Administrative divisions can take a load (7)

I believe the answer is:

cantons

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'administrative divisions' is the definition.
(canton is a kind of administrative division)

'can take a load' is the wordplay.
'take a load' becomes 'tons' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'can'+'tons'='CANTONS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cantons that I've seen before include "Swiss administrative divisions" , "Territories" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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