An illegal marijuana farm on public land in California. Photo from Addictiontreatment.org
The Pinoleville Pomo Nation in California is trying to remove people from several residences on the reservation, apparently to make way for a medical marijuana farm. Melody Marshall has lived on the reservation for 20 years and was offered $3,000 to move. A tribal attorney apparently told her the land is needed to build structures for the $10 million marijuana farm. “They want that land so bad they can taste it,” Marshall told The Ukiah Daily Journal. Marshall said the tribe is also looking at eight to nine other residences. But the Journal wasn't able to secure a comment or confirmation from the attorney. Marshall is a member of the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians. She is not a member of the Pinoleville Pomo Nation and doesn't own the land where the house is located -- she leases it from the tribe and was told eviction proceedings would begin if she didn't accept the $3,000 offer. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. But the Department of Justice issued a policy late last year that could allow for legal marijuana in Indian Country. The Pinoleville Pomo Nation is working with Foxbarry Companies, a firm with experience in Indian Country, and another partner on the medical marijuana project. Get the Story:
Pinoleville: Trustee believes she is being evicted to yield way for marijuana project (The Ukiah Daily Journal 2/13) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
Join the Conversation
Related Stories:Washington bill authorizes tribal-state marijuana agreements (2/12)
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)