Nova Scotia Premier Demands Crackdown on Illegal Cannabis Sales

UPDATE: The Nova Scotia government has initiated an urgent crackdown on illegal cannabis operations, targeting at least 118 illegal dispensaries across the province. Justice Minister Scott Armstrong has reached out to the province’s 13 Mi’kmaw chiefs for support in shutting down sales occurring on Indigenous lands.

In a letter sent earlier today, Armstrong emphasized the need for cooperation to address the illegal cannabis trade that undermines provincial laws. Despite the crackdown, when pressed by reporters, Armstrong conceded that he could not specify how many illegal stores were located on First Nation land, only confirming the total number in Nova Scotia.

The situation has sparked significant controversy. Indigenous cannabis advocate Thomas Durfee fiercely criticized the government’s actions, labeling them as “blatantly racist” and an infringement on Mi’kmaw sovereignty. Durfee asserts his legal right to operate cannabis sales at treaty truckhouses, established in agreements with the British Crown in the 1700s. He is currently embroiled in a legal battle following a recent raid on one of his cannabis outlets.

This crackdown comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of illegal dispensaries in Nova Scotia, raising questions about the balance between Indigenous rights and provincial regulations. The government’s move is seen as a direct challenge to the Mi’kmaq’s treaty rights, igniting a fierce debate about the future of cannabis sales in the region.

As this story unfolds, all eyes are on the response from Mi’kmaw leadership and the broader implications for Indigenous communities. The outcome of this situation could set significant precedents for cannabis regulation and Indigenous sovereignty across Canada.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story progresses.