Chief in N.S. says Mi’kmaq have a treaty right to sell cannabis amid new RCMP raids

HALIFAX — A First Nation chief in Nova Scotia is asserting that Indigenous Peoples have a treaty right to sell cannabis amid fresh police raids on multiple Mi’kmaq-owned cannabis operations.

The comments by Chief Terry Paul of Membertou First Nation are in conflict with the position of the provincial government, which has called on police to crackdown on illegal cannabis storefronts.

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The RCMP said they issued tickets and seized cannabis on Tuesday from five dispensaries in Eskasoni First Nation, Potlotek First Nation, Paq’tnkek First Nation, Waycobah First Nation and in Digby, N.S.

In a statement Tuesday, Paul said the police raids were unnecessary and a violation of the treaty rights of First Nations to sell cannabis and to self-determination in their communities.

Paul says the province has refused to work with the community to regulate cannabis sales on the First Nations territory.

Provincial law strictly controls the sale of cannabis, which is only done through Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. outlets.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press