I’m adamant that the cannabis I consume is organic. And, thanks to stringent testing requirements in Oregon for dispensary-sold cannabis, it’s far easier to verify than it’s ever been. But that’s really only one part of the complex equation about supporting what I believe in when I buy my weed.
Simply because a grower uses organic methods does not mean that they’re producing cannabis in a manner that matters to me. The grower could be using Rudolf Steiner-approved biodynamic growing methods, but also be a horrible misogynist who refuses to hire women for executive positions, or pays less than a living wage to workers. (Yup—it’s going to be one of those columns.)
Which is why I seek out coffee beans and chocolate that are not only organic, but also fair trade. Knowing the labor involved didn’t get screwed over matters to me, and there are third-party organizations that research and certify that my buying dollar is working to that end.
But what about cannabis?
Once again, Oregon is taking the lead in important cannabis work with the formation of a new third-party certification nonprofit, the Cannabis Certification Council (CCC).