Are you wondering where you could get Native cigarettes in Canada? Then, you must have figured that there was quite a puzzle there. While some people buy online, others swear by on-reserve smoke shops. Others fall into websites that turn out to be scams. But worry not. Here is a simple, step-by-step process of how to safely, legally, and respectfully purchase Native cigarettes in Canada.
Begin with a Google search
The easiest thing to do is to enter a query like Native smokes near me or Native smoke shop near me in Google or whatever search engine you use. This will typically reflect local outcomes within or around First Nations populations. Find stores that are located on established reserves, as they are the only ones that are legally authorized to make and sell Native tobacco products.
Examine the shops before visiting or ordering
Not every store that you see on the web is a real one or run by the community. You are about to purchase a product, so run a quick background check:
- Review their online Google, Facebook, or local forums to determine whether other customers have positive experiences.
- Never use the third party resellers claiming to offer untaxed cigarettes in Canada. This is likely to be against federal law.
- Call the shop and ask about it. The majority of shops will inform you whether they sell to non-indigenous individuals and what you are to identify.
Legit native smoke shops are transparent.
Explore your buying options
In Canada, there are three main choices of how to purchase Native cigarettes:
Face-to-face on reserve: The simplest and most valid one. You have the option visit a First Nations community and shop at a local store or convenience store. Bring your card, though, if you have status, and you can make tax-exempt purchases. Non status buyers can still make purchases but will pay taxes as per local regulations.
Authorized online shopping: There are Indigenous-owned businesses that have official websites that provide shipping within specific provinces. Always check for:
- Contact address on the site.
- An email or real contact number.
- Safe payment methods.
- Status verification where necessary.
On-site pickup and call-ahead service: There are reserves where you can place an order over the phone and pick it up on-site. This is ideal when you want to ensure that your desired brand is available.
Be familiar with brands and prices
Depending on the community, native cigarettes are usually of smaller local brands like DKs, Sago, Putters, or Golden Leaf. The price is generally cheaper than that of commercial cigarettes.
However, the quality may be different depending on who produced it. You can inquire with employees about what is locally manufactured and what is imported. Please sample one pack first before purchasing many.
Be Legal and respectful
Lastly, keep in mind that although Native cigarettes are allowed to be purchased on-reserve, selling and transporting large quantities off-reserve may be against tax regulations. You want to buy for personal use. Go by the regulations of the community you visit and patronize Indigenous-owned stores directly. That is how you make a respectful transaction.
