The B.C. government says new rules for private cannabis retailers will allow people to buy and pay for cannabis online, through an app, or by phone, but they will still need to pick up their orders in person.
Previously, people were able to buy cannabis online from private retailers, but they had to pay for it and pick it up in store. It was unlike government stores which would ship orders through Canada Post, where it would be delivered to people after they produced their ID that showed they were not underage.
“This change responds to a request from private retailers as they continue to follow the mandates of the provincial health officer,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “It supports public health and safety by reducing the amount of time customers need to spend in stores and allows them to remain physically distanced from employees and each other.”
The government says the requirement that orders be picked up in store is to allow employees to check ID. It adds retailers need to also include an age-verification tool in their online sales systems.
“Government is considering proposals from private retailers for delivery of online cannabis,” it said, in a statement. “Any potential relaxation of the existing delivery prohibition for private retailers would need to maintain strict standards preventing youth access to cannabis.”
Another change being made with permit licensees with several stores to accept prepaid gift cards at any of their locations or online system, a change in the old policy where those cards could only be used at the store where it was bought.
“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.”
The government says the new changes are aimed at improving the competitiveness of legal operators with the hopes of drawing business from illegal online cannabis stores.