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Provincial supply-chain channels will vary

The proposed Cannabis Act bestows much authority and flexibility on provinces. The characters of provincial governments are diverse, and we are likely to see supply chains with standards borrowed from pharmacies, alcohol and other controlled substances. Some provinces are likely to facilitate new industry growth through private and independent retailers, and others may leverage existing players such as liquor distribution.

In Vancouver, the potential for private, independent retailers is preferred by most incumbents of the dispensary community, a community that thrives in the city despite being illegal federally. In jurisdictions with less-established cannabis storefronts, such as Ontario and Alberta, premiers and liquor unions have been quick to stake claims regarding sales through the liquor supply chain. For rural Canadians and those in municipalities that may not facilitate cannabis retail, mail-order for medical cannabis will continue under the ACMPR for at least five years, at which time it will be reassessed.

Foresight is a rare virtue in a political system seemingly designed to be reactionary, but in this case British Columbians and their elected representatives need to make our cannabis industry a priority. If we fail to, this new sector’s businesses will be seduced by other provinces. Associated job creation, tax revenue and innovation will go with them.

Dan Sutton is founder and managing director of Tantalus Labs, a B.C.-based cultivator of sun-grown medical cannabis using purpose-built, closed-system greenhouses.

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