🌿 Cannabis in British Columbia — Part 4: Social Justice & Equity
Legalization solved some problems — but left others. The history of cannabis in BC is deeply intertwined with social justice issues.
⚖️ Who Was Criminalized?
- 🚫 Past convictions: Many people, especially youth and marginalized communities, faced arrests and fines for cannabis cultivation or possession before 2018.
- 📉 Economic impact: Criminal records limited access to jobs, housing, and education — consequences that persist today.
- 🌎 Indigenous communities: Laws often ignored Indigenous governance and traditional practices, criminalizing long-held cultural uses of the plant.
💼 Who Benefits Today?
- 🏢 Large licensed producers dominate retail, while smaller craft growers face barriers: licensing fees, regulatory complexity, and high startup costs.
- 🤝 Equity programs exist but are limited; those previously criminalized sometimes find it hard to enter the legal market.
- 🌿 Grassroots growers: Many still operate in informal or grey markets due to the high cost and complexity of legal compliance.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Legalization is a step forward, but it’s not justice for everyone.
- Equity, fair access, and community inclusion remain unfinished work.
- Awareness of who benefits and who is left behind is crucial for responsible consumers and advocates.
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