The first officially licensed retail cannabis stores are set to open on Six Nations this month.
The Six Nations Cannabis Commission (SNCC) announced that the first three stores issued a license through the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law will be open and ready for business in the coming days, with a “soft launch” opening day set for Feb. 21.
The retail cannabis market, through the SNCC, is three years in the making. The development of the commission and cannabis control law has been fraught with controversy and protests from several community members who did not agree with the commission’s mandate and purpose.
Several retail cannabis stores have already opened under the umbrella and support of a community-led group called the Six Nations People’s Cannabis Coalition that also aims to regulate the cannabis industry on the territory.
The commission is funded by Six Nations of the Grand River elected council but is governed by a board of community members.
“The feedback, support and patience of community and elected leaders has truly made this a community-led initiative,” said SNCC Chair Nahnda Garlow. “Together, we have built a cannabis economy for the people Six Nations, made by the people of Six Nations.”
Consumers will notice an official stamp of the commission on all licensed products sold on the territory.
Retail cannabis operators adhering to the cannabis control law contribute a portion of their sales to a community fund meant to benefit community initiatives.
Money collected for the community contribution fund will go toward Six Nations community initiatives as determined by the commission, elected leadership and the community. A portion will also be set aside for a legal defence fund.
A grand opening event will be held during Six Nations Community Awareness Month this coming May, respecting COVID safety protocols that may be in place.
The three cannabis retail locations are: Spot on 54 – 865 County Road 54; The Godfather of Bud – 514 Second Line; and New Leaf – 2901 Fourth Line. Additional retail locations will launch in the coming weeks.
Six Nations of the Grand River created the Six Nations Cannabis Commission to develop and implement a comprehensive cannabis regulatory regime that will ensure the health and safety of community members and that cannabis businesses operating on the territory are contributing to the economic well-being of all Six Nations people.
The Six Nations Cannabis Control Law (SNCCL) came into effect on June 21, 2021.
“Anyone who wishes to operate a cannabis business (production or retail sale) on Six Nations territory must apply for and be issued a licence by SNCC, and comply with the ongoing licensing and health and safety requirements contained in the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law and Six Nations Cannabis Control Regulations which can be found online at www.sncannabis.com,” notes a press release from the commission.
