The Sask. government says it has discussed the two First Nations cannabis retail operations in the province with the federal government, with the expectation that Ottawa do something.
Attorney General Don Morgan says enforcement of what he calls unlicensed cannabis dispensaries on First Nations reserves falls to the federal government.
“We’re worried about it and we’re urging the federal government to take some steps. We don’t control or direct the RCMP. It’s on them to deal with and they’ve indicated they’re planning to do so,” Morgan stated. “Minister Goodale has said they regard that as something they need to deal with he hasn’t given me a timetable or a commitment when, but he has said they’ve given no direction it shouldn’t take place and they won’t direct the police specifically on when or how.”
A simmering dispute between First Nations and the provincial government has been brewing since October, after the Muscowpetung First Nation northeast of Regina opened its marijuana store after passing internal legislation to do so.
In June the Pheasant Rump Nakota Nation began its operation, following the path of Muscowpetung.
Morgan and Muscowpetung leaders were having discussions regarding the retail store, as the First Nation was not a recipient of a provincial retail license, as the community’s population size was too small.
The Justice Ministry confirms the discussions have broken off.
Three First Nations in the province were eligible for a license, but all three have not progressed forward. Morgan says the First Nations dispensaries are unfair to current to current licenses holders and to the integrity of the provincial cannabis framework.
He claims there could be health risks to customers who purchase from these dispensaries as the safety of the product cannot be verified.
Clarification as to the federal government’s plans from Public Safety Minister Goodale’s office has not been returned.