For Immediate Release
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Victoria, B.C.: After years of raids, fines and evictions, the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club is co-hosting a public hearing today with the North Park Neighbourhood Association to give local citizens an opportunity to comment on a rezoning application for its new home at 1625 Quadra Street. The public hearing will be from 6 to 8 pm, at the back of the United Commons, 932 Balmoral Street, in the Mcleod Room.
After operating for 20 years out of a storefront on Johnson Street, the VCBC moved to 1625 Quadra Street a couple of years ago after the building sold. Known for its historic unanimous victory at the Supreme Court of Canada in 2015, the VCBC is approaching 30 years of age and has served approximately 9,200 patients over that time. Though this application has been made after the club has been active in the location, it is hoped that council will once again acknowledge the exceptional circumstances under which the VCBC exists and grant the rezoning.
In the past, Victoria city council has expressed unanimous support for the VCBC as it strives to continue operating outside of the legal medical cannabis program. The Access to Marijuana for Medical Access Regulations (ACMPR) do not allow storefront access, and the limits on THC are far lower than many patients require to manage their pain and fight cancer. Many low-income and elderly patients find the legal medical program inaccessible, too expensive or difficult to navigate. Recreational cannabis stores cannot give med
Meanwhile, the VCBC has recently received a response to their final appeal regarding the $3.2 million in fines from the B.C. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety. As expected, the Community Safety Unit agreed with its earlier decision to enforce the extraordinary fine, finally exhausting all possible appeals the VCBC could make within the administration. Yesterday, Kirk Tousaw, lawyer for the VCBC, filed for a judicial review to the provincial courts.
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive
For more information contact Ted Smith at hellovcbc@gmail.com or 250-415-1063.
