FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2024

The BC Craft Farmers Co-Op today released their response and a summary of key excerpts from the independent Expert Panel’s recent review of the federal Cannabis Act.

The Report will be a key topic at next week’s BC Craft Cannabis Summit taking place in Prince George April 19 to 21.

BCCFC representatives are available over the coming week. Contact us at info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com.

See more information below.

The Expert Panel’s review of Canada’s Cannabis Act reflected many themes previously raised by the BC Craft Farmers Co-Op (BCCFC), focusing on micro-cannabis licensing, provincial regulations, and First Nations sovereignty. However, the recommendations concerning medical access and the federal regulation of edible product limits are questionable.

“While we are thankful the Expert Panel agreed with many of BCCFC’s policy positions, we fear it may be too little too late for too many craft farmers, BC processors, and independent retailers that took a leap of faith to the government’s legal market,” said Tara Kirkpatrick, BCCFC President.

“This report demonstrates the good faith demonstrated by these passionate cannabis leaders has not been fully honoured and respected by either the federal or provincial governments.”

Among other things, Canada’s Expert Panel reviewing the Cannabis Act concluded:

• Urgent challenges to the sustainability and inclusion of craft cannabis farmers and processors in the government’s legal market are very real.
• By far, governments are the primary beneficiaries of sales generated by cannabis legalization.

The Panel’s report is set to be a key topic of discussion at BCCFC’s 2024 BC Craft Cannabis Summit next month in Prince George from April 19 to 21. Considering this, BCCFC has compiled the attached summary of critical segments from the report, emphasizing the following areas:

• Immediate support required for craft farmers and micro-processors
• Federal regulation
• Provincial regulations
• Medical access and cannabis health research
• First Nations sovereignty

“BC has the most to lose by the exclusion of our world-class craft cannabis farmers from the legal market,” concluded Kirkpatrick. “If the federal government can’t rapidly respond to the Panel recommendations in favour of craft farmers and micro-processors, it will be time to consider the delegating responsibility for cannabis production/processing to the BC government before next year’s federal election.”

BCCFC was established in 2020 under the BC Cooperatives Act to represent BC craft cannabis farmers, processors, independent retailers and supporters. BCCFC’s mission is to help members transition to the legal cannabis market, maintain BC’s international cannabis brand and ensure consumers and patients have legal access to the best cannabis in the world.

Contact:
Tara Kirkpatrick, President
BC Craft Farmers Co-Op
info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com

Image Source: EyeFlyCanada.com

RSVP to info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com.

Rate Categories
There are two rate categories for the three-day 2024 BC Craft Farmers Cannabis Summit:

• For BC Craft Farmers Co-Op Members and Independent Cannabis Retailers:
  Three-Day Pass: $94.20 plus tax
• For Non-BCCFC Members and the General Public (Adults Only):
  Three-Day Pass: $144.20 plus tax

All passes include:

• Unlimited access to all panels and presentations.
• Entry to the Trade Show, showcasing the latest in cannabis innovation.
• Invitation to exclusive networking events, connecting you with industry leaders.
• Post-event access to recordings of panels and presentations.

Showcase Opportunities:
BCCFC has a limited number of booth and display space available for cannabis sector supporters. Like admission and Summit partnerships, BCCFC members and independent retailers receive reduced rates for booths and displays.

For booth inquiries, rates, and availability, contact our planning committee at info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com. Each booth package comes with two Summit VIP passes.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Exclusive Rates for Summit Delegates.

In response to accommodations inquiries, we’ve partnered with the Ramada Hotel in downtown Prince George to offer exclusive rates for our delegates.

Contact them directly and let them know you are booking with the Summit.

CHEAP FLIGHTS TO PRINCE GEORGE

As you prepare for an enlightening journey to Prince George, we have an exciting travel update: WestJet return direct flights from Vancouver to Prince George are currently $307 less than the cost of a couple tanks of gas these days!

This offer ensures your travel to the Summit is not only budget-friendly but also fast and efficient, allowing you more time to engage, network, and discover.