How can I open a cannabis business in Nelson?

Currently, no new cannabis businesses, medical or otherwise, are permitted in Nelson at this time.

The Province is expected to begin accepting applications for provincial licenses prior to July 2018. An applicant will have to meet all local, provincial, and federal regulations. The current medical dispensaries will need to apply for a provincial licence to continue to operate, which requires meeting all local, provincial, and federal regulations. It is anticipated that they will be treated the same as any other applicant.

Even once the federal government has formally legalized cannabis, both the provincial and municipal levels of government will need to have regulations in place before cannabis businesses are authorized to operate. The City of Nelson expects to have new regulations prior to legalization. The public will be thoroughly consulted in the coming months on what those rules could be. All cannabis-related businesses will have to comply with federal, provincial, and municipal regulations and obtain all necessary licencing, including a business licence from the City of Nelson.

It is anticipated that both local government and the public will be able to comment on private retail applications prior to the Province making a decision to approve or deny an application.

Show All Answers

1. I thought cannabis was already legal. What is happening now?
2. What is the City of Nelson able to regulate?
3. The federal government has made the decision to legalize cannabis. What else is being decided by the federal government?
4. What decisions has the Province of British Columbia made about cannabis legalization?
5. Why is it important for the City to pass local regulations prior to legalization?
6. What about Nelson's medical cannabis rules?
7. I’ve heard that Nelson has a moratorium to freeze the creation of new cannabis businesses. Why?
8. Our residential address has received a feedback form in the mail, but more than one household lives in our home.
9. My household or business did not receive a feedback form in the mail.
10. Why is the City’s feedback process not online?
11. Will ‘cannabis cafes’ be legal once cannabis is legal?
12. Will ‘edibles’ (cannabis food products) be legal?
13. Where will cannabis be allowed to be grown in Nelson once legal?
14. How will cannabis retail stores obtain their product?
15. What about public safety and health concerns?
16. What happens once cannabis is legalized?
17. How can I open a cannabis business in Nelson?
18. Will there be government-owned retail cannabis stores?
19. Where can I find more FAQs?