Mi'kmaw leaders in Nova Scotia are expressing significant frustration and concern following renewed public and political calls for a provincial crackdown on unlicensed cannabis dispensaries operating in their communities. The issue, which sits at the complex intersection of Indigenous jurisdiction, economic development, and provincial regulation, has reignited a longstanding debate.
At the Heart of the Dispute: Jurisdiction and Economic Rights
The core of the frustration stems from what Mi'kmaw chiefs view as an infringement on their inherent rights and a dismissal of their authority over economic activities within their territories. Since the federal legalization of cannabis in 2018, a patchwork of enforcement has emerged, with some Indigenous-operated stores continuing to sell cannabis outside the official Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) framework.
Proponents of a crackdown argue that these unlicensed shops undermine the legal market, bypass health and safety regulations, and do not contribute tax revenue. However, Mi'kmaw leadership counters that these operations are vital community enterprises that provide jobs and generate income, operating under their own regulatory frameworks and asserting sovereignty over their lands.
A Clash of Regulatory Systems
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between federal, provincial, and Indigenous governance models. While Health Canada oversees federal licensing for cannabis production and sale, provinces like Nova Scotia control distribution and retail through crown corporations like the NSLC. Many First Nations communities, including Mi'kmaw bands, have developed or are developing their own cannabis laws, asserting jurisdiction as a right of self-government.
Chiefs argue that calls for unilateral provincial enforcement ignore these parallel regulatory systems and the nation-to-nation relationship that is supposed to guide such discussions. They emphasize a desire for government-to-government negotiations to find a mutually acceptable path forward, rather than having solutions imposed upon them.
Looking for a Path Forward
The impasse leaves both consumers and operators in a state of uncertainty. For the provincial government, the challenge is balancing public safety and regulatory consistency with its commitment to reconciliation and respecting Indigenous rights. For Mi'kmaw communities, the priority is protecting their economic self-determination and jurisdictional authority.
As of December 5, 2025, no new enforcement measures have been publicly announced by the Nova Scotia government. However, the vocal calls for action from some quarters ensure the issue remains a pressing and contentious file. The Mi'kmaw chiefs' public expression of frustration signals a clear demand for a seat at the table before any decisive action is taken, underscoring that any resolution must involve meaningful consultation and respect for their governance.
