Cannabis substitution program searched by Vancouver police

On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, the Cannabis Substitution Program (CSP) was raided by Vancouver police and charges were filed. An unexpected blow from the provinces, many are concerned about this stubborn crackdown. Here are the details on this evolving situation.

What is the Cannabis Substitution Program?

The Cannabis Substitution Program, established in downtown Eastside, supports anyone who wants to get off other drugs. Although they distribute cannabis, they are not a dispensary and do not simply sell their buds to anyone. Their cannabis and products offer an alternative to much harder drugs, relieving pain and reducing withdrawal symptoms. They offer a drug replacement that is non-lethal, effective and backed by evidence. During an opiate epidemic, this work could not be more important.

A pack of cannabis flower, capsules and edibles offered for free by the CSP – photo courtesy of Neil Magnuson’s Facebook page

In the beginning, the cannabis substitution program focused primarily on helping addicts. Over time, word of the organization spread throughout the medical cannabis community. Patients who needed support began using them as a resource for medicine and counseling. Given their experience in supporting heroin users, they can provide a wealth of knowledge regarding other narcotics.

justice against the law

This organization isn’t a bunch of gangsters getting rich by dealing drugs; They sell cheap cannabis from the back of an RV and give it away whenever possible. By working with breeders in the legacy market, the CSP can avoid a lot of legal overhead. Because of this, their buds and edibles are given away for free or when sold, the price is cheap. As you can imagine, this is completely illegal. But for an addict experiencing withdrawal symptoms or a medical patient without access, the organization is a lifeline.

George Middleton holding an extremely large bud in the CSP RV – photo courtesy of the Vancouver Cannabis Substitution Program Facebook page

All cannabis businesses throughout the province must comply with the Cannabis Act. This also includes a license. Medical cannabis organizations are subject to federal jurisdiction, so they don’t have to follow the same rules. However, these regulations are a huge mess that makes legal integration almost impossible. The only option is to adjust your operations accordingly or request an exemption; That’s what the CSP did.

Exception to the Cannabis Act

According to CSP founder Neil Magnuson, the cannabis substitution program submitted an application to the Crown. They have officially asked for an exception to the cannabis law. Their argument is that current regulations create too many barriers, making low-cost cannabis inaccessible. The application is currently still being processed.

Search and indictment over cannabis substitution program

On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, several police officers came to shut down the program and impound the CSP RV. Program founder Neil Magnuson and two other employees have been charged with human trafficking, but nothing has been approved by the Crown. All CSP employees were fired of their own accord.

Vancouver PD around the CSP RV – Photo courtesy of Neil Magnuson’s Facebook page

When the cannabis replacement program is about to open, you can usually tell by the lineup outside. It’s not because of popularity, it’s because of necessity. The Cannabis Substitution Project provides an invaluable service to our community that does not fit within our current laws. Luckily she doesn’t really care. On May 10, the Vancouver police closed the cannabis substitution program, but it reopened the next day. When asked about the raid and reopening, Neil Magnuson said: “People need high-dose edibles or they’re going to die. We don’t walk away from them.”