“BC Bud” is a phrase that is known worldwide to mean quality cannabis. It is a commonly accepted fact that British Columbia produces some of the best cannabis – in the world. But what is it that makes BC Bud the best?
Short History of Cannabis in Canada
The legacy of British Columbia’s cannabis is due to a range of factors, which work together in order to create this household name in weed. Part of this has come from the Province’s rich history with cannabis and cannabis-use, which began during the Vietnam War. It was during this time that 30,000 refugees from California, Oregon and Washington flocked to the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan, getting involved in sowing hemp and cannabis. Shortly after, the first licensed producers were given licenses from Health Canada in 1961.
While there were still steep legal repercussions for the use of cannabis, growing it was less frowned upon thanks to the agreements with Health Canada. Despite the still non-legal status, this did not stop many backyard farmers from trying their hand at growing this powerful plant, giving BC a headstart on cannabis production. It was not until 2001 that Health Canada determined a “medical marijuana” policy allowing cannabis treatments for patients seeking end-of-life care, and for those suffering from debilitating symptoms. Thus opening the gates for marijuana consumption to medical users.
By 2004, 53% BC residents had tried cannabis at least once. However, due to the lack of legalization, many users had trouble getting their hands on cannabis – thus the underground market continued to thrive. In fact, just last year (2017) it was found that only 10.4% of all cannabis had been obtained legally through Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).
With the status of legalization changing on October 17, 2018, the government is hoping to stomp out some of the illegal market in preference for their own government regulated product, produced through the two dozen licensed producers in British Columbia.
Community Acceptance
Due to BC’s longstanding history with cannabis, there is a coveted level of community acceptance amongst British Columbians, especially those in the Greater Vancouver Area, in regards to cannabis use. The tolerance is true among individuals living in the province, as well as with legal reinforcement in terms of police and drug-related offences. In fact, according to 2016 statistics, cannabis related offences were among the lowest in British Columbia with a drop of 13% from 2015 to 2016. It was also reported that there was a large decrease in cannabis use by youth (declined 17%) and possession (declined 22%) in those years.
When it came time to discuss the prospect of cannabis legalization, a whopping 79% of British Columbians reported being for this change in a 2017 survey.
Environmental Factors
Another factor that has had great influence on the power of BC Bud is the climate within British Columbia, which has some of the most hospitable weather in the country. The conditions of which are perfect for growing marijuana! Due to the cool fall and warm summers, cannabis plants grow both resilient and tall when planted outdoors. When this is combined with the heavy rainfalls and fertile soils, it is not hard to see why cannabis grows well here.
While outdoor grows see great success in the province, greenhouses and indoor gardens are rising in popularity as well, giving growers more control over the environment and conditions that their plants are subject to. Thus further improving the quality of our coveted cannabis.
Production Volume & Knowledge
Due to the long-standing history of British Columbians and cannabis, we have a province filled with skilled cannabis producers, breeders and buyers.
With lax law enforcement and a community with a passion for cannabis, this has brought about a large number of growers. Not only has this increased production volume of cannabis in BC, allowing individuals throughout the country (and the world) to enjoy our potent bud, but it has also bred a healthy level of competition. This has caused growers to seek out better methods to grow in order to provide more yields and a better quality product to beat out the competition. This is further reinforced by a community of cannabis users who are knowledgeable and experienced; British Columbians know what we want and that is quality, craft cannabis which has been organically grown.
Conclusion
The history, passion and knowledge of British Columbians and our relationship has cannabis has proved to be very successful in building the name of BC Bud into a quality product known around the world. Western Family Flowers is no exception to this rule and we hope to make our fellow Canadians proud of our bud, and continue doing justice to the “BC Bud” reputation.