Nova Scotia judge dismisses Indigenous defendants' claims of treaty and aboriginal rights to operate cannabis dispensaries.

A Nova Scotia provincial court judge has dismissed arguments from four Indigenous defendants claiming treaty and aboriginal rights to operate cannabis dispensaries on land north of Halifax. Judge Ronda Van der Hoek agreed with the Crown's arguments that two federal laws - the Cannabis Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - prevail over any potential treaty rights. The defendants argued they were exercising their right to self-governance, but the judge stated these rights do not encompass the sale of cannabis.

June 14, 2024
10 Articles