By Jessica Crouse, M.F.A.L.P.: Executive Director (CRA)| Director (Cannabis Department)
Seneca Nation Community Update & Public Meetings:
Cannabis Regulations & Cannabis Business Permit – Applicability Clarification
Much progress has been made in developing the Seneca Nation’s Cannabis regulatory programs. There are three different programs in-place:
To provide further information and to address some of the distinctions between the programs:
On February 11, 2023, the Cannabis Regulations were approved by Council. These regulations implement the Seneca Nation of Indians Cannabis Code (SNICC) and establish the requirements for becoming a licensed Cannabis Establishment. The Code provides for licensing of the following business types: cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and independent testing laboratories.
The Code (SNI Law) governs the applicability of the regulations, and at this time the regulations are applicable to Cannabis Establishments, as follows:
- SNICC: Section 6. (B)(1) – Only Seneca Nation Entities shall be eligible to obtain a License to own and/or operate a Cannabis Establishment.
- SNICC: Section 6. (B)(2) – This Code only applies to Seneca Nation Entities.
The Cannabis Regulatory Authority is responsible for compliance and appeals matters.
Cannabis Business Permit (CBP) Program: The Application is available via the Seneca Nation Clerk’s Office, and this permit is submitted to and issued out of the Clerk’s Office as well. The application is the guiding document for the program at this time. Also, the Cannabis Regulatory Authority oversees the compliance matters involved with the permit.
The permit may allow a Cannabis Establishment to operate as a: cannabis retailer, cannabis cultivator, and/or cannabis manufacturer.
Under the CBP Program, within the Signature Requirements section of the application, a duly authorized permittee consents to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the Seneca Nation for the purpose of enforcing any laws, regulations, or rules governing the Cannabis Business Permit or the conduct of any business within the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Territories.
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
The Cannabis Regulatory Authority/Cannabis Department will be holding public meetings (Cannabis Conversation Series) on Allegany Territory, Cattaraugus Territory, and Buffalo. The first event to be held: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 5:30pm-7pm at the Allegany Community Center.
- This will be an on-going forum that will be rotated between locations on a monthly basis.
- Light snacks and refreshments will be offered
- Notice will be provided via SNI Newsletter
Please contact the Cannabis Regulatory Authority | Cannabis Department for more information –
Cannabis Regulatory Authority | E: snicra@sni.org
Cannabis Department (Hemp Production) | E: SNCannabisDept@sni.org | (716) 945-1790 x 3582
