Rising Tide Consultants has been awarded Cannabis Licensing Consultants of the Year 2024 from Cannabis Business Insights! Our Founder and President, Bert Hick, was interviewed for a feature article in the current issue. 

“The people who regulate liquor are often the same individuals now overseeing cannabis at municipal and provincial levels,” Hick explains. “Our familiarity with them prepares us to guide upcoming cannabis businesses through every stage of their licensing, compliance and ongoing regulatory challenges.”

[Rising Tide Consultants] bridges the gap between government oversight and business operations, providing clients with guidance that is both practical and legally sound.

From Red Tape to Green Light

In Canada, a cannabis license—whether for retail, cultivation or processing—is considered a privilege, not a right. This fundamental principle underscores the rigorous scrutiny applied to every application, especially in British Columbia, where regulators are known for their cautious and thorough approach. The complex, multi-layered approval process involves the local government, the provincial government and sometimes even the B.C. Provincial Agricultural and Land Commission.

Hick’s approach to navigating this maze is refreshingly holistic. 

“It’s about knowing the people, policies, regulations and how to position an application,” Hick states. “We address the issues upfront, so when decision-makers review it, everything falls into line.”

Read full article here

Rising Tide supports the introduction of licensed retail cannabis stores into the City of Surrey and we are available to process your applications correctly and expediently to meet the deadline of Sept 17, 2024.

The evaluation team will be considering the following in alignment with the approved policy framework:

• location
• separation distances
• related experiences of the operator
• parking and access plan
• visibility, lighting, design & CPTED elements

This is going to be a highly competitive process and the team at Rising Tide knows how to position your application for the best chance of receiving approval. We are here to help!

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The Government Minors as Agents Program is targeting Cannabis Stores and if you are caught in non-compliance, it will cost you thousands of dollars!

The team at Rising Tide Consultants travels across the province to audit the existing policies and procedures of cannabis stores to ensure they have the best defence of due diligence in cases of compliance or enforcement issues. We then provide a comprehensive report detailing any inefficiencies found during the onsite visit and suggestions to resolve any potential issues.

We also offer presentations to cannabis store staff on how the MAP works. This ensures they know what to expect and look for in the “setup” of the trap and forewarning and how to set the team up for success if they are targeted.

The Branch is sending minors into cannabis establishments to see if they can catch staff members selling cannabis to a minor. If the minor is caught just on the premises, even without a transaction, the fine could be $3,000 to $7,000.This can be compounded if the minor is successful in purchasing cannabis without being asked for ID, with an additional penalty of $7,000 to $11,000. If the business is caught in non-compliance again, it could result in a potential 11-day suspension of their license or a $7,000 to $11,000 fine for having a minor on the premises and a $11,000 to $15,000 fine for a minor purchasing cannabis. There are even higher penalties for a 3rd offence!

Rising Tide Consultants can provide you with informative resources to help you stay one step ahead of the Branch.

Reach out to us if you would like our help to avoid the harsh penalties of the Minors as Agents Program.