While the New Democrats prepare to do their share on marijuana legalization, they are also lobbying Ottawa to preserve the province’s position as one of the leading producers of what has been called B.C.’s largest cash crop.
“The reality is this,” said Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, lead minister on the file for B.C. “We have had in this province an industry that’s been in place for a very long time. Some of it underpins the economy, for example, no surprise, in the Kootenays, certain parts of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the coast.”
B.C. producers hold about a quarter of the five dozen or so of the federally-issued licences for production of medical marijuana. The B.C. New Democrats want that quota preserved and expanded once Canada moves to recreational production.
“Don’t just leave it to a large-scale commercial operator that effectively shuts out small-scale production in B.C.” urged Farnworth during a recent interview with me on Shaw TV’s Voice of B.C.
Vaughn Palmer – Vancouver Sun – November 14, 2017.
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