March slated to oppose dispensaries
Cannabis has been a controversial topic in town for years. Courtesy Canva
As the process for approving dispensary licences in Kahnawake trudges along, the 207 Longhouse has reaffirmed its position against Kahnawake’s potential cannabis industry, this week announcing an upcoming march expressing their opposition.
“We have already seen the devastating effects that the cannabis industry has had on our sister communities,” read a press release put out by the Longhouse on April 6, which was signed by Kahnawí:io Dione, Turtle Clan chief, Teiowí:sonte Deer, Wolf Clan sub-chief, and Akwirén:te Deer, Bear Clan chief.
“Violence and intimidation linked to the cannabis industry have been observed in these communities since dispensaries started and the people in these communities are left powerless to stop it,” the release continues, seemingly referring to Akwesasne and Kanesatake, where dispensaries operate in droves.
“We have no doubt that organized crime would quickly infiltrate and exploit the industry if it were allowed here, leaving the people of Kahnawà:ke powerless to rid them from the community.”
The topic of allowing dispensaries in Kahnawake has been hotly contested over the years. Most recently, the process was started for issuing dispensary licenses, with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK)’s Kahnawake Cannabis Control Board (KCCB) announcing that there were 14 eligible applicants who meet the regulatory requirements.
There will only be three licenses given to community members, which will be decided by a lottery draw. Most recently, consultations have been being completed with community members who live in the vicinity of the proposed dispensary locations.
“The KCCB will be releasing information soon, at that time, the KCCO (Kahnawake Cannabis Control Office) can provide an official update,” said Jennifer Paul, the operations manager of the KCCO.
The KCCO did not respond to follow up inquiries regarding the 207 Longhouse’s upcoming march by The Eastern Door’s publishing deadline.
As well as citing the situation in other communities, the Longhouse’s press release also details fears about non-locals that may patronize Kahnawake’s dispensaries.
“Kahnawa’kehró:non are already dealing with an unprecedented rise in non-local traffic in Kahnawà:ke as strange and suspicious characters wander our community,” it reads.
“The addition of a cannabis industry in Kahnawà:ke would turn an already bad situation much worse.”
Also flagged in the release are concerns about the accessibility of cannabis products to youth, with representatives stating that they are “greatly concerned for our children, grandchildren, and coming generations.”
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“The community must understand that once this door is opened, it cannot be closed,” the release states. “We call upon the people of Kahnawà:ke to consider what is more important; individuals making money or the peace and safety of our community.”
The march, organized by the 207 Longhouse, will take place on Wednesday, April 23, at 10 a.m., at the greenspace next to the Golden Age Club. The release invites “all community members and organizations” to join the Longhouse in marching to the MCK to share their concerns.
