The Suquamish Tribe of Washington is asserting authority over marijuana on the reservation.

Voters approved Washington Initiative 502 in 2012. The law authorizes the use, possession and sale of marijuana in limited circumstances.

The drug remains illegal under federal and tribal law. But the tribe says it has a right to grow and distribute marijuana on the reservation.

“The production and sale of marijuana on our tribal lands is simply something we are exploring and thought it vital to approach the Liquor Control Board as part of that process,” Chairman Leonard Forsman said in a statement to The Tacoma News-Tribune. He said the tribe “has a responsibility to explore business opportunities that may help raise funds for its people and government.”

The tribe asked the Washington State Liquor Control Board, which is implementing the state law, to enter into an agreement regarding marijuana. The tribe wants veto authority over marijuana licenses that might be issued to anyone on the reservation.

The board is holding off due to concerns about federal law.

Get the Story:
Marijuana raises issue of tribal authority (The Tacoma News-Tribune 4/6)
Indian tribe seeks pot business ban in part of Washington state (Reutesr 3/24)

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Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians oppose legal marijuana (02/28)