News

New cannabis lobbying group formed

Published on May 16, 2025 by Pat Bulmer

A collection of craft cannabis products will help support a new advocacy organization.

The Cannabis Culture Craft Collection multipack, featuring flower from Sweetgrass (91 Octane), Seastone (Banjo) and Saltspring Magi (Love Haze), will be unveiled May 24 in Vancouver.

Part of the proceeds from the product’s sales will support Fair Cannabis, an advocacy organization launched by cannabis activist Jodie Giesz-Ramsay and Cannabis Culture, among others.

Retailers and budtenders are invited to attend the launch, 4-8 p.m. at the CC Lounge on West Hastings. The public can attend for $7 plus tax, with proceeds going to Fair Cannabis.

Kootenay Cannabis has agreed to stock the CC craft collection, Giesz-Ramsay said on her X feed.

In a news release, Fair Cannabis outlined six issues it will focus its lobbying efforts on.

High cannabis taxes

“Fair Cannabis advocates for tax reforms that align with other industries.”

Cannabis lounges

“Despite the legalization of cannabis, there remain few legal spaces where adults can consume it socially. The lack of cannabis lounges denies consumers a safe, regulated space to gather and partake.”

Medical cannabis

“Fair Cannabis is pushing for regulatory reforms to protect patients’ rights, reduce stigma, and ensure that medical cannabis remains accessible and affordable for those who need it most.”

Business barriers

“Small businesses, particularly those run by cannabis entrepreneurs, are struggling under the weight of complex regulations and excessive licensing fees.”

Drug testing

“Outdated workplace drug testing policies fail to reflect the realities of cannabis use in a legalized environment, unfairly penalizing employees who may use cannabis responsibly outside of work hours. Fair Cannabis calls for a reexamination of drug testing protocols.”

Cannabis substitution to help opioid addicts

“Cannabis has shown great promise as a safer alternative for people struggling with opioid addiction … Fair Cannabis supports initiatives that promote cannabis as a substitution therapy to combat the opioid crisis.”

“Each campaign on the Fair Cannabis website includes a Take Action section, offering concrete ways for supporters to make a difference,” the release said.

After winning the April 28 federal election, Fair Cannabis called on Mark Carney to “finally fix the flawed cannabis system that has left so many Canadians behind” –– citing the six “priorities for immediate cannabis reform.”

“Prime Minister Carney now has the chance to do what the last government did not: fix this broken system and finally legalize cannabis the right way.”

Cannabis Culture magazine has been around for 30 years. In 2009, the magazine went to an online-only format. It also operates Pot.tv.