From the Heart of a Visionary: The Inspiring Journey of Kevin Varner

Prepare to be inspired as we dive into the remarkable story of Kevin Varner from Royal Harvest, a true legend in the cannabis industry. From his extraordinary experiences of adversity, including a harrowing kidnapping, to becoming a pioneer of exceptional Legal Craft Flower in British Columbia, his life journey serves as a testament to resilience and purpose.

Born in a small town just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kevin was adopted by two incredible individuals who became both his parents and lifelong friends. Growing up in a family of five, he faced the everyday struggles of life—his mother a dedicated nurse, and his father moving from job to job. Yet, even in the face of challenges, Kevin’s heart was full of love and determination. From a young age, he was mindful of his family's journey and aspired to lighten their burden, setting the stage for a path of passion and purpose.

Though his family wasn’t intimately connected to cannabis, the community surrounding him thrived around it. Friends’ parents cultivated cannabis, created tinctures, and shared knowledge that ignited Kevin's curiosity. By the tender age of 10, he was not just learning about the plant but actively engaging with it, hauling soil and discovering its potential to help others. Kevin soon realized that for his community, cannabis was more than a plant—it was a means to provide for families and uplift lives.

At just 12 years old, he took a bold step, cracking open his first cannabis seeds on his mother’s kitchen window ledge. The moment his mother found out, instead of pushing back, she embraced his honesty and creativity—an act of love that would shape Kevin's destiny. That year marked his first attempt at growing cannabis outdoors (which turned out to be a complete disaster), driven by the hope of contributing to his family’s well-being.

As he blossomed into his teenage years, Kevin’s passion for cannabis deepened. With unwavering resolve, he declared to his mother at 13 that this was his calling, his life’s work. By 16, he understood the impact of his efforts; he was not just cultivating plants but also contributing to the livelihood of families. He became aware of cannabis’s profound potential to heal and provide, a realization that solidified his path forward.

Though his initial harvest might have been less than perfect, the joy and excitement it sparked within him were unparalleled. That first crop ignited a profound love for the plant, driving him to absorb knowledge from seasoned growers and deepen his understanding of the cannabis business. Kevin’s journey was not without its challenges, but he consistently found reassurance from a voice within, affirming that he was on the right track.

Even at such a young age, Kevin took on immense responsibility, recognizing that his actions could help others rise above difficulties in a province with scarce opportunities. The strong faith instilled in him by his family, coupled with his deep belief in a higher purpose, reinforced his conviction. Each step he took was not just about cultivating cannabis; it was, at its core, about making meaningful change in the lives of the people around him.

Kevin grew up surrounded by remarkable people facing incredible challenges. Those hard times reshaped him in profound ways. From losing friends to the chaos of home invasions and firebombs, Kevin witnessed the darkest moments of humanity. His mornings began with donning a bulletproof vest, a stark reminder of the reality he was navigating.

Yet within those struggles, Kevin discovered the power of resilience and gratitude. Each pivotal experience, as painful as it was, brought to a realization: “I was fortunate to still be here, standing tall”. It became clear to Kevin that he needed to make a life-altering decision—one that led him to leave Nova Scotia behind.

As Kevin reflected on his journey and the path ahead, recognized that it was time to embrace change, to seek a brighter future. The move to Alberta became his turning point, an opportunity to redefine what truly mattered in life. In that moment, it was no longer about material wealth; it was about seizing the chance to grow and thrive.

With Kevin’s brother by his side, he ventured to Alberta to work in the oil fields, but also rediscovered who he was. Kevin set up a small medical garden in his basement in Medicine Hat, pouring his energy into honing his craft. Alberta marked a transformation in Kevin’s life—a place where he was able to channel his passion into something meaningful.

Leaving Nova Scotia was not just a decision; it was a declaration of freedom and possibility. As Kevin immersed himself in work and my newfound passion, he experienced the thrill of watching his skills flourish. Even in the face of challenges—like when neighbors alerted the authorities about his garden—he stood his ground. As a medical patient, Kevin was able to prove his legitimacy, reminding himself that he was on the right path despite the scrutiny.

