Mainstream marijuana in Smiths Falls

There was no reefer madness at the Front Yard Shindig in Smiths Falls.  The lineup of the free concert on August 13^th included Joel Plaskett Emergency, hip-hop/soul/funk act BlakDenim, and alternative ensemble, The Balconies.  The Shindig, which prevailed despite heavy rain, was presented by and held on the lawn of Tweed Inc., a medical marijuana grower and processor.  That’s right–Mary Jane, pot, weed, grass, and if you want to be scientific, cannabis sativa.  Medical marijuana itself isn’t really a big shock to Canadians, it’s been legal here for nearly 20 years.  It’s smoking it for fun that’s still illegal—although the Trudeau government is planning to change that soon.

Tweed set up shop in Smiths Falls in 2014 in the former Hershey chocolate factory with plans to become a respectable, science-based provider of cannabis products for medicinal users.  “We’re part of the community,” said CEO Bruce Linton, and noted they wanted to hold family-friendly event that went against the stereotypes of things associated with marijuana.  He called the Shindig a party “on the grass in front of a factory that makes grass.”  No booze was available or allowed.  Cannabis was only allowed for authorized medicinal users at a secluded vaporizer lounge tent, behind a fence and far from the stage.  Cigarette smokers were banished to the sidelines.

 

Linton said when Tweed first planned to locate in Smiths Falls, federal health authorities required approval from the town council, police force, and the fire department.  If even one out of three objected, Tweed would have had to find another home.  Linton said there was concern among citizens about a plant full of pot plants opening up in town but the local authorities were supportive.  270 people now work at Tweed and it was recently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

With full legalization of cannabis expected in Canada next year, Linton said Tweed’s effort right now is on branding and developing products that are safe, reliable, and respectable for consumers.  The tobacco industry in Canada isn’t allowed to sponsor events like concerts.  Linton said he doesn’t think that will happen to the cannabis industry and that it will instead be regulated like alcohol—and that industry is allowed to sponsor cultural and community events.  Surprisingly, Linton is not disappointed with the recent decision by the US Food and Drug Administration to continue federal prohibition of cannabis.  He said that just means Canada can set a good example that the US can follow later on.

The crowd was about as opposite to a group of stoners as it could get.  There were parents and grandparents with children in strollers.  The only scent of marijuana I faintly noticed was near the factory loading dock.    I’ve smelled more walking across the University of Ottawa campus.  I only saw one person wearing a pro-pot t-shirt, the one of the McDonald’s golden arches with the word “Marijuana” on it instead.  Aside from being entertaining, the Front Yard Shindig reflected a new reality in Canada.  There is now a legitimate cannabis industry with a legitimate market.  Cannabis use—for whatever reason, is here to stay and will have a much more public image.

Tags: canada, entertainment, marijuana, Smiths Falls