MCA UPDATE ON CANNABIS LICENSING

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) passed the Akwesasne Interim Cannabis Regulation (MCR 2018 #212), which governs the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and distribution of cannabis in Akwesasne under the jurisdiction of the MCA. The regulation includes the requirement for cannabis-related businesses to obtain a license from the MCA. The Akwesasne Interim Cannabis Regulation took effect on October 17, 2018 when cannabis was legalized in Canada.

The interim regulation was enacted to reassure community members that their health and safety is the top priority of the MCA.  The Mohawk Council is working diligently to ensure that an orderly transition from cannabis prohibition to a regulated cannabis market in Akwesasne will occur under Akwesasne Regulations.

Beginning on October 17, 2018, the unlicensed commercial production, distribution, possession or sale of cannabis continues to be prohibited in Akwesasne. The provisions of the Akwesasne Interim Cannabis Regulation will be enforced and violations can lead to prosecution under applicable legislation. At the current time, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has not issued any licenses under the Akwesasne Interim Cannabis Regulation.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne will continue to work diligently to ensure that an orderly transition occurs in the coming months and that a fulsome law enactment process takes place for the development of an Akwesasne Cannabis Law. The MCA is also working to ensure any licensed operations in Akwesasne have access to a safe, creditable supplier of cannabis.