FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2023
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – Last week, the BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) responded to feedback from members and delegates at the April 2023 BC Cannabis Summit by inviting the BC government to produce a coordinated cannabis tourism strategy with members, Indigenous agencies, and other sector partners. BCCFC is a founding member of the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance (CCTA).
“Done properly, cannabis tourism can be a vehicle for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and destigmatizing the industry in a way that celebrates entrepreneurs, innovation and wellness,” said BCCFC President Tara Kirkpatrick. “What is missing is leadership from the BC government to invest in a coordinated strategy to leverage BC’s international cannabis brand and put in place smart regulation that reduces barriers to make the BC industry viable – just like BC wine has done with vineyard tours.”
Last year, Forbes Magazine in the United States described cannabis tourism as a $17 billion industry that is just taking off. At April’s BC Cannabis Summit, CCTA President Dr. Susan Dupej presented fresh research from the University of Guelph confirming many new revenue streams for BC cannabis businesses and cascading opportunities for other tourist attractions. Watch the recording of her presentation here or read it here.
With the universal support expressed by delegates at our April 2023 BC Cannabis Summit for this opportunity, BCCFC is proposing the province establish an inclusive BC Cannabis Tourism Partnership to help implement a series of pilot projects with sector leaders to create:
- Temporary consumption licensing for host venues/events in partnership with 5-10 municipalities and Indigenous governments.
- A high-profile international April 2024 destination event – similar in scale to the annual Vancouver and BC Pride celebrations.
- A made-in-BC marketing campaign with destination/tour examples and BC craft cannabis brand.
- A multi-lingual directory of destinations and rules in collaboration with regional tourism agencies and other sector associations.
- On-site sampling with BC farm gate policy and other related program improvements.
BCCFC’s submission also responds to the BC government’s recent invitation to provide feedback on cannabis consumption policies. Read the letter here.