Washington weed business gives us a glimpse into BC’s future
Posted April 22, 2016 8:07 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With the process of legalization of marijuana set to start in Canada next year, the folks behind a successful pot shop south of the line are giving us a glimpse of what the weed business might look like here in the not-too distant future.
Neal Cronic (yes, that is apparently his real name) says times have changed since recreational marijuana became legally available in Washington State almost two years ago.
“We here at Green Leaf Recreational Cannabis in Bellingham have more than three times the choices of that popular ice cream store — 109 strains of pot at any one time,” he tells NEWS 1130 after wishing the reporter a good morning in the late afternoon.
“Not only that but there are many other forms of it. We have pens that you can click-click, rub-rub and then 10 minutes later you’re stoned.”
Cronic, a grandfather who says he fondly remembers former Prime Minister Elliot Trudeau and appreciates the work of his son the new PM, lists a dizzying array of pot-containing products for sale.
“The possibilities are so diverse. We have edibles… you can make a whole meal. In addition to the creams that people hear about we have tinctures that you can mix with coffee, tea or a soda to sip and get stoned. We have cookies, candies and patches. We have [lip balm] with 42 per cent THC!”
He points out you can even freshen your breath while waiting for the elevator and get high at the same time.
“We have several versions of breath spray and we have breath strips, along with breath sprays,” says Cronic, not the only time he got a little repetitive during the interview. “It’s just a wonderful world that we are in,” he adds.
In the early days of legalization in Washington, Cronic says prices were high and selection limited because producers didn’t anticipate just how high demand would be. “Now we’ve seen grams drop in price and the quality is incredible.”
Cronic compares the cannabis business in Washington to your local liquor store. “It’s almost the same thing as wine selection in that people aren’t just looking at the strength anymore. The quality is clearly there. Do you want to relax, do you want to be zippy or do you want to go to a birthday party?”
He calls the pending legalization of marijuana in Canada “such a wonderful, hopeful moment for both our countries” and says he has every reason to think the process will unfold just as smoothly north of the border.
