Mi’kmaw bands drafting own law amid province’s cannabis outlet crackdown – CBC

Jan 28, 2026

Chiefs oppose enforcement, saying they’re exercising right to self-government

First Nation chiefs in Nova Scotia are developing their own law and regulations on the retail sale of cannabis on reserves in defiance of a provincial crackdown on unlicensed outlets.

Membertou Chief Terry Paul, who speaks for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs on the subject, said First Nations are opposed to provincial regulation of cannabis sales and are exercising their right to self-government.

“We can establish regulations ourselves, of course in concert with the provincial and federal governments to make sure that the laws are compatible, but we have a right to do that,” he said.