As a result of global warming, humankind may be in for some tough times ahead. No more polar bears. No more koalas. No more cannabis. We know you're probably sick of the term "the new normal" but marijuana shortages may very well become something we must get used to, largely in part to global warming.
The Future of Marijuana Crops
It's a scary thought that we could eventually run out of resources that keep us alive, everything from clean water to oxygen produced by plant life. In theory, this shortage would also affect marijuana plants. We've seen just how many people rely on marijuana during tough times, cough cough, the global pandemic we continue to live through. It's no wonder that so many provinces classified cannabis retailers as an essential business.
A Recurring Trend Around the World
Now, in my humble opinion, this next one is pretty overdramatic. Shortly after Nevada in the United States legalised recreational cannabis, a "state of emergency" was issued to bring in more product. Only two weeks after legalisation, 47 local dispensaries noted extreme shortages. Mind you, a "state of emergency" typically only applies to natural disasters—earthquakes, hurricanes, floods—but now cannabis shortages, too? Everybody just calm down. Do not panic. The emergency declaration was issued as a way to ask agencies to send in more cannabis supply. Sounds like a bit of an overreaction, if you ask us.
We see a pattern forming here. Jurisdictions that are new to cannabis legalisation seem to be the only ones experiencing shortages. Meanwhile, places where cannabis has been legal for years don't seem to have the same problem. It's also worth noting that cannabis pricing tends to stabilise over time as supply catches up with demand.
Marijuana Shortages Elsewhere
When Illinois in the United States recently legalised recreational cannabis, it unsurprisingly led to massive lines out the doors of dispensaries. As of early January 2020, business owners said they'd already run out only SIX days after official legalisation. How long would this shortage last? Experts said it could be up to a year. "Hopefully, within six months or a year or two, the supply gets ramped up so you're not having the same challenges," Sen. Heather Steans told the Chicago Tribune. "There's an initial burst of excitement from the public, so some of it is the nature of the beast." Yeah, you can say that again.
Marijuana Shortages in Canada
Closer to home, Canada legalised recreational cannabis under the Cannabis Act for persons 18 and older (19 in most provinces). It only took a month or so for retailers to run low on stock. "While there was product to order we were very comfortably getting a large amount of it," says James Burns, the CEO of a company that owns multiple cannabis stores in the province of Alberta. "But obviously, when there's literally none there, it doesn't matter how big you are, there's just none there. If the government warehouse is empty, it's empty. There's nothing you can do." Ever since the stroke of midnight on October 17, 2018, retailers in various provinces have been completely sold out of stock. That includes Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick.
So, What Can We Do to Help?
One proposed solution in some jurisdictions has been to allow overstocked cannabis markets to sell and export product to other regions where marijuana is legal, according to the Metro Times. Sadly, such arrangements can take years to go into effect and require that all participating jurisdictions pass compatible legislation. Sounds like lawmakers have a few kinks to work out beforehand.
For regions experiencing a "cannabis crisis," cross-border sales and shipments could eventually become a reality. Here in Canada, interprovincial cooperation on cannabis supply could hypothetically help provinces that are running low lean on those with a surplus. Some jurisdictions have reported significant amounts of unsold licensed cannabis supply, which could theoretically be redistributed to help balance the national market. Like you, we find that prospect rather appealing.
Then There's Growing Your Own Supply
No surprise here, but another solution would be to increase cannabis growth. That's where you come in. You've come to Pacific Seed Bank for a reason—to buy seeds. If you grew your own medicine at home, there would be no need for you to purchase flower from a retailer. Ergo, you'd be doing cannabis supply a big favour. Of course, there are other benefits to growing your own plants.
- It's a reason to stay active/go outside
- It can be therapeutic, similar to gardening
- It can save you a lot of money in the future
- It can help minimise the effects of global warming
So, what do you say? Are you ready to give our seeds a shot? Do it for nature. Do it for Mother Earth. Do it to save humankind from the dreaded "cannabis crisis." We make it incredibly easy for you, too! We ship high-quality cannabis seeds both nationally and internationally!
