Legal Cannabis Technical Survey results released

07/28/2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the Kahnawa’kehró:non that the results of the Technical Survey on the possibility of the MCK investing in the Legal Cannabis industry will be available for viewing at www.kahnawake.com/surveys early next week. The eight question survey was carried out by random telephone calls using the Kahnawà:ke Directory from June 10, 2017 to July 7, 2017. The results have not yet been formally discussed by Chief & Council, nor have any decisions been made.

Approximately 1,700 numbers were called through random selection. There were 268 respondents, which represents a 16% participation rate. MCK Public Relations is 90% confident in the results. The four (4) surveyors all reported similar participation issues such as disconnected lines, phones not being answered (note: surveyors did not leave messages) and unwillingness to participate. All feedback given throughout the consultation period will be given to Chief & Council, including survey comments.

Summary of results:

• Over 70% were aware that medical cannabis is currently legal and that Canada also intends on passing legislation to legalize recreational cannabis in 2018.
• Over 57% were in agreement with the need for Kahnawà:ke to develop its own regulations, with 31% disagreeing. The rest were unsure.
• Regarding agreeing with the purchase of recreational cannabis (in Kahnawà:ke) from licensed outlets after 2018, 45% agreed, with 42 disagreeing. However, 70% of those who disagreed, STRONGLY disagreed, while only 43% of those who agreed did so strongly.
• Regarding the production of legal cannabis in a secure facility if the cannabis is to be distributed off the territory only, 52% agreed and 35% disagreed. The rest were undecided.
• Regarding off-reserve investment, only 41% agreed, while 46% disagreed. The remaining were unsure.
• Over 60% of participants reported having an above-average or excellent understanding of both medical and recreational cannabis. Of this group, over 60% were in agreement with the previous four (4) points. The majority of those who reported a below-average or poor understanding of both medical and recreational cannabis also agreed with the regulations but disagreed on the remaining three (3) points, though none of the three points registered over 50% disagreement.