Chiefs oppose enforcement, saying they’re exercising right to self-government
First Nation chiefs in Nova Scotia are developing their own law and regulations on the retail sale of cannabis on reserves in defiance of a provincial crackdown on unlicensed outlets.
Membertou Chief Terry Paul, who speaks for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs on the subject, said First Nations are opposed to provincial regulation of cannabis sales and are exercising their right to self-government.
“We can establish regulations ourselves, of course in concert with the provincial and federal governments to make sure that the laws are compatible, but we have a right to do that,” he said.
Membertou has been developing its own cannabis law since 2021 and other bands have been as well, Paul said.
“There are some that are working on them, too, but we’ve met lately as an assembly of chiefs and we have been discussing having a common cannabis law throughout the province.”
In December, the province announced an enforcement crackdown and later said there were more than 100 unlicensed cannabis outlets in Nova Scotia.
Many are on reserve land and some Mi’kmaq feel they are being targeted, although the province denies that.
Earlier this month, Justice Minister Scott Armstrong said the province intends to continue enforcing the Cannabis Control Act.
“We have people openly breaking the law across the province, across the country, and this is something that is very dangerous, particularly for youth.”
Armstrong said the government is concerned the outlets may be selling untested, unsafe products, may also be illegally selling to youth and may be contributing to organized crime.
Paul said there’s no evidence of that.
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