Navigating the Haze: How BC’s Craft Cannabis Farmers Are Fighting for Survival

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What happens when a globally renowned industry faces a labyrinth of regulations that threaten its very existence? In our latest episode of Each For All: The Co-operative Connection, host Robin Puga sits down with two passionate advocates who are fighting to preserve British Columbia’s legacy of high-quality, craft cannabis.

“We have world-class farmers here in BC, but the system is stacked against them. The big corporations are pushing us out, and the regulations make it nearly impossible for small farmers to survive.” ~ Tara Kirkpatrick

Our Guests

• Tara Kirkpatrick: President of the BC Craft Farmers Co-operative, Master Grower, and owner of Backwoods BC Bud. With deep roots in the legacy craft and medicinal cannabis sector, Tara is renowned for developing the Haley’s Comet strain and is a relentless advocate for fair policies that support small farmers.

• Nadine Furnell: Director of the BC Craft Farmers Co-operative and Chair of the Membership & Women’s Committee. Known affectionately as Mama Deen, Nadine is a licensed medical cannabis farmer and leads medical cannabis research at Mama Deen’s Kitchen. Her journey is marked by resilience and a fervent commitment to holistic healing and sustainable growth.

Conversation Highlights

Our in-depth discussion covered a range of pressing topics:

• The Current Landscape of Cannabis Production in BC

  • Understanding the shift from legacy operations to the legal framework.
  • The impact of legalization on small to medium-sized producers.

• Challenges Within the Regulatory Framework

  • Navigating the complexities and hurdles of becoming a licensed producer or processor.
  • How regulations favour large corporations over local craft farmers.

• Preserving BC’s Legacy of High-Quality Cannabis

  • The importance of maintaining BC’s international reputation.
  • Strategies the co-op employs to support local growers.

• Advocacy for Fair Policies and Consumer Education

  • The co-op’s role in pushing for regulatory changes, such as farm gate sales.
  • Educating consumers beyond the “high THC” narrative to promote overall well-being.

• The Power of the Co-operative Model

  • How collective action empowers small farmers.
  • The co-op’s initiatives in shared purchasing, education, and networking.

• Looking Ahead: The Future of BC’s Cannabis Industry

  • The co-op’s vision for a fair and thriving market.
  • Calls for an independent review of the provincial supply chain ahead of the upcoming election.

“They legalized cannabis, but they did so in a way that the drive was to high THC. We don’t really want granny going into a retailer and get knocked off her rocker. Granny just wants to not have sore joints throughout the day.” ~ Nadine Furnell

Tara and Nadine didn’t hold back when discussing the dire situation facing small cannabis farmers in BC. Tara passionately stated:

“The big corporations are pushing us out, and the regulations make it nearly impossible for small farmers to survive. We have to fight to keep our craft products on the shelf and educate consumers about the importance of supporting local growers.”

Their words highlight a critical issue: the current system favours large corporations and overlooks the unique value that small, craft farmers bring to the industry. The maze of regulations, high costs of licensing, and lack of consumer education are not just business hurdles—they’re threats to a way of life and a rich cultural heritage.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a story about cannabis; it’s a story about community, resilience, and the power of collective action. The challenges faced by BC’s craft cannabis farmers are emblematic of broader issues within the social economy—where small enterprises often struggle against systemic barriers in favour of large corporations.

At Each For All, we believe in shining a light on these critical conversations. Independent media plays a vital role in bringing such stories to the forefront, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action.

What You Can Do:

• Educate Yourself: Listen to the full episode here or read the transcript here to gain a deeper understanding.
• Engage Candidates: Ask your local representatives how they plan to address these issues.
• Vote: Your vote can make a difference in shaping policies that promote equity and support the social economy.