The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s (SRMT) Cannabis Control Board announced the launching of the first regulated adult use cannabis market within New York State.
On Friday, April 15, 2022, several ribbon cutting ceremonies were held in Akwesasne to mark the start of Akwesasne’s need to diversify their economy and create more employment opportunities for the community. Consumers can also feel confident knowing they are purchasing from a safely regulated marketplace by shopping at tribally licensed cannabis outlets.
King Canna, and Weedway, were among the first to showcase their products that can now be purchased legally under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. Budders Cannabis Store will also have a ribbon cutting ceremony next Wednesday at 9am. Among the tribally issued licenses within the cultivation component are Bank Side Flowering Company LLC, and Lefty’s Cultivation.
“For the first time in New York State, adults will be able to legally purchase cannabis products from a tribally licensed dispensary,” said SRMT Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. “To make this happen, we have been working in consultation with tribal members to develop regulations that support the success of tribally licensed cannabis operations, but more importantly to ensure that the community benefits from the fees that fund tribal programs and services that impacts all community members.” – noted Lafrance.
Under New York State Law; adults 21 years of age and older may transport, possess, and use up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. New York State, however, has not yet authorized any retail cannabis outlets. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was the first in New York to establish a tribally licensed, legal framework for adult use cannabis sales, as well as the first in the United States to regulate and license tribal member-owned businesses.
“In developing the Tribe’s Adult Use Cannabis Ordinance, we listened to tribal members who stressed the need to not only diversify the community’s economy and to provide much-needed employment, but to also ensure that cannabis products have been proven safe to sell,” said Chief Beverly Cook.
Tribal licensing fees collected from licensed cannabis operations will help keep community members employed and fund a wide range of essential community services — from our youth to our elders. Licensing fees will help support educational scholarships, public safety, road maintenance, elder’s assistance, health care, and community organizations – especially those entities that have experienced a significant budget reduction due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“We are confident that the hard work of the tribally licensed cannabis business owners will result in loyal customers from beyond Akwesasne. We know that it took a while, but we are confident that our system is designed to provide quality product, in a regulated system, with Compliance oversight and a qualified Board of Managers to see that all regulations are followed for the safety of our community and consumers,” said Chief Michael Conners.
