#146: BCGEU + Canada Post: The Perfect Storm for Cannabis
#146: BCGEU + Canada Post: The Perfect Storm for Cannabis
The past few weeks have been unlike anything we've experienced in the cannabis industry. Two major strikes are hitting Canada's cannabis delivery system simultaneously, creating perfect storm conditions that are testing every aspect of our operations. But here's what we've learned: when the going gets tough, the Herbal Dispatch team steps up.
Disrupted warehouses, frozen mailboxes
Since September 22nd, the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) has been on strike against the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB). This means that the central distribution system most BC dispensaries rely on to order products from is essentially shut down.
Then, on September 25th, Canada Post workers launched a nationwide strike following the federal government's announcement of major postal reforms. Suddenly, the mail-order cannabis system that serves patients across the country came to a grinding halt.
For cannabis companies like Herbal Dispatch, these aren't just inconveniences; they completely upend the way we operate. We're not talking about minor delays or hiccups in the supply chain, but a complete shutdown of how we do business.
Gone before you know it
The most dramatic change we've seen is how quickly products are selling out. Before the strikes, popular strains might stay in stock for weeks, giving our dispensary partners and medical patients time to browse and make informed decisions. Now, it's a matter of hours. And although we have contingency plans in place to mitigate the effects of these strikes, the speed at which products are disappearing is unprecedented.
This acceleration isn't just about increased demand; it's about a fundamental shift in supply chains. With the BCLDB warehouses shut down and Canada Post not delivering, the entire distribution network has been disrupted. This has caused a ripple effect, impacting all aspects of the industry from growers to retailers.
Our inventory team has had to completely rethink how we manage stock. Instead of weekly supplier check-ins, we're now monitoring availability multiple times per day. The challenge is maintaining adequate stock levels and fulfilling orders on time.
Direct Delivery in high gear
BC's Direct Delivery program, originally designed to support small craft producers, has become the backbone keeping cannabis flowing to dispensaries during the strike. This program allows qualified BC producers to sell and deliver directly to retailers, bypassing the closed government warehouses.
As the largest Direct Delivery provider in BC, Herbal Dispatch has proven to be a lifeline for both dispensaries and producers during this challenging time. With tens of thousands of units shipped every day since the strike began, we have been able to keep cannabis on the shelves and in the hands of those who need it.
Managers have chipped in to help on the floor, and local deliveries are being made around the clock to keep up with demand. We're starting earlier, finishing later, in on weekends, and doing everything we can to keep the supply chain moving.
Customer service under pressure
Perhaps nowhere has the impact been felt more than in customer service. With hundreds of orders stuck in Canada Post's system and members understandably worried about their medical cannabis access, our support team has been fielding an unprecedented volume of calls and emails.
Our customer service department reports that call volumes are up 300% from normal levels. Members want to know where their packages are, when they might arrive, or whether they should explore alternative delivery options. There is some frustration, anxiety, and even anger among our members who rely on medical cannabis for their health and well-being.
Despite these pressures, our team is working hard to find solutions and maintain our high standards of service. They've been proactively reaching out to many members with stuck orders and offering Purolator shipping upgrades whenever possible. This approach has really stretched our available resources, but we believe it's the best way to handle these difficult times.
Keeping you in the loop
Throughout this challenging period, our commitment to you remains the same: to keep you informed every step of the way. We are in the midst of exploring alternative shipping options, devising a plan for stuck orders, and looking into increasing capacity.
If you have been affected by any delays or disruptions, please reach out to us (hello@herbaldispatch.com) so we can assist you in finding a solution. We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and we are committed to finding ways to make things right for our members.
We will continue to update you with any developments and changes through email updates and social media posts. These stoppages are temporary, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that our operations are back to normal as soon as possible.
Where we go from here
The BCGEU and Canada Post strikes highlight both the vulnerabilities and the resilience of Canada's cannabis supply chain. The BCLDB's centralized system created a single point of failure that has affected thousands of businesses. Meanwhile, the cannabis industry's heavy reliance on Canada Post for delivery has left many companies scrambling for alternatives.
The strikes will eventually end, but the lessons we're learning and the systems we're building are making Herbal Dispatch stronger and more resilient for whatever comes next. As we navigate this period together, we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you for sticking with us during these challenging times.
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