Sale of Cannabis remains illegal in Kahnawake

10/19/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) is reminding the public that all sales of cannabis in the Territory of Kahnaw�:ke are prohibited, regardless of Canada�s legislation on recreational cannabis use.
 
�There is a lot of misinformation circulating on what is legal and illegal. Cannabis remains a controlled substance, and any sales must be made through a legal, licensed retail outlet,� said Rats�nhaienhs Lloyd Phillips, who holds the Community Safety portfolio. At this point, there is no law in place that would allow for the sale or manufacturing of cannabis in Kahnaw�:ke. The community is aware that we are still in the process of developing Kahnaw�:ke legislation regarding cannabis, including potential sales, however, it has not been determined whether the community supports the retail sale of this substance in Kahnaw�:ke. Until there is a clearer direction from the community, the sale of any Cannabis products is not only prohibited, it is illegal, and any persons doing so can be charged with a criminal offence,� Phillips continued.
 
�Additionally, the Mohawk Nation at Kahnaw�:ke has made its position very clear: they have strong opinions against the creation of a localized cannabis industry� Rats�nhaienhs Phillips added. �This is why it is crucial that the proper feedback from the community be received before our communal law goes into effect which may create a regulatory framework for any and all commercial opportunities with regard to this industry.�
 
�Canada has put us in a difficult position,� Rats�nhaienhs Phillips concluded. �It is imperative that the community works together because the integrity and well-being of our community could be at stake.