A view of the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin. Photo from Rewriting Amanda
Members of the Menominee Nation will vote on a referendum that help gauge support for legalizing marijuana on the largest reservation in Wisconsin. The tribe held outreach meetings last month to hear from its citizens about legalizing the drug for medicinal and recreational uses. The issue was also on the agenda at a general council meeting last Thursday. “I really want to hear from our people,” Chairman Gary Besaw told The Shawano Leader as he declined to share his own position on the subject. Balloting for the advisory referendum takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. The results are expected to be announced by Friday. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. But the Department of Justice opened the door for marijuana in Indian Country last year Marijuana is illegal under Wisconsin law. The state exercises criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country under Public Law 280. The Menominee Nation, however, does not fall under the law because the tribe's federal status was terminated and later restored by Congress. Get the Story:
Menominee debate marijuana venture (The Shawano Leader 8/15)
Menominee to vote on legalizing marijuana (WKOW 8/16)
Menominee tribe prepares for vote on legalizing marijuana (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 8/16) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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