The Canadian province of British Columbia is taking a major step towards cannabis normalization by allowing legal cannabis stores to display clear windows. This move was announced on Thursday by the Attorney General’s office, which stated that cannabis retailers will no longer be required to cover their windows. In addition, all cannabis retail staff will have to undergo a new responsible-service training program called Selling it Right by the fall. These changes are great steps for progress for cannabis in general and for helping fight the stigma associated with it.
The Changes Explained
The new rules by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch will allow retailers to have clear windows, but recreational cannabis products, packages, or labels must not be visible from the street. Clear windows will allow store owners to organize their space in a way that protects minors from seeing cannabis, as per the Cannabis Act, while also increasing protection for retail staff, the government said.
“This change will help employees feel safer while at work and ensure cannabis workers will be thoroughly trained to be safe, smart, and socially responsible in their jobs,” said Attorney General David Eby in a statement.
The new responsible-service training program called Selling it Right aims to ensure that all retail staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide safe and responsible service. This training will be mandatory for all staff, and must be completed by the fall.
The changes, however, do not apply to the regulated medical cannabis industry.
Benefits of Clear Windows
Clear windows will make it easier for customers to see inside the stores, and it will be safer for both employees and people shopping in the store, according to Muse Cannabis president Geoff Dear. With covered windows, criminals can come into the store, lock the door, and rob the place. But with uncovered windows, there is a clear line of sight in and out of the store, which improves safety.
“These changes mean we’re starting to get treated like a normal, legal business instead of having to hide,” said Dear. “It’s so beneficial because people want to come in and shop, but if they don’t know what you sell or who you are — it doesn’t make us look good, it makes you look like a porno store.”
Conclusion
The decision by the British Columbia government to allow cannabis retailers to display clear windows is a significant step forward in the normalization of cannabis. The move will not only help to reduce the stigma associated with cannabis but will also improve safety for both employees and customers. The new responsible-service training program called Selling it Right will ensure that all retail staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide safe and responsible service.
With these changes, the government is showing that it is willing to be flexible in the rules governing the legal cannabis industry as it gathers more experience in a regulated market. The cannabis industry is rapidly growing, and as more people turn to cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, it is essential that regulations keep pace with the changing landscape.
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