The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the 45-day moratorium on the retail sale of cannabis in the Territory, which began on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, will conclude at midnight on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Over the course of the moratorium, the MCK Ratitsénhaienhs have engaged with various stakeholders and community members. A consistent theme throughout these discussions has been the importance of safety and security, with two primary perspectives emerging: The potential for no cannabis retail at all, and the potential for a community-owned retail dispensary.
The moratorium period had allowed time for the MCK to engage on the issue, provide information on existing cannabis regulations, and dispel misinformation about the regulated cannabis industry. These efforts were carried out through one-on-one discussions, radio talkshows, online and mailbox access to a fact sheet, and an open letter.
“Over the last 45 days, we’ve heard the perspectives from Kahnawa’kehró:non on how the MCK should proceed with cannabis retail,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Prior to determining next steps, the table will explore the feasibility of a complete shutdown of cannabis retail, and a community-owned dispensary that is located on the outskirts of the Territory. As a result, more engagement will take place.”
Under the Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Law, the Kahnawà:ke Cannabis Control Board (KCCB) is the empowered regulatory body responsible for administering the law. The recent vacancy of seats on the board prevents the KCCB from actively carrying out its mandate. “Until the KCCB appoints new community members, we cannot move forward on either of these options, however, we will further engage with the community and explore how each of these approaches could work,” continued Diabo. “It’s important to note that while the Ratitsénhaienhs are only exploring the two emerging avenues, the feedback was wider – from support of cannabis retail to a complete shutdown of the industry.”
As additional engagement opportunities become available, participation is essential in guiding the path forward. The Ratitsénhaienhs recognize the conviction behind each perspective on this difficult subject. This situation has touched each of us in different ways – at times stirring deep emotions and causing division. Yet it has prompted the difficult conversations that have shown the powerful commitment that we all hold – to come together and move forward as one.
“We are hopeful that if we continue to support one another, while honoring our differences, we can keep on the path of building a future rooted in respect, understanding, and hope,” concluded Diabo.
