Halifax — December 4, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Scott Armstrong, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Justice, has directed all provincial police agencies to launch an intensified crackdown on illegal cannabis dispensaries operating across the province, warning that unregulated sales pose serious risks to public health and safety.
In a statement released on Thursday, the government said recent reviews uncovered at least 118 illegal cannabis outlets — more than double the number of legal retail stores operated by Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), which remains the only authorized distributor under provincial law.
Armstrong wrote to the 13 chiefs of the Mi'kmaq communities across the province — where many of the dispensaries are reportedly located — asserting the government’s position that all cannabis retail activity must comply with the formal regulatory framework established by the 2021 Cannabis Control Act.
The Justice Minister emphasised that the proliferation of unregulated shops undermines efforts to protect youth, ensure product safety and prevent involvement of organised-crime networks in the cannabis trade. In his words: “Illegal dispensaries pose a real threat to consumers, to youth, and to the integrity of our regulated system.
Under the new directive, police agencies are expected to prioritise intelligence gathering, raids, seizures, and prosecution of illicit operators — with enforcement outcomes to be reported back to the province. Municipal police leadership and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been asked to lead operations in their jurisdictions.
The move has already triggered protests from some Indigenous-owned retailers, who argue that the crackdown targets their businesses unfairly and undermines efforts at economic empowerment through retail enterprises. Critics describe the policy as a disregard of Indigenous treaty-rights claims related to cannabis trading.
As police prepare to act, the government has pledged that licensed cannabis sales through NSLC outlets including those approved for Mi’kmaq-owned stores under proper agreements will continue under strict regulation to ensure safety, traceability and compliance with provincial law.