AKWESASNE – As of Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m., the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s (MCA) Office of Economic Development will be distributing and collecting applications to cultivate and/or sell recreational cannabis.
Prior to Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis, the MCA had begun developing an application process to issue cannabis licenses. While the application design was taking place to further develop the law, an Interim Recreational Cannabis Regulation was presented by the MCA. Any applicants applying as of August 6 are still encouraged to review the Interim Regulation first, which can be found by clicking here, as Section 7 still remains in effect.
To pick up and submit an application, interested parties must attend the MCA’s Office of Economic Development (CIA #3 Building, Kawehno:ke) as mailing, emailing and faxing will not be offered. The applicant must complete all required documents, such as CPIC, proof of membership and proof of ‘good standing’ with the MCA.
“We wish to thank the community and business people for their extreme patience throughout this process,” said Grand Chief Abram Benedict in a press release. “With the community’s well-being of highest priority, our staff and cannabis working group have developed an application process that supports the business sector while protecting the health and safety of all Akwesasronon.”
The MCA Legislative Review Commission will continue to develop the final cannabis law, according to the press release.
A series of three informational meetings are set to assist community members with the
application process, held on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Kawehno:ke Recreation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 8 at Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education & Training Institute from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 9 at St. Regis Recreation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
To speak with MCA’s Economic Development Office about the application, call 613-575-2250 ext. 1053 or visit CIA #3 Building at 101 Tewesateni Road, Kawehno:ke.
