First Nations pot shop irks province
REGINA A Fort Qu’appelle-area First Nation has opened its own cannabis dispensary — and the provincial government is not on board.
The Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation announced the opening of the Mino-maskihki Cannabis Dispensary on Tuesday, a day after the band’s chief and council, along with its elders council and membership, passed the Muscowpetung First Nation Cannabis Act.
Muscowpetung spokesperson Cherish Francis said band members in attendance at the meeting voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new act, clearing the way for the opening of the new business.
The dispensary opened its doors to patients and band members on Tuesday, and opens to the public on Wednesday.
Francis said on Tuesday, staff was met with a lineup outside — similar to those seen at other dispensary openings in the days following the legalization of marijuana. But, unlike other recent openings, this one is proving a concern for the provincial government.
Justice Minister Don Morgan said the federal government delegated responsibility for licensing and regulating cannabis retailers to the province — including on reserve.
“So it would be our position that somebody setting one up without a provincial licence would not be legal, would not be authorized, so I urge them to stop going ahead with it,” he said.
Morgan noted liquor stores can’t be opened on reserve without a licence, and said the same holds true for cannabis dispensaries.
“Our expectation is that people will and should comply with the law,” he said. He told reporters the province expects to have more licences available in the coming months, and suggested interested parties apply rather than “sully their reputation” beforehand.
As to how and when the government might move toward enforcement, Morgan said it will be up to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
But Gene Makowsky, minister responsible for the SLGA, said non-permitted businesses of this sort are typically matters for the police and the justice system, not the SLGA. He added there are other First Nations already involved in the legally regulated process.
Muscowpetung has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday, when band Chief Anthony Cappo is expected to speak.
In a recent letter to Muscowpetung membership, Cappo stated the federal government had given authority to the provinces to control and regulate recreational marijuana “without properly consulting the First Nations people.”
“The elected leadership understand that as a Sovereign Treaty Nation, Muscowpetung has the authority to regulate the use and sale of Cannabis/hemp within our Nation,” the letter goes on.
Cappo wrote that Muscowpetung ’s new act is focused on accessibility, affordability and responsible and safe use of cannabis, and is also intended to help the First Nation explore economic-development opportunities and help those dealing with trauma.
“This medicine, when used properly and responsibly, will aid in the rebuilding of our Nations by not only improving the overall community health but also giving us the opportunity to provide employment for our members and revenues to inject into our already underfunded programs and services,” he wrote.