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Call for cannabis retail sales applications to open January 8

By Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

IORI:WASE

The Kahnawake Cannabis Control Board announced last week the call for applications for the three licenses for retail sale of cannabis will open just after the new year.

The Kahnawake CCB announced it would begin accepting pre-eligibility applications for the three retail licenses that will be given out to community members January 8, with the process coming to a close February 9 at 4 p.m., CCB Chair Tara Jacobs said Tuesday.

She added she expects more than three people to apply for those licenses. Jacobs expects the call for submissions to enter a lottery process, if the scuttlebutt she’s hearing is accurate.

“I have heard that there will be more than three people vying for those licenses, so that yes, that would engender a lottery process,” she said.

The CCB is responsible for regulation, enforcement and administration of the Kahnawake Cannabis Control Law.

The CCB recently rounded out its three-person team last week when Darlene Alfred was appointed to the board.

Alfred was confirmed for the position on December 11. The seat she will occupy became vacant when Jacobs replaced Brandon Montour as chair of the CCB recently.

Jacobs said Alfred’s appointment will mean the CCB can begin its work of processing applications for the three licenses for retail sale of cannabis in coming weeks

“It’s great that we fulfilled quorum, because now we have our work cut out for us,” said Jacobs. “Obviously, with council having lifted the moratorium on retail sales and possession of cannabis for sale, and having enacted the Kahnawake cannabis laws, there’s going to be a lot for us to do.”

Jacobs added that Alfred’s long history of community engagement and ability to have her finger on the community’s pulse will be of benefit to the CCB.

“I worked with Darlene on another board in the community in the past and she is a person who knows what’s going on in the community. She’s involved and she listens to what people have to say. She’s up to date on what’s happening. I know she’ll be of a great benefit to us with her extensive knowledge of the community,” Jacobs said.

The third member of the CCB is David Diabo, whose term began in December 2022.

Members of the CCB are responsible for understanding local, federal, and provincial laws and in accordance with the highest principles of health, safety, security, honesty, and integrity.