Think organic on cannabis

Photo: The Canadian Press

File photo of marijuana plant.

The federal government's focus on the proposed legalization and distribution of cannabis does not appear to consider how it should be grown, which is worrying one Vernon-based business.

“Absolutely, it should be a concern,” said Mary Horvatincic, co-owner of BlueSky Organics. “The government isn't regulating the product. That's something they need to do when they roll out these laws, but it should have been done when they rolled out medical cannabis.”

The company promotes the organic growing of cannabis and other plants, selling specialized soil, plant food and fertilizer designed to keep finicky marijuana plants healthy. It does not grow cannabis for sale.

“The focus is being missed on how it should be produced,” said Horvatincic. “It's really important to talk about safe growing.”

A large number of marijuana users are smoking for medical purposes and Horvatincic said they should know whether or not chemical pesticides are being used on the plants.

“Our aim is to bring awareness and education to both consumers and growers....It's a very big industry (and) people need to understand how their product is grown.”

While BlueSky products are certified organic, Horvatincic said the government is so far not allowing cannabis to be certified organic.

“People who are using medically should have the option to choose organic,” she stressed. “Why are we allowed to purchase certified organic garlic or bananas? We should be allowed to choose organic marijuana.”

While BlueSky bosses hope Ottawa will consider pot production laws, the firm continues government-funded research and development of new products – specifically designed for cannabis – at a location outside of the Vernon city limits.