Nova Scotia approves sale of cannabis by Mi’kmaw communities

Cannabis buds are seen in a close up in this undated stock image. (Terrance Barksdale/Pexels.com)

Nova Scotia introduced new regulations to allow Mi’kmaw communities to open legal cannabis retail stores on reserve.

A new agreement will allow bands or band-owned corporations to become authorized sellers within their communities under the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).

Cannabis retailers will sell cannabis purchased through the NSLC, said a government news release.

Authorized Mi’kmaw cannabis retailers must:

• sell cannabis in its original package
• sell no more than 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent, in one transaction
• only sell at the authorized, permanent location
• allow no sampling on the premises
• display a certificate issued by the NSLC indicating they are authorized cannabis sellers
• follow the NSLC’s responsible retail training and guidelines, ensuring cannabis products aren’t sold to minors or those who are impaired
• follow all Health Canada requirements.

There are 50 NSLC cannabis locations in Nova Scotia and one on reserve in Eskasoni, Cape Breton, that opened in 2022.

The NSLC is currently the only authorized cannabis retailer in Nova Scotia. There are no plans to authorize other third-party sellers.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page