A sign on the Colville Reservation in Washington. Photo from Department of Transportation
The Colville Tribes of Washington might be the latest to legalize marijuana. Tribal members supported legalization in a non-binding referendum in June. The tribal council is now considering an amendment to allow marijuana in small amounts, The Tribal Tribune reported. If the change is approved on Thursday, tribal members will be able to possess less than one ounce of marijuana -- the same amount as allowed under Washington state law -- the paper said. The amendment does not otherwise allow the cultivation, sale or distribution of the drug. Even though tribal members supported legalization in June, tribal leaders raised concerns after S.1984, the Keeping out Illegal Drugs Act was introduced in August. Tribes that "knowingly or intentionally cultivate, manufacture, or distribute marijuana" on their lands can be denied federal funds under the bill. But the tribal attorney said the bill stands little chance of passage, The Tribune reported. And since the tribe isn't authorizing cultivation, manufacturing or distribution, it's possible it wouldn't affect the Colvilles anyway. Get the Story:
CBC to vote on amendment legalizing small amounts of marijuana, Oct. 1 (The Tribal Tribune 9/24) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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