Peek Inside: Simply Bare Organic
Have you ever wondered what sets organic cannabis brands apart? We sat down with the team at Simply Bare Organic, a BC-grower excelling at growing organically, to gain insight into the world of this sustainable cultivation method and the benefits of organic vs. non-organic cannabis.
What is Simply Bare’s philosophy or approach to cultivation?
“Organic cultivation is the foundation off which our brand was built upon. When setting up our greenhouse in Delta, BC, it was retrofit to support organic cultivation systems and processes, and we continue to improve this infrastructure each year. Our hybrid greenhouse optimizes sunlight exposure and in 2022 we finished our hydroelectricity project, resulting in all the greenhouse’s energy stemming from BC Hydro. We continuously seek for sustainable improvements, documented in our yearly ESG reports.
When it comes to the plant, our philosophy is twofold – respect for the planet and respect for the craft. Every cultivar is grown in our proprietary blend of living soil, think of it as our ‘secret sauce’. The inputs of this sauce are sustainably sourced from the surrounding BC region, including Douglas fir bark from the Sunshine Coast, glacial rock dust from Whistler, and kelp from the shores of Salt Spring Island. Once used, this soil is recycled and sent back to the nursery for the next crop.
When it comes to the craft of growing cannabis, we consider ourselves stewards, employing and protecting traditional growing practices and harnessing the knowledge of our expert team. From them we’ve mastered the art of post-production, harvesting everything by hand, cold curing and then hand trimming everything before it heads out our doors.
We embody sustainability in every aspect of our day-to-day. For us, ‘organic’ isn't just a label—it's the essence of our brand.”
What is organic vs. non-organic cannabis?
“For a product to boast the word ‘organic’ on its label, both the product itself and the processes involved in its cultivation must receive certification from an accredited regulatory body. Across Canada, there are numerous regulatory bodies responsible for certifying cannabis, each holding licensed producers to comparable standards. Among these regulatory bodies are FVOPA, Pro-Cert, PACs, and Clean Green Certification.
These regulatory frameworks serve as safeguards, explicitly prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides, mandating that plants derive most of their photosynthesis from natural sunlight, and disallowing the use of irradiation and genetically engineered organisms throughout the cultivation cycle. Just as consumers anticipate when purchasing organic produce, opting for the same in cannabis ensures a final product that is cultivated without synthetic inputs and in alignment with sustainable practices.”
What certifications or standards does Simply Bare adhere to?
“We proudly hold certification from the Fraser Valley Organic Producers Association (FVOPA), a non-profit organization overseeing the certification of numerous cannabis and produce cultivators throughout the Fraser Valley and across Canada. Established in March 2001, FVOPA operates under the umbrella of the Canadian Organic Standard, dedicated to delivering top-tier certification and verification services.
The process for organic cannabis brands to get certified is rigorous, requiring several audits and on-site evaluations. Once the facility and cultivation practices are certified, there are re-occurring audits to ensure adherence to the established standards.
Although cannabis isn’t yet recognized under the Canadian Organic Standard, we opted for FVOPA certification due to its stringent guidelines, which align closely with this broader standard. This decision primes us for recognition once cannabis is included in the Canadian Organic Standard.”
What are some challenges organic cannabis brands face in maintaining standards?
“Growing organically at scale does come with its challenges. We have limited tools in our arsenal to remedy problems when they do arise. When necessary, we employ bioactive pest management, using predatory insects to control any pests that pop up, a practice that is commonly used in other areas of organic agriculture.
To ensure optimal plant health, we also clone strategically, taking cuts only from the strongest mothers and oversowing to ensure we have a selection of the strongest plants. Oversowing involves cutting more clones than needed and selecting only the healthiest and most resistant plants for our commercial crops.
The lead time to get products into market is also extended when certifying organic products. All inputs, processes, materials, and packaging must be approved by FVOPA before we are allowed to sell anything.
Despite these challenges, the extra effort invested pays off in the quality of our end products.”
What are some benefits of organic vs. non-organic cannabis?
“As consumers grow more mindful of what goes into their bodies and its environmental impact, we believe the demand for more organic cannabis brands and products is on the rise. Below are some of the benefits:
- Sustainability: Organic production prioritizes sustainability from the ground up. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on artificial lighting, organic cultivation harnesses the power of natural sunlight. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with electricity usage but also fosters a more harmonious relationship with the environment.
- Pure and Chemical-Free: Organic cultivation does not rely on any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
- Preserving Soil Health: Organic cultivation promotes soil fertility and microbial diversity, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable growing environment.
- Unleashing Nature's True Essence: Many connoisseurs argue that organic cultivation allows the plants to express their true properties fully. It retains its natural aromas and flavours, resulting in a more authentic and enjoyable experience.
- Preserving Potency and Purity: Organic flower, untouched by irradiation, preserves the plant's natural potency, purity, and a flavourful end product.”
Check out all Simply Bare Organic’s products online here or in-store. As well, keep an eye out for the organic tags in BC Cannabis Stores, which indicate all organic cannabis brands and products.
If you’d like to learn more about Rubicon’s brands, you can check out the links below.
