As the decade comes to a close, one thing can’t be overstated, cannabis in British Columbia is not a new thing. British Columbians have been using cannabis for recreational and medical purposes since the 60s. The legalization act from 2018 legalizes the cultivation, but the usage of this substance has very long and deep roots in British Columbia. What is the reason for such popularity? It might be the psychoactive benefit that comes with cannabis usage. The reason for cultivation is a huge financial benefit that comes with the distribution, cultivation and production of cannabis products. Moreover, new companies in Canada are opening their doors for cannabis business, and the area of British Columbia is no exception.
Cannabis Activists in British Columbia
Cannabis activism in British Columbia is strong due in thanks to influential activists like Jodie Emery. She has been actively advocating for cannabis legalization and decriminalization for more than decade. Jodie has even given testimonies to numerous congressional and parliamentary hearings about the need for cannabis decriminalization, while also working tirelessly as an advocate throughout media across Canada.
She has done numerous interviews and editorials across many media streams throughout the country, and North America at large. Jodi has even gotten involved on a political level to bring about positive reformative change within the Canadian government. Her years of activism and advocacy played a large role in getting Canadians, all throughout the country and especially in British Columbia, to being more accepting and tolerant towards cannabis, and cannabis usage. Jodie Emery is an absolute titan in the cannabis and progressive activist community.
As one of the most popular cannabis activists in British Columbia, Dana Larsen has a unique approach to cannabis legalization. He calls drug prohibition “the war on plants”, because many other plants are still illegal across the country. These plants, if used in recommended amounts and forms, could be beneficial in treating different medical conditions. Advocates and activists like Dana Larsen address the government to change the rules; and also include other substances like magic mushrooms on the list of legal substances. However, cannabis got the legal status, which was the main intention of the Canadian Marijuana Party whose main founder was Dana Larsen.
What Legalization Brings For The Future Decade?
On October 17 2018, cannabis became legal in Canada. It was the time of a huge change in the political and regulatory environment. Businesses began to produce more cannabis products and the overall use of cannabis came with the freedom to use it in public places; like parks, in vehicles and inside designated areas. Many people use cannabis for recreational purpose and this number continues to grow among college-educated people and non-recreational users. It is even known that more than 44% of Canadians over 14 years of age have used cannabis at least once in their lifetime. Some predictions say that the number of recreational users will continue to grow in the future.
We already see some huge improvements in the decriminalization of cannabis. Previous criminal records for possession of cannabis come into consideration again. The possibility to clear these records is huge, and previous files will be examined and considered on the court. Cannabis legalization brings many options in regulatory bodies that check criminal records and identify what is considered legal or illegal. If this comes into full force, we will witness many verdicts of release that contribute to the overall legalization process.
In British Columbia, the maximum household possession of cannabis cannot exceed 1,000 grams. In public, the situation is different, and you cannot possess more than 30 grams. Minimum age to possess, purchase and consume cannabis will be 19 years old. You can consume cannabis in all public areas, except the areas that children frequent.
Cannabis Users in BC
British Columbia was the province with the greater support for cannabis legalization in comparison to other provinces in Canada. In 2012, 61% of British Columbians supported the legalization of cannabis, while the rest of Canada stayed at 53%.
These facts tell us that BC is the province where people have the most respect for cannabis legalization. History is on the side of British Columbia where the cultivation methods set the new standards in the industry. We already see sustainable greenhouse cultivation processes that use 90% less electricity than traditional methods.
British Columbians are using cannabis for many purposes, and companies are finding their way to reach the market. In such an environment, we believe that cannabis legalization in British Columbia is based on democracy, tireless advocacy, activism, and absolute respect for each individual to choose whether to use cannabis or not. It is legal. This fact is enough to save us from many years of the future struggling to find a way to use cannabis in a legal form. British Columbians should not be underestimated, as well as the role they had and continue to have in shaping the how cannabis is used and understood throughout the province, and country.
Click the links for more information about the legal and untold history of cannabis in Canada and British Columbia. And check out Dana Larsen’s and Jodi Emery’s pages for more information on their on-going activism and role within the community.
