MLA Mungall was in Creston last week meeting with local entrepreneurs in the legal cannabis industry to learn about how current regulatory frameworks impact their business development. She was joined for these meetings by representatives of the Factor 5 Group who are working in partnership with local government and first nations to foster economic development in the Creston Valley.
“Cannabis is a significant economic driver in BC, especially in rural communities like ours.” Said Mungall. “Our government is committed to continuing to help small-scale producers enter and succeed in the legal cannabis market.”
While touring Kootenay Aeroponics Inc.’s Creston valley facility the MLA heard from growers Charles and Loree how an emerging craft cannabis cultivation company like theirs has navigated the micro cultivation license application process.
MLA Mungall also sat down with SenPharm, a cannabis producer on the East Shore who has received provincial government support through the Community Futures Cannabis Business Transition Initiative. This initiative which is funded by an approximately $1 million investment from the Province assists new and existing cannabis businesses transition to the legal economy. The free business advisory services provided to SenPharm demonstrate how this program benefits local businesses. Over the next two years, the Cannabis Business Transition Initiative is expected to support over 100 clients in the Central Kootenay region transition to licensed cannabis businesses.
“It was so great to hear from Creston area producers,” continued Mungall. “At my Ministry we are want to support the cannabis industry’s economic success and growth. Hearing from local businesses like Kootenay Aeroponics Inc. and SenPharm about how the process of legal accreditation went for them helps inform what we do to ensure we that get it right for local craft producers.”
In June 2020, JEDC launched the Cannabis Production Regulatory Navigator1 to help BC producers, like those in the Creston Valley, navigate the federal licensing process and comply with other provincial and local government regulations. Taken together with the Community Future of Central Kootenay’s (CFCK) Business Transition Initiative will help lay the foundation for a vibrant cannabis industry that will create good jobs and support local families.