If it is your first time purchasing native cigarettes online, you likely have questions, which is understandable. It is not as simple as visiting the corner store, but it gets easier once you know what you are likely to face.
This is an easy, one-step-at-a-time explanation of how it works. You can learn how to shop smart, stay within the laws, and know what you are purchasing.
Be familiar with local laws
First of all, be sure about the local regulations. Provinces or states have varying rules concerning the purchase and consumption of native cigarettes. In certain jurisdictions, Indigenous customers are the only ones legally permitted to purchase a product from the on-reserve resellers. In some areas, non-Indigenous people can purchase at native-operated stores, provided they meet certain conditions. Research what is legal in your area.
Locate a respectable, locally based website
The next step is to type the search phrase ‘native smokes near me‘ into Google. This will help you locate locally based websites. However, not all online shops are authentic. Find websites that are evidently managed by Indigenous people or communities. Sellers who are legitimate tend to:
- List where they are (usually on reserve land)
- Provide contact information
- Provide the option of an age check during checkout
- Utilize safe payment methods.
Avoid sites that have very little to no contact information. A credible place of shopping needs to feel like a real business, rather than a guessing game.
Check age and eligibility
Expect some sort of age verification when buying native products. Many sites will ask you to verify that you are 18+years or 19+years as per your area. This may be a check box on the checkout page, proof of ID request, or a one-time verification account system.
Other sellers might even want to know whether you are Indigenous, particularly in the areas where there are particular rules on purchasing. Some assume that this is gatekeeping, but it is about remaining legal.
Select your products
After verification, you will be presented with the list of available brands. Native cigarettes are very basic packaged products, and they may contain fewer additives in comparison to commercial brands. The choices may include:
- King size or regular
- Unfiltered or filtered
- Quantity (packs or cartons).
Descriptions can be sparse, so don’t order a lot of products unless you are certain about them. Still, feel free to ask the seller if you feel uncertain about something.
Place your order
Use the checkout procedure the same way you use other online shopping stores. Make sure you check twice:
- Your delivery address
- Delivery timelines
- Payment options.
Some sellers will provide tracking, and some will deliver in plain packaging. Delivery periods will also depend on where you are located, as well as the policies put in place by the seller.
Receive and check
After you get your order, examine it. Although the packaging might be simple, it should have simple labeling with the brand and product type. When something seems wrong, contact the seller immediately.
The takeaway
Buy from genuine Indigenous sellers, inform yourself of local policies, and order small so that you can experiment.
