Rising Tide Consultants

They say, ‘experience is the best teacher,’ and in the complex world of cannabis regulation, this describes no one better than it does Bert Hick, Founder and President of Rising Tide Consultants.

Before the Green Rush, Hick served as the General Manager of British Columbia’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (now the British Columbia Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch). In this capacity, he oversaw the licensing and enforcement of liquor laws in the province, including the licensing of establishments. This put him at the forefront of shaping regulatory frameworks for controlled substances and provided him with invaluable insider knowledge of how regulatory bodies think and operate.

After his tenure as a regulator, Hick transitioned into consulting, amassing 35 years of experience in the liquor industry. When Canada’s federal government announced the legalization of cannabis, he anticipated that the enforcement and regulatory regime for cannabis would likely mirror that of liquor.

This understanding became the cornerstone of Rising Tide’s success in the industry.

“The people who regulate liquor are often the same individuals now overseeing cannabis at municipal and provincial levels,” Hick explains. Our familiarity with them prepares us to guide upcoming cannabis businesses through every stage of their licensing, compliance and ongoing regulatory challenges.”

The firm bridges the gap between government oversight and business operations, providing clients with guidance that is both practical and legally sound.

From Red Tape to Green Light

In Canada, a cannabis license—whether for retail, cultivation or processing—is considered a privilege, not a right. This fundamental principle underscores the rigorous scrutiny applied to every application, especially in British Columbia, where regulators are known for their cautious and thorough approach.

The complex, multi-layered approval process involves the local government, the provincial government and sometimes even the B.C. Provincial Agricultural and Land Commission.

Hick’s approach to navigating this maze is refreshingly holistic.

“It’s about knowing the people, policies, regulations and how to position an application,” Hick states. “We address the issues upfront, so when decision-makers review it, everything falls into line.”

The Rising Tide team begins by assessing a business plan. They scrutinize everything from the proposed location to the financial backing, looking for red flags that might catch a regulator’s eye.

“We’ve seen cases where someone plans to open a cannabis store with just a $10,000 credit card limit. That’s when regulators start asking tough questions about funding sources,” says Hick.

This practical insight sets his company apart in a field where enthusiasm often outpaces business acumen.

The work on the government’s stringent ‘fit and proper person’ criteria is particularly noteworthy. For an industry still shaking off its contraband past, Rising Tide goes beyond verifying the absence of criminal backgrounds. They demonstrate that applicants have the financial capacity to keep their businesses afloat—a crucial step many overlook but one that can make or break an application.

Rising Tide also excels at negotiating local government regulations. Many municipalities have strict zoning requirements for cannabis stores, including minimum distances from schools, parks and other retailers. The team skillfully navigates these restrictions, leveraging their understanding of local rules and relationships with officials. They’ve even successfully argued for exceptions when a proposed location falls short of guidelines.

The firm’s commitment doesn’t waver once a license is secured. Long after stores open, Hick and his team continue to work with clients on compliance issues, helping them stay ahead of evolving regulations. This ongoing support isn’t just a value-add—it’s a crucial lifeline in an industry where rules change rapidly, and even minor infractions can carry severe consequences.

Turning Opposition into Opportunity

Rising Tide’s expertise is best exemplified by its work with Burb Cannabis, which has maximized its presence in British Columbia’s tightly regulated market.

When Burb Cannabis sought to open its seventh store— hitting the provincial cap for a single company—it faced significant local resistance. The application process for the site at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver became a battleground, not with provincial authorities, but with the local government and community.
Metro Vancouver’s public input process revealed strong opposition from residents. The local government representative on the Metro Vancouver board put up fierce resistance. Hick and his team recognized that success hinged on winning over the community and key stakeholders.

“We had to show that this was going to be a quality, upscale, small cannabis store with a responsible operator,” Hick explains.

The consultancy embarked on a comprehensive community engagement campaign, meeting with residents and politicians to address concerns and showcase the benefits of the proposed store.

Their efforts paid off. The team secured the crucial Metro Vancouver approval and won over the initially opposed local government representative. This victory and the existing UBC approval cleared the path for Burb’s new location.

In Victoria, Hick’s team faced another unique challenge— persuading the city to approve a cannabis store adjacent to a pub in the downtown area. The proximity of a cannabis retailer to a bar raised concerns among local officials.

Rising Tide crafted compelling arguments that addressed the city’s concerns while highlighting the potential benefits of the location. Their nuanced approach and ability to draw parallels between cannabis and alcohol regulation proved crucial in securing approval for this unconventional site.

Building Trust through Integrity

Rising Tide’s success isn’t just about knowing the rules— it’s about embodying the spirit of responsible cannabis entrepreneurship. This ethos is evident in their selective approach to clientele. When cannabis was legalized, the team made conscious decisions to turn away potential clients whose intentions or practices didn’t align with their standards of integrity.

This principled stance has earned Rising Tide the respect of regulators—a crucial asset in an industry where trust is paramount.

Open lines of communication with regulators speak volumes about Rising Tide’s reputation and the value it brings to the table. It’s not just about navigating regulations; it’s about helping shape them through informed, on-the-ground feedback.

For cannabis entrepreneurs, having Hick in their corner is like having a former referee as their coach. His unique perspective, gained from experience on both sides of the regulatory fence, allows him to anticipate challenges and craft effective solutions that keep businesses compliant and competitive.

Whether interpreting new laws, preparing license applications or addressing enforcement issues, Rising Tide is the ultimate guide, providing a comprehensive roadmap for success in this highly regulated industry.

Contact Rising Tide Consultants
#1620 - 1130 W Pender Street,
Vancouver BC V6E 4A4
(604) 669 - 2928
info@risingtideconsultants.ca
www.risingtideconsultants.ca