N.S. authorities investigating after report of fentanyl in cannabis

HALIFAX — Authorities in Nova Scotia say they are investigating after a First Nation health facility reported fentanyl was detected in cannabis.

Membertou Health Centre says it has issued a community drug alert after receiving a report from a community member.

The Nova Scotia government says its health department and Cape Breton Regional Police have launched an investigation.

The province, in a statement, notes that cannabis can only be purchased legally through its liquor corporation.

In December 2025, Premier Tim Houston said he heard from people in law enforcement they've found traces of fentanyl in cannabis.

But Nova Scotia RCMP and Halifax police both said at the time that no fentanyl has been found in illegal cannabis tested in the province, despite the premier's claim.

Membertou First Nation did not immediately respond to a request for more details.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2026.