Will Omicron lead to a rise in sales at cannabis shops in Kanesatake?

It might be too early too early to tell, said Green Devil dispensary owner Clifton Nicholas.

“I don’t know whether we’ve seen a big difference in numbers yet but I’ve definitely received more phone calls from people asking what our protocols are,” said the store owner.

As of Tuesday, January 18, customers wishing to purchase cannabis in person at the SQDC (Société québécoise du cannabis) have been required to show a proof of vaccination recognizing that they are adequately protected. The same protocol has also been applied across SAQ liquor stores (Société des alcools du Québec).

Provincial health minister Christian Dubé announced the measure on January 6, stating the decision was made to curb the resurgence in COVID-19 cases led by the highly-transmissible Omicron variant.

“There will simply be more traffic in Kanesatake!” wrote one Twitter user. “Better service and price to quality ratio in Kanesatake than SQDC,” typed another.

“We have all the right measures in place across the stores,” said Gabriel, referring to the 16 active shop members forming KCA.

“And if there’s an increase in traffic, we will treat it accordingly.”

Since the association has made strides in doubling down efforts to legitimize the industry in Kanesatake, priority has been on finding ways to involve the community in a more proactive manner.

“We’re part of a community which means we’re a collective,” said Nicholas.

“That’s why when the community was getting scared about COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic I took the initiative to shut down my store.”

It’s with this purpose in mind that the dispensary owner said he intends to respect the wishes of Kanehsata’kehró:non if the request is made for KCA members to enforce the same protocol as Quebec’s government.

However, the association’s spokesperson doesn’t anticipate this happening.

“For me personally, I view this as nothing more than a strategy for Quebec to get more people vaccinated,” said Gabriel.

“To me that’s a good thing and it seems to be working.”

While The Medicine Box is committed to protecting the interests of the community, owner Dave Belisle questioned whether the restriction is infringing on the rights of certain users.

“We’re in a country where it’s legal to consume (cannabis) recreationally and I don’t think the government should penalize anybody by not allowing them to access these products,” said Belisle, who said his store has already seen an increase in clients this week.

“A lot of people use this for treatment to help with different ailments, curb alcohol abuse and even people with drug addiction are turning to cannabis to get off opioids, for example.”

The store owner said his regular customer base includes cancer patients who state their doctors refuse to prescribe them medical marijuana.

“The reason I got into that business was specifically for that: to help people who need it and increase accessibility,” said the Green Devil owner.

With a close eye on how the fifth wave continues to unfold, Belisle said the well-being of all should be considered.

“I don’t want to be the one to withhold anyone from receiving their cannabis treatment – I’ve followed every rule since the pandemic began and this has worked for us,” he added.

“I can’t see someone suffering and not help – that’s not the Mohawk way.”