Canada: British Columbia not ready for edibles commercialization

British Columbia, like other provinces, may not be ready for cannabis-infused food products. Canada intends to launch these products around October 17, anniversary of legalization. However, logistical challenges linked to production and current marketing rules will undoubtedly delay this second wave of legalization. We previously reported on these delays in the implementation of the law. in a previous article.

Despite British Columbia's promises that cannabis products will hit the market in the coming months, experts seem less confident. According to Tom Ulanowski, President of Vancouver-based Nextleaf Labs, we can't expect these products to be widely distributed in Canada until at least 2020.

Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), Canada's recreational cannabis monopoly, announced that its premises would not be ready in time. The Liquor Distribution Branch is not equipped to receive, store or ship clones, as they require significant resources and care to ensuring quality from the product to the end customer», declared one of LBD's spokespersons.

Delays are mainly due to Canadian legislation, These require that every cannabis product be advertised at least 60 days before being put on the market, so that it can be tested and approved by the authorities. Among other things, the authorities require verification of packaging techniques, labeling information and preclamation procedure, to ensure product safety for consumers.

Ulanowski points out that «all this information takes time to compile and review - and some products may require on-site inspections before approval is granted».

Other provinces like Ontario had applied for cannabis-infused products further upstream, including confectionery, baked goods, dried powder mixes, e-cigarette refills, beverages, creams and bath products. However, as in the rest of Canada, it is unlikely that these products will be available on the announced date.