B.C. hydroponics company booms thanks to legalization of pot in two U.S. states

SURREY, B.C. – Business has been on fire at a Surrey, B.C., hydroponics shop since the decision was made by two U.S. states to legalize the possession of marijuana.

The ballot initiatives passed last November in Washington state and Colorado allow adults over the age of 21 to posses up to 28 grams of marijuana.

Steven Betts, a co-owner of Green Planet Wholesale Ltd., says sales have quadrupled in the last few weeks, and their multi-million-dollar businesses now employ about 60 people.

Betts says his company has plans to open a new distribution facility in Washington state in the next few months.

Simon Fraser University economics Prof. Stephen Easton says the company’s success could draw the attention of competitors such as big-box stores — especially if the owners are seeing large margins.

Green Planet’s owners say it’s not about doing anything illegally, and there’s a sign near the store’s checkout counter that warns customers they’ll be asked to leave if they mention any illegal substances.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.