Cannabis-related clothing, books and other items will soon be available for sale at private licensed cannabis retail stores (CRSs).

Effective Nov. 26, government is allowing private CRSs to sell ancillary items that have a clear link to cannabis and meet certain conditions related to health and safety.

Examples include books about cannabis and clothing or artwork featuring cannabis motifs. The sale of items unrelated to cannabis, such as snacks and beverages that do not contain cannabis, will remain prohibited.

“Expanding the range of items available through private licensees will provide further support to a thriving, legal cannabis sector in B.C.,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “At the same time, important restrictions will remain in place to help prevent unsafe activities and ensure we’re not promoting or supporting the use of cannabis by minors.”

“Many of our customers have a strong interest in peripheral items related to cannabis culture, like clothing,” said Jaclynn Pehota, executive director, Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers. “We welcome the freedom to meet this demand and provide our customers with more of a one-stop shopping experience.”

Before amending its cannabis regulation, government considered industry input, federal legislation, public-health objectives and potential effects on minors. Notably, ancillary items sold through CRSs may not:

* depict a real or fictional person, animal or character, or include a testimonial or endorsement;

* sell items that are typically associated with, or could reasonably appeal to, minors – such as children’s clothing; or

* associate cannabis with a lifestyle that may include glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring.

Further, CRSs are prohibited from selling tobacco, liquor or solvents.

Before this change, CRSs could sell only cannabis, cannabis accessories such as rolling papers and pipes, shopping bags and prepaid purchase cards.

The Liquor Distribution Branch, which operates B.C.’s public CRSs, is pursuing approval to sell cannabis-related ancillary items.

With the regulatory change, B.C. joins four other provinces and the Northwest Territories in allowing the sale of specific ancillary items in CRSs.

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