Pubdate: Thu, 07 Dec 2017
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Les Leyne
Page: A12

B.C. BUD COMING 'INTO THE SUNSHINE'

One thing the government's round of cannabis consultation discovered
is how firmly established the underground marijuana business is in
B.C.

The legalization of marijuana next July across Canada is going to be a
dramatic change. But judging by the interest groups that made
submissions on how to go about it, it's a relatively short hop in B.C.
from the current situation to the historic new regime. They're already
organized, up-front and pretty open about what's going on.

Numerous groups operating in varying shades of grey stepped up during
the consultations to offer helpful tips on how to transition from the
nebulous status quo to full legalization of recreational marijuana.
It's been a given for decades now that marijuana cultivation has a
prominent place in the economy of the Kootenay. It's to the point
where that's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name.

Even Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth this week cited the
Kootenay (and Vancouver Island) as well-known production centres.

But who knew how far along they are in going legit?

The Kootenay Outdoor Producers Co-op was one of many groups that
presented briefs on how B.C. should deal with legalization.

"It's time that the production of B.C. Bud came out of the closet and
back into the sunshine where it belongs," said the group. "Our unique
provincial climate is well-suited for its production, and we have a
homegrown and knowledgeable workforce that would prefer to come out of
the closet with it."

The co-op was formed this year and has 150 members from 35
communities. It wants to stifle the thriving local black market and
make legal outdoor cannabis "the largest cash crop in B.C., as its
illegal cousin has been for decades."

They're poised for "phenomenal success," as long as B.C. supports the
business model and lobbies Ottawa to eliminate any obstacles that
might crop up in regulations.

It was one of several official-sounding associations that wrote in,
including the B.C. Independent Cannabis Association, Canadian Alliance
for Responsible Cannabis Production, Canadian Cannabis Co-op and
several other national trade groups, including the Cannabis Commerce
Association of Canada.

The latter group warned about the danger of that quintessential
Canadian development for any new market - an interprovincial trade
war. It said Ontario and Quebec are scheming to shut B.C. out of their
own new monopolies, through locally grown requirements.

"Tens of thousands of British Columbians could be left jobless," it
said.

"Despite statistics showing cannabis farmers in B.C. currently produce
the clear majority of cannabis consumed across Canada, B.C. has yet to
articulate a position with regard to licensing these existing farmers,
or offering them a path toward legitimacy."

Also heard from was the Craft Cannabis Community of the Gulf Islands,
writing on behalf of hundreds of cannabis professionals who live and
work in the Gulf Islands and on Vancouver Island.

The letter delicately noted that they're reluctant to go public due to
legal implications of being associated with the "pre-legalization"
industry. It said marijuana has been a vital supplemental income to
countless people for decades.

"For the many who have excelled at the craft, it has also been their
sole income for a long time, and they have invested their lives into
it."

It urged B.C. to look out for their interests. "We feel confident that
coastal B.C. can become a Napa Valley for cannabis. "

It's that path toward legitimacy noted above that distinguishes the
upcoming B.C. experience. Most of the rest of Canada will be setting
up a new supply chain. B.C. has one that's been thriving for years.

Other provinces will have start-up problems. B.C.'s issues will be
more about how a rampant underground economy converts to operating
legally in plain view, supplying customers making the same adjustment.

Just So You Know: A column last week about Transportation Minister 
Claire Trevena's cancellation of a Victoria-Langford commuter rail study 
referred erroneously to her wish to review the entire E&N rail corridor. 
In fact, she was referring to the entire Victoria-Langford 
transportation corridor. My apologies.
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MAP posted-by: Matt