Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston recently claimed that some illegal cannabis products contained traces of fentanyl. He also said some people avoid government-regulated cannabis because "it doesn’t give the same high."
However, the province’s RCMP stated that there is no evidence of fentanyl in any cannabis seized from illegal dispensaries. Houston said his claim was based on a conversation with a frontline police officer.
Meanwhile, Attorney General and Justice Minister Scott Armstrong issued a directive to all police agencies to prioritize shutting down illegal cannabis stores. He emphasized that all cannabis stores, whether on-reserve or not, must operate through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).
Indigenous communities have criticized the move. Tuma Wilson, a Mi’kmaw lawyer and Acadia University instructor, said the directive could prejudice public opinion against people currently pursuing their trading rights in court.
Potlotek First Nation Councillor Isaiah Bernard highlighted that community dispensaries provide jobs and support local entrepreneurship. He urged collaboration rather than conflict to resolve any issues.
Sipekne’katik First Nation responded by banning the Premier and two cabinet ministers from entering their lands, stating that the government has failed to consult meaningfully and that the directive undermines Indigenous rights and self-determination.
The controversy has further strained relations between the province and local Indigenous communities, highlighting ongoing tensions over cannabis regulation and treaty rights.
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