When Californians go to the polls tonight to vote on their historic marijuana bill, It could have wide spread effects in BC. If the law is passed in California, adults 21 and over will be allowed to possess up to one ounce of weed and would be able to grow weed in a space up to 25 square feet in a private residence legally. This potentially could have a massive effect on BC's largest industry which does happen to be marijuana cultivation, which is still illegal in Canada. An industry estimated at 7 billion dollars a year, bigger than forestry, energy, mining, fisheries or tourism.
California is a destination for BC Bud due to high demand, the high price for weed, california's weed culture and California's nearly 40 million people. These factors attract organized crime in BC to smuggle and sell to California, due to high margins and the high demand, it is a very good market for BC to sell to. If the bill passes this would virtually eliminate california's demand for weed sending BC growers SOL and most likely the price down. Now technically most people who are growing weed in BC as their first source of income are probably not paying tax on that but in spinoffs from their income they are paying tax, like on cars and trucks, fuel, property tax, realtors, houses, growing equipment, lawyers, which in turn does benefit other parts of BCs economy. Many people are not legally employed in the industry but they are "employed" in one way or another and do spend money in BCs economy. So this mainstream underground industry in BC may see some layoffs in some terms, which will give a hit to BC's economy without a doubt.
I don't disagree with california's motives for doing this it would send a shockwave effect to organized crime and probably put some criminals out of business, i think weed in moderation is not a dangerous drug but it is a potent one. Also interesting is if this bill is passed it will be in direct violation of United States federal drug laws so i guess well see what comes of this and what the governator has to say.
