The ongoing BC cannabis union strike has brought legal cannabis distribution to a standstill. Since the strike escalated on September 22nd, the central distribution warehouse in Richmond has shut down, causing both provincial stores and private dispensaries to face a severe shortage in stock.
As union picket lines continue at government-run cannabis stores and distribution centers, supplies are running dangerously low across the province.
A Growing Crisis for Local Shops
As of October 21, Retailers are facing empty shelves and rapidly shrinking inventories, with no way to replenish their most sought-after products. This shortage is made worse by the very nature of cannabis… it’s a perishable good with a limited shelf life, making it impossible for stores to build up a safety net of inventory ahead of time.
While local dispensaries scramble for limited supplies from micro-growers, their efforts only highlight why our model is superior. Their struggle underscores the vulnerability of a system dependent on one central warehouse. At Herb Approach, our diversified and established supply network ensures we remain fully stocked and reliable, completely unaffected by these central point failures.
Understanding the BC Cannabis Union Strike Impact
Right now, nearly 25,000 workers are on strike, including those who run the warehouses that supply all legal cannabis stores. This means even though private stores remain open, their shelves are quickly emptying with no new shipments coming in.
Many dispensaries are reporting they only have 2-3 days of inventory left. As one store manager told us, “We’re watching our shelves empty out day by day with no way to restock.”
Another store manager, who asked to remain anonymous, told us: “We’ve been completely out of our top-selling products for five days. At this point, we’re losing more money staying open than closing. If the strike doesn’t end soon, we might not reopen.”
Why This Supply Crisis Differs From Previous Shortages
Multiple industry sources have confirmed to Herb Approach that legal retailers are facing an unprecedented inventory crisis. Unlike previous shortages, this strike has completely severed the supply pipeline with no immediate backup system. Many licensed stores are reportedly down to their last 2-3 days of inventory, with no replenishment in sight until the labor dispute resolves.
Navigating the BC Cannabis Market During the Strike
While legal stores face empty shelves and frustrated customers, established legacy providers continue operating without disruption. At Herb Approach, our supply networks remain fully functional, allowing us to maintain our complete product selection while legal retailers ration their dwindling stock.
Explore our full menu of available strains and products
The Herb Approach Difference During Supply Crises
Our position outside the government distribution system means the BC cannabis union strike doesn’t impact our operations. We continue to offer:
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Same-day order processing
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Full product availability
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Consistent pricing without surge increases
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Reliable delivery across Canada
Looking Beyond the Current BC Cannabis Union Strike
The truth is: many legal cannabis stores may not survive this supply interruption. Those that do will face weeks of inventory rebuilding once the strike ends.
Don’t let government supply chain failures disrupt your access to quality cannabis. While legal stores face uncertainty, Herb Approach remains your reliable source with guaranteed stock and uninterrupted service.
BCGEU official strike updates and statements
Government of BC cannabis regulation information
Don’t let supply chain disruptions interrupt your access to quality cannabis. While the union strike continues to impact legal stores, Herb Approach remains your reliable source with guaranteed inventory and uninterrupted service.