Kahnawake is banning cannabis sales on its territory

A sign for the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) is shown. The MCK will pay community members $500 to combat the cost of living increases and inflation. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

After months of deliberation, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) says it will not allow the retail sale of cannabis in the territory.

The previous council established the Kahnawake Cannabis Control Law (KCCL), under which three dispensary licences would be issued to eligible community members who met the criteria.

Under the law, the MCK is responsible for public policy in the territory and noted it decided to revisit the issue after “extensive community concern” and engagement, which led to the decision.

The government body says two main perspectives consistently emerged from the engagements: that there be no cannabis retail at all in the community, or that any retail operation be community-owned.

The council said it also has seen a lack of interest in governance and administrative roles related to cannabis, including having no applicants to serve on the Kahnawake Cannabis Control Board after previous members resigned.

“After reviewing all feedback, developments and risks, including public safety and security concerns and sustained opposition from both traditional bodies and community protest, we as a council determined that issuing dispensary licences would not align with the current will of the community,” said MCK Grand Chief Cody Diabo.

“At the time the KCCL was enacted in 2018, community concerns surrounding cannabis retail were not as prevalent as they are today. As perspectives shifted and opposition increased, the council said it became necessary to re-examine public policy.”