with cannabis retail stores also able to promote consumption locations, as part of broader regulatory changes. The move has been welcomed by industry stakeholders, highlighting alignment with tobacco regulations and the potential for cannabis consumption lounges, reflecting government responsiveness and industry progress.

In British Columbia, smoking and vaping cannabis on public patios is now permitted in locations where tobacco smoking and vaping are already allowed, subject to local or Indigenous regulations and other rules.

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Consumption Regulations and Retail Changes

Cannabis retail stores can now also promote a location for consuming cannabis or spending time after consuming cannabis, which they were not allowed to do until now.

British Columbia initiated these changes in 2023 as part of a broader initiative to regulate the industry.

Cannabis consumption is still not allowed inside cannabis stores. License holders must ensure that cannabis consumption near their store does not take place inside their establishment.

Furthermore, smoking and vaping are prohibited in all workplaces and all indoor public spaces in British Columbia. Tobacco and vaporization products may be used on an outdoor patio, such as that of a bar, casino, or café, provided it is located in a buffer zone and there are no open windows, doors, or active air intakes between the patio and the host establishment.

British Columbia Focusing on Consumption Spaces and Tourism

British Columbia is increasingly interested in the issue of consumption spaces and cannabis tourism, and last year launched a province-wide engagement paper. The “What We Heard” report, resulting from this engagement process, was published in January 2023. This report indicates significant public support for consumption spaces, but also concerns from law enforcement and public health agencies.

Jeff Guignard, Executive Director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC), which also provides services to the cannabis retail sector in British Columbia, expressed excitement about this announcement to StratCann.

“This is great news for the cannabis, hospitality, and tourism industries in British Columbia, and we are immensely grateful to our government partners for their support.

“Not only can businesses now promote cannabis consumption locations, but the government has also aligned cannabis consumption rules with those that apply to tobacco smoking or vaping, which makes perfect sense. This gives businesses the flexibility they need to serve their cannabis-friendly customers.

“We are also thrilled that the government is taking new steps in favor of cannabis consumption lounges, which will add a whole new dimension to our growing sector,” he adds.

“As we recently discussed with Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, we still have a lot to do to support legal license retailers. But these small steps in the right direction are clear signs that the government is listening and that we, as an industry, are making significant progress.”

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(Featured image by rabia kamer polat via Pexels)

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