A cannabis agreement with the provincial government gives Lhtako Dené Nation the freedom and flexibility to enter the cannabis economy on a level playing field with the rest of B.C., says Chief Clifford Lebrun.
The Indigenous community south of Quesnel and the Government of BC announced Wednesday, April 20, reaching an agreement under Section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.
According to a news release, the government-to-government agreement enables variation from the provincial cannabis framework for Lhtako’s cannabis ventures, and includes the option for Lhtako to operate in both production and retail sales.
Read More: PHOTOS: 4/20 rally at B.C. Legislature calls for reduced cannabis regulation
The First Nation’s retail drive-thru cannabis store, Lhtako Grass, closed in late March after applying for a provincial cannabis retail store license.
The store will reopen under a new name later this spring, said band manager Ron Rasmussen, who added they are looking into adding a delivery service.
Lebrun said they hope to provide six to eight jobs for community members and non-community members alike.
“This agreement also supports a very important revenue stream for the Nation,” Lebrun said in the news release.
“Although not a huge revenue stream, it provides a steady flow that adds to others that will lead to complete self-sufficiency and the freedom to plan our own journey forward.”
Read More: Drive-thru cannabis store coming to Lhtako Dene Nation near Quesnel
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.