Though the police in Alberta kept a watchful eye on Kevin, he remained committed to making wise choices. Kevin’s time in Alberta lasted 12 transformative years, filled with growth, trials, and learning. Obstacles merely fueled his determination. Eventually, as he felt the pull for the next chapter of his journey, Kevin set his sights on British Columbia.

Through it all, Kevin learned that every challenge shaped him into a stronger, more resilient individual. Life’s hardships became the forge for his character, and each decision helped guided towards a fulfilling and purposeful existence. The journey continues………….

Moving to British Columbia marked a pivotal transformation in Kevin’s life, both physically and mentally. Reflecting on his past, “I recall a time when I was overweight—my nickname was even "Heavy." When I arrived in BC, tipping the scales at 340 pounds, I embarked on a journey of physical change that sparked a fire within me to lose weight and embrace a healthier lifestyle”

Kevin chosen British Columbia as his new home because he found himself in a position where financial worries faded into the background. His investments and connections in this beautiful province allowed him to surround himself with inspiring people and supportive friends. It seemed like the perfect backdrop for a fresh start.

But life threw him a curveball. Shortly after moving here, someone from his past exploited his good nature and financial position. A supposed friend, who he trusted, betrayed him in a way that shook Kevin to the core. In a terrifying turn of events, Kevin was kidnapped, “I honestly believed I wouldn’t survive the ordeal”. He was forced to give up everything he had worked for.

That experience forced Kevin to confront what truly matters in life. The day after his escape from danger, still shaken and battered, he found his way into a nearby town with nothing to his name. He reached out to the only person he knew there, who kindly drove him back to the grow operation where he’d been working. “This moment became a powerful lesson in resilience, reinforcing the idea that time is our most precious asset”.

From that low point, Kevin was determined to rise again. With sheer willpower, he began to build his life back up. Soon Kevin and his now ex-girlfriend took a leap to purchasing a house, pouring all their efforts into renovations that increased its value significantly. But just as they were preparing to separate, disaster struck. One fateful night, Kevin woke up to find his home engulfed in flames. He managed to get everyone to safety but suffered severe burns that left him unable to wear shoes for a month and a half.

Once again, Kevin found himself starting over again, confined to a hotel room with his dogs and a pair of boxer shorts. The next day he returned to his grow rooms with a passion and stayed committed to his fitness journey. Those experiences taught him an invaluable lesson: “material possessions pale in comparison to health and time”.

Despite the trials, including financial hardships and the trauma of the fire, Kevin dedicated himself to his gardens and his physical training. He realized that perseverance through adversity could lead to personal growth—both physically and mentally. With each challenge, “I reaffirmed that showing up and putting in the effort was the key to achieving anything”.

In due time, Kevin joined a business partner who establish a micro-cultivation facility deep in the Kootenays—the very definition of “middle of nowhere.” Yet, in this unlikely place, he crafted something unique and special. Their cannabis captured attention and praise, with indigenous stores reporting an unprecedented response to our product.

As word spread about their small operation powered by generators, their brand began to gain momentum. They were incredibly fortunate to win accolades—like the Unicorn Cup and the Collector’s Cup, and to grace the cover of High Canada Magazine. Through hard work and determination, Kevin has now transitioned to Great Gardener Farms, where they are leasing space to expand this dream.

Their sales are thriving, and they are even packaging their own flower for the legal market.

Kevin’s vision extends beyond just business success. “I dream of creating micro-cultivation facilities in small communities everywhere, promoting both economic growth and a sense of pride in the work being done.” “Ultimately, the goal of Royal Harvest is to build a legacy—one that continues to contribute positively to the world long after I’m gone.”

This journey through British Columbia has transformed every aspect of Kevin’s life. “I’ve embraced resilience, learned that true riches lie not in possessions but in health and time, and I remain excited to inspire others through my story and endeavors.” Together, we can build a workforce that positively impacts our communities and nurtures a better future for everyone.