Dear Leaders,
We thank you for public service and hope you are having a fantastic day.
With just over a week before the federal election, the public has heard little from Canadian Party Leaders promising improvements in the legal cannabis market.
Billions of dollars of the plant are suddenly selling in legal stores across the country, yet any discussion about supporting struggling businesses or lowering taxes is absent. If you want our vote, you should respond to these proposals.
Our BC Craft Farmers Co-Op is a group of legal cannabis entrepreneurs working together to represent producers, processors, nurseries and independent retail stores across the province.
Given the substantial economic benefits Canada has received from legalization, it is in everyone’s best interest to continually press for changes in policy that would further improve public safety and efficiencies in the industry.
After cannabis was made to be legal six years ago, persistent problems with government policies and inaction have unnecessarily hampered potential benefits. Now is the time to begin fixing mistakes and capitalizing on opportunities.
Many of the following recommendations are directed at Canada’s medical cannabis program, which saw few, if any, improvements with legalization.
- Improve the access to cannabis for medical purposes regulations by creating a medical cannabis retail certification program and authorizing the sale of cannabis products in a storefront for medical use under the supervision of graduates
- Create a national cannabis health research centre of excellence in BC to study the wide range of potential benefits of the pant and its derivatives
- Promote ‘Buy Canadian Bud’ programs domestically and internationally
- Respect the sovereignty of First Nations regarding all aspects of production, processing and sales on their traditional territories
- Increase the 10mg THC limit on medical cannabis products to 100mg
- End the excise tax on medical cannabis products
- Develop a temporary classification for licensed medical cannabis (ACMPR) producers to transition into Cannabis Act micro-licences with incentives, grants and or interest-free loans.
- Reinvest a portion of federal cannabis tax revenue to help licenced craft farmers and processors quadruple the scale of their operations under new federal Cannabis Act limits
These recommendations will further diminish the illicit market, improve health outcomes and strengthen the economy.
Canada is positioned to lead the world in this massive new market for many years. However, if we do not make simple, necessary adjustments to our cannabis production and distribution systems that advantage will be lost over time.
The emerging cannabis scene needs to know that as leader of this country, you would pledge to make these changes for the benefit of all Canadians.
We look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes on the campaign and happy 4/20!
Tara Kirkpatrick, President
BC Craft Farmers Co-Op
info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com
https://www.bccraftfarmerscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BCCFC-Open-Letter.pdf