B.C. Cannabis Sales Plummet in October Amid Union Strike

Cannabis sales in British Columbia experienced a significant decline in October 2025, dropping to approximately $31 million from an average of $65 million per month earlier in the year. This marked a stark contrast to the trends observed in other provinces, where sales continued to rise. The sharp downturn can be attributed to a historic job action by the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which severely impacted the operations of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), the entity responsible for cannabis distribution in the province.

Between January and September 2025, B.C. cannabis sales remained steady, reaching around $69 million in September. However, when the BCGEU initiated a strike on September 22, the LDB’s cannabis wholesale operations came to a halt. According to a statement from the B.C. government, “The BC General Employees’ Union strike shut down BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) Cannabis Wholesale Operations from September 22 until October 27, during which time wholesale cannabis orders were unable to be placed or processed through the LDB’s central delivery channel.” This interruption prevented retail stores from replenishing their stock, significantly affecting sales.

During the strike, retail outlets that relied on the LDB faced challenges in maintaining inventory, with only a few able to purchase through alternative direct delivery channels. As a result, B.C. became the only province in Canada to witness a decline in cannabis sales during this period, falling behind provinces like Alberta, which reported $86 million in sales, and Ontario, leading the country with around $187 million.

The full impact of these developments on B.C. cannabis sales will be elaborated in an upcoming report due at the end of the month. This report is expected to shed further light on the reasons behind the sales slump and its implications for the industry in British Columbia.

The unexpected drop in October sales underscores the vulnerability of the cannabis market in B.C. to external disruptions, particularly those affecting supply chains. As the province navigates the aftermath of the strike, stakeholders will be closely monitoring how these events will shape future sales and market dynamics.