MCK corrects misinformation on televised interview

04/19/2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to correct some misinformation on the topic of marijuana that had been presented on a First Nations TV Network interview first broadcast on Facebook this past weekend and, additionally,  on an edition of Chiefs Uncut being released today.

Please note that, in both instances Ratsénhaienhs Carl Horn fails to clarify that medical marijuana has actually been a legal, controlled product in Canada since 1999. The MCK has been transparent in its efforts to explore the potential of becoming involved in this industry.

In regard to the issue of the Federal government’s introduction of legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use, the MCK is planning to consult the community on this issue.

“If the legislation to legalize (recreational marijuana) passes, what does this mean for Kahnawà:ke?” asked Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “If it becomes legal everywhere else, what does the community wish to do? We absolutely need to hear the community’s thoughts on this matter.”

“Unfortunately, Carl Horn’s comments may have caused confusion rather than clarifying the issues,” he continued. “It is easy to confuse the differences between the already-legal medical product and the still-illegal recreational marijuana.”

“Consulting with the community does not equal ‘pushing’ the topic on the people,” he concluded. “Doing it properly is simply being responsible and accountable to the people.”