One year after the legalization of non-medical cannabis in Canada, B.C. is entering its second phase, which will permit the sale of three types of cannabis products.

Since the Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17 last year, the province has processed almost 300 applications for new retail stores, which have been referred to local governments and First Nations, according to a B.C. government news release.

Thus far, the provincial government has issued a total of 144 private cannabis retail store licenses and an additional 33 applicants have received approval in principle.

There are now seven government-owned and –operated B.C. Cannabis Stores. Three more will launch before the end of this year.

The B.C. government has also established a working group with the First Nations Leadership Council to address Indigenous interests in the industry.

On October 17, the second phase of legalization became effective, which allows the retail sale and commercial production of three new classifications of cannabis products:

• edible cannabis, which includes baked goods and beverages;
• cannabis extracts, including liquids, tinctures, wax, hash, and cannabis oil;
• cannabis topicals, including creams, balms, and other products applied to hair, skin, or nails.

Unfortunately, consumers won’t be able to purchase these products right away as federally licensed producers have to first submit a 60-day notice to Health Canada to declare their intent to sell a new cannabis product.

The earliest that they will be available will be in late December.  

More information about cannabis products, including the three new classes, are available at the Health Canada website.