The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, an unlicensed medical cannabis dispensary that has been operating in Victoria since the 1990s, has been issued a $3.2 million fine from the province.
The fine was issued in July following a hearing and appeal. The total fine is $3,235,465.74, which is based on an amount equal to twice the retail value of the cannabis that was sold or possessed by the business for the purpose of sales.
The provincial government’s Deputy Director calculated that the retail value of the cannabis that VCBC sold and possessed for the purpose of sale was $1,617,732.87, following raids in 2019 and 2020. VCBC has until September 6, 2024, to pay the fine and can apply to appeal the ruling until that date.
BC’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) can undertake a range of enforcement activities against unlicensed cannabis retailers, including inspections, issuing tickets, obtaining warrants, conducting seizures, and more. The CSU can also recommend the prosecution of offences under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.
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The CSU is expected to hold another written hearing to determine if the directors of the VCBC will be held personally accountable for $3.2 million, as has been the case with other unlicensed store operators.
Read the full article at StratCann
