#96: BC's Cannabis Legacy: A Journey from Underground to Legalization

The legacy of British Columbia's cannabis culture is rich and multifaceted, deeply rooted in activism, compassion, and a progressive approach to cannabis. This culture, shaped by pioneering establishments and dedicated activists, has significantly impacted the province, the rest of Canada and beyond.

As we're now several years into legalization, it's worth taking a closer look at the lasting influence of BC's cannabis culture and how it continues to shape the industry today. The following is a tribute to the legacy of this vibrant community and a celebration of its enduring impact.

 

The unlikely architects of BC Bud

The Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s played a crucial role in shaping cannabis culture in Canada, particularly in BC. As the war raged on, many Americans fled to Canada, seeking refuge from the draft and a chance to continue their activism against the war.

An estimated 30,000 conscientious draft objectors from the West Coast of the U.S. moved to Canada seeking refuge, and many of them settled in BC. These individuals, known as "Dodgers" or "Draft Dodgers," brought with them a strong countercultural stance and a deep appreciation for cannabis.

They found growing conditions in BC's lush mountains to be ideal for cultivating potent and high-quality cannabis, leading to the birth of the province's infamous "BC Bud." Communities of Dodgers formed and established themselves across BC, especially in the Gulf Islands, the Kootenays, and the Fraser Valley.

The industry as we know it today owes much to the Dodgers, who not only brought their knowledge and experience in cannabis cultivation but also helped shape BC's laid-back, progressive attitude towards the plant. They were instrumental in establishing a thriving underground market for cannabis that would eventually pave the way for legalization.

 

BC’s early cannabis venues

Before legalization, British Columbia's cannabis culture was largely underground, with the province's famous "grey market" serving as a hub for cannabis production and distribution. But within this grey market emerged pioneering establishments that would become pillars of BC's cannabis community.

One such establishment is the Amsterdam Cafe, which opened in 1998 and quickly became known as the first cannabis-friendly café in North America. This landmark venue not only provided a safe space for patrons to consume cannabis, it became a symbol of cannabis tolerance and activism.

The BC Compassion Club Society, founded in 1997 as one of Canada's first medical cannabis dispensaries, played a crucial role in shaping BC's cannabis culture. This non-profit provided a safe space for patients to access cannabis for medical purposes. It played a crucial role in advocating for medical cannabis rights and destigmatization.

Cannabis Culture Headquarters, co-owned by Marc and Jodie Emery in Vancouver, was another prominent player in BC's cannabis landscape. This head shop, vapour lounge, and offices for Cannabis Culture magazine became a hub for cannabis activism and education, hosting events and protests to push for legalization.

Today, BC's cannabis culture continues to evolve and adapt under legalization. Gone are the hockey bags full of vacuum-sealed cannabis and secret meetups in underground parking lots. In their place are stylish retail stores, edibles and any product imaginable, and a new wave of cannabis entrepreneurs driving the industry forward.

 

The faces of cannabis reform

The progressive attitudes towards cannabis in BC were also fueled by influential activists who tirelessly fought for legalization and destigmatization. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for their dedication and efforts. Just a partial list of some of these influential activists includes:

Marc and Jodie Emery: Known as the "Prince and Princess of Pot" for their activism and advocacy for cannabis legalization. Through Cannabis Culture, they helped shape BC's cannabis culture and pushed for reform on a global scale.

Dana Larsen: Known for his work with the BC Marijuana Party and the Sensible BC campaign, Larsen has been a key figure in BC's cannabis activism scene for over two decades.

John Conroy: A lawyer who has dedicated his career to advocating for medical cannabis rights, Conroy played a crucial role in the landmark Parker v. Canada case which paved the way for legal access to medical cannabis in Canada.

Ted Smith: Founder of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, who was involved in numerous court cases defending patients' rights to access medical cannabis. His landmark case made cannabis edibles and concentrates legal for patients.

Don Briere: Known as the King of Pot, Briere has been a prominent figure in the cannabis community for decades. With DaKine and Weeds Glass and Gifts, he helped normalize and destigmatize cannabis use in BC.

Hilary Black: As founder of one of Canada's first medical cannabis dispensaries, the BC Compassion Club Society, Black was instrumental in providing safe access to medical cannabis and advocating for patient rights.

Remo Colasanti: Known as The Urban Grower, Remo has been a prominent figure in the cannabis cultivation community for over 20 years. Through his YouTube channel and activism, he has educated thousands of individuals on the art and science of growing cannabis.

The efforts of these activists, along with so many others, have had a significant impact on the road to legalization in Canada. Their tireless advocacy and activism was a catalyst for change, and their dedication to the cause shaped the industry as we know it today.

 

The legacy of BC’s cannabis cultivators

The legacy cannabis growers in BC operated in a clandestine environment, such as basements, barns or remote outdoor locations. They relied on word of mouth and a tight-knit community to share knowledge and resources.

These growers spent decades perfecting their craft, honing in on the ideal growing conditions and techniques to produce the highest quality cannabis. They brought legendary strains to the market, such as Pink Kush and Death Bubba, which are now globally recognized and sought after. Bubble hash and full-melt hash are also products of their expertise, showcasing the mastery of extraction methods.

Despite facing legal repercussions for their activities, these growers took pride in their work and saw themselves as pioneers in the industry. Grow busts and thefts were a common occurrence, adding to the risks and challenges of their trade.

Since legalization, many of these growers have transitioned into the legal market, bringing their genetics, expertise and knowledge as micros or craft cultivators. This has helped to shape the legal cannabis market in BC, and the legacy of these growers continues to live on.

 

A new frontier for BC

BC's cannabis culture has had far-reaching influences beyond just the legalization of cannabis. A pre-legalization dispensary boom that spanned from the early 2000s to 2018 led to a heyday for cannabis activism, community organization, and cultural acceptance.

Dispensaries became important hubs for education, advocacy, and harm reduction, providing a safe and welcoming space for cannabis consumers. They also challenged the stigma and stereotypes surrounding cannabis use, helping to destigmatize its image in society.

The cannabis culture in BC has also had an impact on tourism, with many people visiting the province specifically for its renowned BC bud. Our reputation for producing some of the highest quality cannabis in the world has attracted tourists from all over, contributing to the economy and boosting BC's global image.

With all these advancements, BC's cannabis culture was able to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among growers, consumers, activists, and advocates. This culture continues to thrive today, even in the legal market. Today, the spirit of BC's cannabis culture has evolved and lives on through legal dispensaries, craft and micro cultivators, and the passionate individuals who make up the industry.

 

The enduring impact of BC’s cannabis culture

BC's rich history with cannabis has played a significant role in shaping the industry as it is today. From underground growers defying prohibition to dispensaries providing safe access to education and community support, the pioneers that risked it all have left a lasting impact on the cannabis landscape in BC and beyond. As the industry continues to evolve and mature, it's important to reflect on and honour the contributions of those who paved the way. Thank you to all the trailblazers who played a part in making BC's cannabis culture what it is today. 🙏

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