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Evictions linked to Pinoleville Pomo Nation's marijuana project






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)

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