The Six Nations Elected Council has repealed the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law and its associated regulations. The decision took effect on July 9.
Elected Chief Sherri-Lynn Hill announced the repeal in a press release and video statement. The council pointed to ongoing difficulties with resources, compliance and enforcement under the existing framework. The Six Nations Cannabis Commission Corp. will now begin the process of dissolution.
The law and regulations were first enacted in 2021 following Canada’s legalization of cannabis. The stated goals at the time included public health and safety, access to regulated products, maintenance of law and order, and awareness of health risks. Subsequent councils made amendments to strengthen the system.
Despite those changes, the council determined the regulatory approach was not sustainable. It invested approximately $4.86 million in the system, yet only one licensed business operated on the territory at the start of a recent public comment period.
Community members provided feedback during a formal consultation from May 29 to June 30, 2026. That input informed the final decision. The council said it considered both the practical challenges and resident perspectives on the transition away from local regulation.
Six Nations Police Service and other enforcement bodies previously handled compliance issues under the local rules. With the repeal, provincial and federal laws will apply in the same manner as elsewhere in Ontario.
The move ends the elected council’s direct role in licensing and oversight of cannabis businesses on the territory. Individual businesses and operators will need to navigate applicable laws independently.
Council statements emphasized that the repeal does not reflect a judgment on cannabis itself but rather on the feasibility of maintaining a separate regulatory regime with limited resources.
The decision arrives amid broader discussions about economic activity and governance on the Grand River territory. No immediate changes to existing operations were detailed beyond the repeal itself.
This marks one of the more significant policy shifts by the 59th council since taking office. Observers will watch how the transition unfolds and whether it affects related issues such as taxation, employment or enforcement priorities on the territory.
