I know we all go at it on here but this is urgent, you guys have until tomorrow to get this template to your local hydro store, it needs to be submitted to the Gov by tomorrow, if not you may lose your local hydro store due to the Cannabis act.
Hippy all BS aside, get this to brite lite and indoor farmer asap, if you guys truly want to fight LP's this is your chance to make an impact, anyone else have a hydro store in your area get this to them today, if you can not get to them today you need to get it to them by tomorrow, you can probably email them and call them to let them know it is in there email.
The upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis offers our industry many opportunities. As the federal government races to its July 2018/Summer deadline to have laws in place, it is also presenting risks to our collective business. Currently, the government is proposing a definition of 'cannabis accessories' which will mean that products such as fertilizers, pesticides, and hydroponics equipment will be considered to be an accessory for the growing of cannabis by consumers. Cannabis accessories will have strict rules around how they are labeled, where they can be sold, and how they can be promoted and advertised. There is a real concern that this may prevent such products from being sold in regular hydroponic shops, that they may have to be sold in a manner that restricts access to consumers (such as with cigarettes) or that they will require special licenses in order to sell. All of these requirements can have a negative impact on our industry's ability to do business.
We are therefore asking for your help to bring these concerns to the government. The federal government is currently consulting on its regulatory approach to cannabis. This presents an opportunity for us to have our voices heard. Attached is a letter template that you can use to submit feedback to the consultation. Simply include some information about your business, sign the letter, and email to the address in the letter. All submission must be made by January 20, 2018.
AND HERE"S THE TEMPLATE LETTER
Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat
Address locator 0602E
Health Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Via email:
[email protected]
[Insert company name here] is pleased to provide our input into the consultation on the Proposed Approach to the Regulation of Cannabis. [Insert a brief description of your company. Eg. Where you are located, number of stores, number of employees, contributions to the community or economy].
As a retailer we are proud to offer effective, quality hydroponic product solutions to experienced and first time gardeners. We also strive to provide quality advice to our customers with respect to appropriate products and responsible use. The products we offer for sale are not exclusively used to grow the cannabis plant. We provide growing solutions for a variety hydroponic growing scenarios because all plants have basic needs such as nutrients, proper lighting, growing media, etc. These products have a long history of safe use with respect to a wide variety of crops.
[Insert company name here] supports the government’s legalization of medical cannabis, and its position to legalize the recreational use of cannabis through Bill C-45 (An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts). However, the bill’s provisions as currently written would have significant negative effects on our existing business and ability to sell, market, promote, advertise, and educate members of the public on the products we sell. This is due to the definition and the deeming of Cannabis Accessories according to sections 2 (1) and 2 (3) of the bill.
Definition of Cannabis Accessories
A thing, including rolling papers or wraps, holders, pipes, bongs, and vaporizers, that is represented to be used in the consumption of cannabis, or a thing that is represented to be used in the production of cannabis; or
a thing that is deemed under subsection (3) to be represented to be used in the consumption or production of cannabis.
Deeming of Cannabis Accessories
Under Section 2(3), a thing that is commonly used in the consumption or production of cannabis is deemed to be represented to be used in the consumption or production of cannabis if the thing is sold at the same point of sale as cannabis.
The above sections lead to the restriction of the sale, marketing, promotion, and advertising of cannabis accessories in such a way, or in places where individuals under the age of 18 could see or have access to them (all of these restrictions can be found in sections 12-43 of the bill).
As a responsible retailer, we want to sell products that appropriately identify the crops which they can benefit and provide proper use instructions. We are also very much committed to promoting responsible use of the products we sell to consumers through competent advice and education. Based on the current definition, the products we sell such as fertilizers, pesticides, supplements, and hydroponic related equipment would all be considered to be cannabis accessories. Without further clarification that these products are not what the government considers to be accessories, it will lead either to our inability to sell, market, promote, and advertise the products we sell for the production of cannabis or the inability to have them labelled appropriately to reflect their use in the growing of cannabis by consumers, because these products are sold, marketed, promoted and advertised in regular retail stores which could be easily seen and accessible by minors.
In order to ensure hydroponic products (fertilizers, supplements, pesticides, hydroponic systems) are not captured under the definition of "cannabis accessory", we request the removal of "or a thing that is represented to be used in the production of cannabis" and "or production" from the definition.
Based on our experience, we do not feel that products for hydroponic growing, such as the products we supply, are likely to entice minors into growing or using cannabis, particularly if controls are placed on plants and seeds. In addition, it is our understanding that our suppliers must comply with already existing legislation concerning their products. Having another legislation or body to regulate these products could create duplication, added cost and complexity that could have a negative impact on our ability to do business. As a result, we believe that these products should be removed from the bill and left to the respective agencies that have always been responsible for regulating them.
[Company name] see the provision of information and education as being paramount to proper and safe cultivation of cannabis by consumers. The current language in Bill C-45 if not clarified will prevent the necessary information for appropriate product usage during cultivation from being transmitted to consumers. This will increase the likelihood of inappropriate product selection and use which increases the risk to consumers. It is our desire to work with the government to ensure that consumers have access to effective, compliant products, and expert developed information to support their responsible use.
We appreciate the opportunity to raise our concerns and we look forward to a solution that allows us to continue to provide quality products and service to our customers.
Sincerely,
lets go backwards... way back...way way back..
