Kahnawake Cannabis Control Law enacted today

12/10/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that the Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Law (‘the Law’) was enacted at today’s duly-convened Council Meeting.

Work on the Law began when Canada introduced its proposed Cannabis Act in April 2017.The Law was created as an assertion of Mohawk jurisdiction in response to the legalization of recreational cannabis in October 2018.

The main focus of the Law is to protect the health and safety of the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke, protecting the youth by restricting their access and exposure to cannabis and cannabis by-products, and to deter illicit and illegal activities in relation to cannabis on the Territory.

While the Law has been enacted, there will be a delayed implementation of certain provisions relating to the issuance of any licenses until such a time as the Cannabis Control Board is established and the applicable regulations are enacted. As such, the Moratorium on distribution and sales of cannabis in the Territory remains in effect until these measures are implemented.

The Mohawk Council Resolution enacting the Law was passed with the support of eleven Council Chiefs, with Ratsénhaienhs Carl Horn objecting.

The Confirmation of the Will of the People was also signed, with a similar support and Ratsénhaienhs Horn once again objecting.

“With today’s passage of the Law, the task of creating all of the proper bodies, regulations and other mechanisms begins,” stated Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby, who has held the responsibility to ensure the Law followed the processes required. “We will keep the community informed on any and all developments, as we have for the better part of the past two years.”