It will be the first time a retail license has been issued since Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council created the Commission in the spring of 2019 to develop the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law, it’s regulations and build the policies to regulate the cannabis industry on Six Nations Territory.

The Commission’s new Executive Director, lawyer Verna George, introduced herself at a general council meeting Tuesday night where she shared that both production and retail licenses are close to being issued.

“I was so excited about this opportunity,” said George, who is from Six Nations but lives on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. “I’m very happy to give back to my community, in this project. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community.”

The Commission is currently processing six cannabis production facility licenses. One production license has already been issued. The facility was constructed to meet, and even exceed, Health Canada standards, said George.

“Our industry regulatory consultants [CannDelta] were incredibly impressed with this facility,” said George. “The applicant invested significant time and resources.”

CannDelta said, “It is a shining star in the community’s record to self-regulate.”

Part of the commission’s mandate is to inspect production facilities to ensure they meet the standards for safety and quality outlined in the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law, which came into effect on June 21.

The other production license applicants are in different stages of construction. Two are close to being ready for inspections.

Five retail license applications are currently being processed. The retail licensing process is much less involved than the process for issuing licenses for cannabis producers, “so expect those to move along quickly,” said George.

Two of the five retail locations have nearly completed construction.

The maximum number of licenses a single retail applicant can hold is set at 5.

George said the Commission is also looking to hire a communications staffer soon.