Leaders of the Suquamish Tribe of Washington: From left, Jay Mills, Wayne George, Robin Sigo, Leonard Forsman, Nigel Lawrence, Irene Carper and Bardow Lewis. Photo from Suquamish Tribe

Legislation that's been introduced in the Washington Legislature authorizes the state to enter into marijuana agreements with tribes.

Marijuana is legal for recreational and medicinal purposes in the state. House Bill 2000 and Senate Bill 5848 would authorize agreements to address law enforcement, taxation and other issues.

“While the tribe does not need the state’s approval to move forward with legalization, we believe our community and our surrounding neighbors will be best served by a cooperative effort to address recreational marijuana in Indian country,” Leonard Forsman, the chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, said in testimony to lawmakers, The Kitsap Sun reported.

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:
Suquamish back tribal pot bills (The Kitsap Sun 2/12)

Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)

Related Stories:
Pinoleville Pomo Nation puts marijuana farm on temporary hold (2/11)
Brian Pierson: State law still matters as tribes pursue marijuana (2/11)
Harlan McKosato: Marijuana debate heats up in Indian Country (2/10)
Alfred Walking Bull: Move slowly on marijuana in Indian Country (2/9)
Red Lake Nation to hold community meetings on legal marijuana (2/9)
Chairman of Havasupai Tribe welcomes marijuana opportunity (2/5)
Company claims major interest in marijuana in Indian Country (2/3)
Quapaw Tribe interested in cultivating marijuana for medical uses (1/30)
Seneca Nation doesn't foresee taking action on legal marijuana (1/29)
First-ever conference to focus on marijuana in Indian Country (1/27)
Fort Peck Tribes moving towards full legalization of marijuana (1/27)
Fort Peck Tribes approve marijuana use for medicinal purposes (1/19)
MPR: Red Lake Nation takes a small step towards legal marijuana (1/16)
Red Lake Nation backs study on medicinal marijuana and hemp (1/15)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation to use marijuana revenue for programs (1/15)
Column: New Mexico should strike marijuana deals with tribes (1/13)
Native Sun News: Tribal members debate legalization of 'peji' (1/12)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation confirms deal for legal marijuana farm (1/9)
Speculation grows about tribal marijuana operation in California (1/8)
Company set to announce tribal marijuana operation in California (1/7)
Column: Legal marijuana could bring dramatic changes for tribes (1/5)
Editorial: Legal marijuana is the last thing Indian Country needs (12/24)
Some South Dakota tribes said to be interested in legal marijuana (12/22)
Editorial: Showing caution for marijuana sales in Indian Country (12/18)
Column: No rush on marijuana sales at Eastern Cherokee casino (12/17)
Opinion: DOJ marijuana policy in Indian Country raises questions (12/16) DOJ announces new policy affecting marijuana in Indian Country (12/11)