‘There’s a lot to talk about:’ Indigenous gathering to discuss Cannabis Act in Vernon, B.C.

By Victoria Femia  Global News – November 19, 2022 

Back in September, the Canadian government announced it is launching a review of the Cannabis Act and invited Indigenous people to provide feedback on how they would like to see it amended. As Victoria Femia reports, many attendees are hopeful for change.

With cannabis legalized for four years, the federal government has launched a review of the Cannabis Act and is looking for feedback from the indigenous community on what they would like to see moving forward.

“There’s an 18, now a 17-month timeline for the review of the Act and we’re looking to give as much information and input toward the Act as possible,” said Cory Brewer, event facilitator, and Syilx Cannabis Society member.

The Syilx Cannabis Coalition invited both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community to attend the first Annual Cannabis Harvest Gathering in Vernon.

The weekend-long event will allow anyone who attends to celebrate the harvest and discuss the Cannabis Act — what they would like to see change.

“Our first nation’s laws, our Indigenous laws have been left unrecognized for the time being, but mostly recognition for our laws within our territories and jurisdictions,” said Brewer. “There’s a lot to talk about.”

The review of the Act is expected to focus on the health and cannabis consumption habits of young persons, the impact of cannabis on Indigenous persons and communities, and the impact of the cultivation of cannabis plants in a housing context.

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