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Posts published in “Government Laws”

Indigenous Cannabis on the Rise

Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association CEO Mary Jane Oatman shares insights into the current tribal and Indigenous cannabis landscape, major opportunities including retail and nation-to-nation trade, plus challenges the organization is working to overcome. From Cannabis Business Times by Noelle Skodzinski December 19 2023 Approximately 11.7 million Americans identify as partially or entirely…

Indigenous cannabis entrepreneurs choose between government red tape and reserve ‘red markets’

From The Globe & Mail by Ryan Hook November 30 2023 On Alderville First Nation – a reserve south of Roseneath, Ont. – a dozen cannabis stores make up a short stretch of Highway 45, in what’s been dubbed “The Green Mile.” Since Canada legalized cannabis in 2018, the sector’s…

Former National Chief Del Riley to assist Mi’kmaw fisherman in New Brunswick constitutional challenge

Fisherman Cody Caplin is self-representing in a court battle over Mi’kmaq fishing rights; six days of trial are scheduled in December. CAMPBELLTON, NB – On October 12th, 2023, Mi’kmaw fisherman Cody Caplin appeared in court to fight an attempt by Crown prosecutor Denis Lavoie to summarily dismiss his constitutional challenge as “manifestly frivolous.”…

Shinnecock Nation welcomes weed, opening Little Beach Harvest dispensary

After eight years of hard work lobbying, development, outreach, and planning, the Shinnecock Nation celebrates the opening of Little Beach Harvest with a ribbon cutting. This is the first cannabis dispensary owned by the Nation, and the first in the county. This 5,000-square-foot, two-story retail space is on traditional Shinnecock lands in…

Quebec decision on Mohawk tobacco trade a ‘game-changing advancement’ in Aboriginal law, says lawyer

Court proposes new test to determine existence of Aboriginal right based on Indigenous legal system From Canadian Lawyer Mag by Aidan Macnab November 7 2023 A Quebec court has proposed a new test for determining the existence of an Aboriginal right based on whether the right was protected in the…

Indigenous pot shops face crowded market, constitutional questions 5 years since legalization

Some Indigenous people believe they have constitutional right to sell cannabis without government approval From CBC News by Erik White October 20 2023 After seeing how much it helped his father-in-law deal with Stage 4 cancer, Cecil (Junior) Shawana decided to get into the cannabis business. Shawana and his wife opened…

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Approves First Medical Cannabis Cards

Following medical cannabis legalization in 2021, the tribal police commission recently held a meeting to discuss medical cannabis cards, product transport, and the progress of their cultivation site. From High Times by Nicole Potter October 18 2023 The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is continuing its path toward cannabis…

Aboriginal Legal Service urges NSW government to go further on “welcome” drug reforms

From National Indigenous Times by Giovanni Torre October 12 2023 The NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service has welcomed the NSW government’s new drug legislation as “a welcome step towards sensible, fair and evidence-based drug policy”, and encouraged stronger reforms. On October 12 ALS noted the proposed diversion scheme relies on police…

Is the Indigenous cannabis industry under financial blockade from Canada?

While some Indigenous dispensary owners have had their accounts closed for years, there seems to have been a recent uptick in financial actions taken against Indigenous entrepreneurs, almost to the point of an economic embargo. Many of these actions have taken place against individuals living in territories where Band Councils have passed by-laws acknowledging the sovereign right of their residents to cultivate and sell cannabis and where referendums and surveys have shown community support for the cannabis industry.

Is the Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers responsible for violating Anishinaabe ‘Aboriginal and treaty rights?’

Audio recording reveals OPP Detectives told the Hwy 17 Dispensary and Trading Post that they would only raid if “the township does not permit it.” By Dispensing Freedom staff MASSEY – On Aug 17th, 2023, the sovereign Highway 17 Dispensary and Trading post was opened at 195 Sauble St. in…