Media Contacts

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Media Relations
250 213-3602

Backgrounders

Facts about cannabis in B.C.

Since the legalization of cannabis on Oct. 17, 2018, the Province has continued to take steps to develop a successful and equitable cannabis industry, centred on providing safe, quality cannabis products.

  • The legal cannabis production sector has also grown each year since legalization. As of August 2022, B.C. had 212 federally licensed cannabis producers, 74 of which are micro-producers, as well as 34 public cannabis stores and 441 licences issued for private cannabis retail stores.
  • Six First Nations have signed s.119 agreements, including Williams Lake First Nation, which was B.C.’s first production facility to sell directly to customers.
  •  As of Sept. 28, 2022, there are 350 direct delivery products available from 47 cultivators and 26 processors registered in the program. Products available to licensed and authorized retailers under the direct delivery program will continue to expand over the coming months as licensed cannabis producers complete the registration for eligible products.
  • This year, the Province introduced a B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Product program, which highlights cannabis products from B.C.-based Indigenous cannabis producers in private cannabis retail stores, BC Cannabis Stores and online, helping consumers easily identify Indigenous products and make purchasing decisions.
  • The results of the recent engagement with British Columbians, stakeholders and Indigenous partners about cannabis consumption spaces is under review and a What We Heard report is expected to be released later this year.