Ute Mountain on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation in Colorado. Photo by Nationalparks / Wikipedia
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado has been approached by several marijuana developers, a council member said. The tribe hasn't legalized the drug or entered into any ventures. But with marijuana legal for medical and recreational use in Colorado, developers are reaching out. "We've been approached by several companies wanting us," council member Priscilla Blackhawk Rentz told CNBC. "They're telling us that we could possibly create $3 million a year for our tribe alone." Rentz attended a discussion about marijuana that took place at the conclusion of the Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week. She noted that the tribe faces unique issues because some of its trust lands extend into New Mexico and Utah, where drug laws remain strict. "We may be a tribe and have our sovereign rights, but what happens once they cross the border?" Rentz told CNBC. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. But a new Department of Justice policy could open the door to tribes that want to legalize the drug. Get the Story:
Native Americans debate the legal marijuana business (CNBC 3/19) An Opinion:
Sid Salter: Will marijuana production be next tribal gaming? (The Desoto Times Tribune 3/19) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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