The Saskatchewan government introduced legislation to shift on-reserve bylaw enforcement and cannabis regulation to First Nations..The Cannabis Control Amendment (CCA) Act creates the legal framework for each First Nation to licence and regulate on-reserve cannabis distribution and retailing.. Lori Carr .“Our government supports First Nations exercising their authority over on-reserve distribution and retailing of cannabis through a legal framework with SLGA [Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority],” said SLGA Minister Lori Carr. .“This change further fosters reconciliation by ensuring First Nation-owned businesses are able to fully participate in the economic opportunities presented by the retail cannabis industry.”.Each First Nation can establish a local cannabis authority that follows federal and provincial cannabis legislation. .Once a local cannabis authority meets the federal and provincial requirements, the First Nations store would have access to federally regulated cannabis products..“I think one of the biggest benefits they’ll have is they’ll be able to access the product from the Canadian government, so they’ll be able to ensure that the product they’re getting is safe for their consumers,” said Carr..The Omagakii Pot Shop owned by Zagime First Nation had operated without a licence since opening in 2019..Carr said a store such as the Omagakii Pot Shop and any other operating could continue to source their product from wherever they get it now or opt-in to the federally-regulated cannabis market. . Cannabis Plants .Part of the amendments is proof of age for the purchaser will only be required if the person looks under the age of 25. Currently, retailers must ask all purchasers..The Summary Offences Procedure Amendment (SOPA) Act provides the legal framework so First Nations can enforce laws and bylaws through tickets, fines, and “other measures” on-reserve..“These amendments will allow First Nations to use the summary offence procedure to issue tickets and fines, similar to how tickets and fines are issued for traffic violations and other provincial offences,” said Saskatchewan Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre. .“Our province is proud to take this important step as part of our ongoing work on bylaw enforcement with the Muskoday and Whitecap Dakota First Nations.”.First Nations will be able to make administrative updates such as strike a conviction and collect late charges for fines that are in default..It is not required that all First Nations in Saskatchewan take part, as the SOPA Act allows each First Nation the discretion to opt-in.
