B.C. pushes for black market cannabis to go legal, faces criticism from craft growers

The British Columbia government has convinced many illegal cannabis growers to begin selling legally in an effort to squeeze out illicit marijuana from the marketplace, but the efforts have faced criticism from the craft growing industry.

The British Columbia government has convinced many illegal cannabis growers to begin selling legally in an effort to squeeze out illicit marijuana from the marketplace, but the efforts have faced criticism from the craft growing industry.

It has been three years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Canada, with the provinces managing retail sales while Health Canada is responsible for production licences.

In B.C., the effort to turn black or grey market growers on to the legal retail market has focused on the Central Kootenay region through a pilot project and business supports, which includes helping aspiring producers navigate the federal licensing process as well as assisting growers with marketing development and security licensing, the province says.

Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said in an interview that regulations could be less restrictive to encourage growth in the sector.

“It's still very much a work in progress three years in,” he said.

“There's still some challenges for the craft side and producers.”

Farnworth said he's heard from industry members who have expressed frustration over the regulations surrounding getting cannabis to market as well as from retailers who dislike the security measures, such as frosted glass for their storefronts.