Photo: trueleafpet.com
The times, they are a changing.
Once deemed as illegal in every corner of the earth, marijuana is breaking free of its government-imposed outlaw status and is making its way into mainstream society – legally.
With California, Nevada and Massachusetts joining Alaska, Washington and Colorado in legalizing the plant for recreational use, pot is taking its place in society as a vice endorsed by the masses.
However, legalization of the plant south of the border will likely not be a boon to legal pot growers in Canada.
Darcy Bomford, founder and CEO of Vernon-based True Leaf, said there are still too many rules and regulations in place preventing marijuana to be shipped across the border.
Marijuana is still illegal under American federal law and the U.N.
True Leaf produces animal hemp treats and is making inroads into the United States and Europe. The company also has applied to grow marijuana for medical purposes.
Even when the company is given federal blessings to grow medical pot, Bomford does not anticipate any of that product will flow south.
But that does not mean the door into American is completely closed. Bomford said with the changing pot laws, changes in hemp laws may allow True Leaf to develop other hemp products for sale in the U.S.
And, with the federal Liberals moving to legalize pot for recreational use in Canada, there will likely be a budding local market.
“No one really knows (president-elect Donald) Trump's stance on cannabis. The real market will be in Canada and exporting may be down the road,” said Bomford.
Bomford said the changes may allow producers to sell marijuana for recreational purposes, although for now True Leaf will be focussing on medical marijuana.
“We truly believe the cannabis plant has some amazing benefits. We are focussed on the medicinal side,” he said.
And with the easing of restrictions on marijuana, he welcomes regulation for the industry.
“The fact there is lots of regulation around it is good. I realize the importance of quality control,” he said, adding all marijuana should be checked for pesticides, THC and CBD levels.
“I think Canada is sort of a world leader right now in terms of a federally recognized program,” he said.
Bomford said True Leaf's focus will be on medicinal use of marijuana, but did not rule out a move into the recreational market should it be open up.
Full article:
No Legal pot going South