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LLRIB chief already contacted by cannabis suppliers

Jan 10, 2018 | 11:00 AM

The chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) is already receiving emails from companies hoping to become the band’s cannabis supplier.

“They already knew about it and obviously have my email address to be able to send that,” Tammy Cook-Searson said. “We should have been at least notified earlier on, so that we we would have a heads-up instead of being surprised, and learning about it the same time everyone else learned about it.”

On Jan. 8, the provincial government announced the LLRIB was one of 40 municipalities or First Nations eligible for a retail permit. The Town of La Ronge was also on the list, as well as Onion Cree Nation and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. At this time, Cook-Searson said she doesn’t know if the band will take the opportunity or not.

“It’s something I’ll have to present to council and also the community, because it’s been controversial across the country,” she said, noting the next regular council meeting isn’t until March unless a special one on the topic is held before then. 

As for the chance of a cannabis store opening in La Ronge, Cook-Searson hoped revenues flows back into the community if it does. She also realized some people need access to marijuana, considering it’s already used for medical reasons. One project the band is currently developing is a treatment wellness centre. 

“We want to make sure we are working for our people foremost and providing a place where they can have healing,” Cook-Searson said. “We are getting near the finish of a business plan so, once that’s complete, then we will present it to both levels of government.”

According to the provincial plan, cannabis will be regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. Sixty retail permits are up for grabs, but the final number available will depend on the number of community leaders who decide to opt out. The province is yet to set a minimum legal age for consumption. 

 

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @saskjourno