Akwesasne Cannabis Law
The subject of developing an Akwesasne Cannabis Law was identified as a need responding to the enactment of the Cannabis Act, S.C. 2018, c. 16. This act came into force on October 17, 2018 and legalizes the recreational use of cannabis in Canada. With local retail stores opening with the desire to sell cannabis products, the development of an Akwesasne Cannabis Law was identified as a priority by the community as part of the Public Comment Session in October 2018. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne also prepared a submission to the Akwesasne Legislative Commission identifying the development of this law as a priority for the community.
The Akwesasne Legislative Commission did select the development of an Akwesasne Cannabis Law as a priority for 2019.
This law is currently in Phase IV – Law Enactment of the Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Regulation.
September 13, 2023 — The Chief Referendum Officer (CEO) Leona Benedict hereby gives notice of an upcoming referendum on the Final Draft Akwesasne Cannabis Law and Final Draft of the Akwesasne Emergency Management Law.
The Akwesasne Cannabis Law and the Akwesasne Emergency Management Law will only be passed with the approval of the community by referendum.
Polling stations will be set up on Saturday October 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following locations:
District of Kawehno:ke – Tri District Elders Lodge
District of Tsi Snaihne- Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center
District of Kana:takon – Kana:takon Recreation Center
If you are a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne, as per the Akwesasne Membership Code and your name is on the Referendum Voters List you will be eligible to vote.