B.C. cannabis co-op approved for incorporation on 4-20 day
Today marks the second time 4-20 is being celebrated since cannabis became legal in Canada but it is also taking place in the midst of a global pandemic, which is a bit of a buzz kill.
There's some good news today for small cannabis growers in the province.
The B.C. Craft Farmer Co-op announced today, April 20, the provincial government has approved its incorporation application.
The co-op is comprised of micro-cannabis cultivators, processors and independent retailers from across the province and was established to help the thousands of small B.C. cannabis farmers and processors who have been excluded from the new legal market due to poorly designed regulatory framework, stated in a media release.
The development proposal will reflect the results of a June 2019 Economic Impact Assessment, which confirmed that a properly legalized B.C. craft cannabis sector can create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across the province over the next 12 to 18 months.
While this is heartening news on 4-20, the reality remains that public gatherings are not permitted due to COVID-19. Consequently, 4-20 events took a hit.
What would have been Vancouver's 26th annual marijuana festival has been cancelled, but organizer Dana Larsen said on social media that an online celebration will replace it.
The virtual event, described as a "social-distancing-friendly, home hotbox session" begins at 11:50 a.m. today, April 20, and continues through the afternoon. Larsen said he will be giving away "a pound of cannabis" during the online gathering.
Vancouver police are keeping an eye out for groups congregating in 4-20 celebration hot spots, including Sunset Beach and the plaza at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Despite the pandemic, those looking to smoke up this year won't be left high and dry. Stoners can light up from the comfort of their home, and interact with the other virtual 420 events taking place online.
Willie Nelson, who is hosting a 420 livestream today, recently opened up to us about his 60-year love affair with pot: "I wouldn't be alive without it," he said. "It saved my life, really" https://t.co/lB0jDPmyUi pic.twitter.com/vw110X4c8J — Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 20, 2020
It's interesting to note for the first time in history, the month and year align for a 4-20 all month.
The current circumstances have inspired a man in Vernon to give back to the community. Dan Hill is handing out free joints at a booth he plans to set up at the corner of 25 Avenue and 32 Street next to the entrance to Polson Park.
"There's so much crazy and so much bad news constantly I thought a little good news and humour may be a good thing," Hill said. "I'm protesting but in a subtle way."
When asked how many joints he had to give away, Hill simply replied, "enough."
— With files from The Canadian Press
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