AKWESASNE -- Cannabis consumption lounges will soon be coming to Akwesasne.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Clerk reported there were no written comments received on the proposed amendment to permit consumption lounges under the Tribe’s Adult Use Cannabis Ordinance (the “Ordinance”).

In accordance with the 2013 Tribal Procedures Act, the amendment has been formally adopted through Tribal Council Resolution 2023-05 that was signed by Tribal Council during their regular Work Session held on Jan. 25.

Last month, notification was provided by the Tribal Clerk that a 30-day comment period commenced on a proposed amendment to the Adult Use Cannabis Ordinance. The comment period sought written feedback from membership by Jan. 20.

A consultation session was held on January 11, 2023 for tribal members to learn about and discuss the proposed amendment.

Tribally licensed cannabis consumption lounges may only sell cannabis, cannabis products, and other items approved by the Tribe’s Cannabis Compliance Office. Licensees must also adhere to restrictions that includes to not sell cannabis to individuals under 21 years of age, nor to intoxicated individuals.

Through the adoption of TCR 2023-05, the Tribe’s Cannabis Control Board is now authorized to issue consumption lounge licenses in accordance with the Ordinance. It also provides the authority to grant waivers to applicants currently operating under a tribal retail cannabis license.

People can visit https://www.srmt-nsn.gov/cannabis-control-board, for a listing of tribally licensed retail and cultivation operations. They can be reached by telephone at 518-358-2272 ext. 2167 or by emailing CCB@srmt-nsn.gov.

To apply for a Cannabis Consumption Lounge License, or other tribal cannabis licenses, contact the Tribe’s Cannabis Compliance Office at 518-358-2273.