After a years-long wait, Agrima Botanicals has finally received its production licence from Health Canada.
Agrima first entered the scene in 2013, and built its 25,000-square-foot facility in Maple Ridge to conform to the standards of Health Canada’s Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR).
We did it. Can’t wait to start serving Canadian patients. #LicensedAtLast #ProudlyCanadian #GreatWayToStartTheWeekend— Agrima Botanicals Canada (@AgrimaBC) November 10, 2017
Since then, medical cannabis regulations have changed twice, each set bringing with them new requirements for producers looking to be federally licensed.
When the MMAR was repealed and replaced with the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR), producers were required to adopt extensive security and access controls.
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In March 2014, CEO James Poelzer told Business in Vancouver, ‘We have more security than your typical jail.’
A subsequent story published later that year said Agrima had expected to receive its licence under the MMPR after a final inspection. Despite regularly following up with Health Canada, Poelzer wasn’t given any feedback on the company’s application. The wait continued.
Regulations changed again in 2016. Under the current model, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), wannabe producers must undergo a strict, six-step application process.
In an emailed statement, staff at Agrima confirmed their excitement after surviving the long wait.
‘We are thrilled and excited to have finally received our licence and look forward to helping you achieve a better joi de vivre by providing you with safe, consistent, high quality cannabis products.’
