Dear Editor:

On October 17th, 2018 Cannabis was legalized in Canada. In Nova Scotia.

Bill No. 108 “An Act to Provide for the Regulation and Sale of Cannabis” received Royal Assent on April 18th, 2018. Before it was legal, Cannabis use was already present and prevalent in our communities.

The existing Provincial Regulations have only permitted the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) to legally distribute Cannabis in Nova Scotia The Federal Cannabis Act reinforces the Provincial Cannabis Act by allowing for the Provinces to regulate the sale and distribution of Cannabis as long as they have regulations and policies enacted.

The Federal Acts, specifically the Criminal Code, apply to everyone in Canada and are not a part of the treaties; as far as I know. Any legal drug legally ought to be regulated to ensure public safety, responsible use, and employ deterrents to protect the youth.

Perhaps it is time for a compromise between the various levels of the government on and off reserve; including local law enforcement. Otherwise, lengthly legal courtroom processes could delay any communal benefits of this cash crop.

We are not alone on this land and every decision we make affects our community as well as the communities that surround us. As the ancient Iroquois principle professes: we should always think seven generations ahead.

Troy Julien
Millbrook First Nation

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