A cannabis plant. Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikipedia
Members of the Seneca Nation of New York are embracing medical marijuana. A referendum passed by a vote of 448 to 364 on Tuesday, according to news reports. The tribe will now determine how to move forward with the Seneca Care Initiative. “A decision on our Nation’s path of action on medical cannabis is far from made, but now, having heard from the Seneca people, our discussions and due diligence can begin in earnest," President Maurice John Sr., said in a statement. “The first step from here is establishing thoughtful regulation for how the Seneca Nation could potentially move forward.” The first step will be to draft laws and regulations governing medical marijuana. Any potential agreements will be subject to a further vote of the people. Marijuana otherwise remains illegal under federal law although the Department of Justice seemingly opened the door to the drug in Indian Country with the 2014 Wilkinson memo. So far, however, tribe has successfully grown the drug -- or even hemp, marijuana's harmless cousin -- without being raided by state or federal authorities. Get the Story:
Seneca Nation approves medical marijuana measure (WGRZ 11/3)
Seneca Nation votes to explore business of medical marijuana (The Buffalo News 11/4)
Seneca Nation to pursue medical marijuana (Buffalo Business First 11/4) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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