AKWESASNE — Starting Monday, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe began accepting applications for Tribal Cannabis Retail Licenses.

The applications are available for pickup at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Compliance Office during normal hours of business. The compliance office is located at 28 Okwarine Road in Akwesasne.

Applications are available for those who have already submitted an Adult Use Cannabis Business Pre-Clearance Form, which are still available to be filled out and submitted. Those who complete and submit their application can expect news on their application status within two weeks of submission.

According to a press release from the communications department of St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, licensing fees collected from structured businesses will help keep members of the community employed and aid in funding essential businesses such as education and elderly care. It will support community programs and tribal services, such as the tribe’s Fuel Oil Burner Service Cleaning Program and Heating Equipment Repair Replacement Program, which had a significant budget reduction due to funding short comings to the Tribal General Fund.

“Unlike other tribal territories, the tribe’s adult use cannabis ordinance provides eligible tribal members with the opportunity to help develop this new industry for the benefit of the community. Tribal licensing builds upon our business community’s history of keeping revenue in Akwesasne to support community programs and services.” said Tribal Chief Michael Conners.

This is the tribe’s latest step in order to launch a legitimate, legal cannabis industry within the tribe’s jurisdiction, which was approved by community referendum in December 2019. New York state only legalized personal use and possession of adult use cannabis on March 31 this year. The state Cannabis Control Board appointed more members this week and is anticipating beginning to issue cannabis retail licenses for approximately 18 months.

“Our community’s cannabis ordinance gives tribally-licensed businesses a jump start, but more importantly, it helps certify that the products being made available for sale have been tested and proven safe for consumers.” Tribal Chief Beverly Cook said. “Ensuring product safety is part of the tribe’s effort to encourage tribal members to participate in this new industry that will benefit the entire community.”

The tribe’s adult use cannabis ordinance and regulations are available to download and view from the tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov. A copy can also be requested from the tribal clerk’s office or legal department by calling 518-358-2272, as well as from the compliance department. For more information, please call the SRMT Compliance Department at 518-358-2273.