A craft cannabis farmer in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley says his dreams of a lucrative cash crop have withered due to restrictive federal and provincial regulations.
Adam Webster says he's hoping the provincial government will back local rules to allow him to sell cannabis directly to retail customers from his farm near Port Williams, N.S.
"I'd like to be able to sell straight to customers, either straight from the farm or at a farmers' market," said Webster, co-founder of Annapolis Valley Craft Cannabis.
"I feel as long as we pass the tests that Health Canada requires, what's the reason not to? If it's safe for the end consumer, I think we should be able to sell straight to them."
Webster's micro-cultivation license was issued by Health Canada in January 2020. But his options to sell his crop are limited. A micro-cultivator may only sell to individuals or companies that hold a higher level of Health Canada license.
These licensed processors are the only ones allowed to test and package. A smaller group with sales approval from Health Canada can sell cannabis directly to medical patients, or to official provincial cannabis retailers, such as the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).
But Webster still hasn't found any legal buyers offering a viable price for his cannabis crop. "As of right now we've made no income," he said.
Webster and his father invested approximately $80,000 in the cannabis operation, including an outdoor fenced enclosure, and insulated shipping containers where seeds can be sprouted until they're ready to be planted outdoors.
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