A cannabis plant. Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikipedia
Leaders and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina are embracing marijuana as a health aide. Medicinal uses of the drug were discussed a tribal council meeting today, The Cherokee One Feather reported. Some said it can address the symptoms of various conditions and diseases. “Do you know how much money Indian Health Service could save by prescribing this natural medicine instead of opiates?" Rep. Teresa McCoy said at the meeting, the paper reported. "It’s medicine.” The council approved a resolution submitted by a group of tribal members known as Common Sense Cannabis, the paper said. They will help the tribe perform a feasibility to look at legalizing the drug for medicinal, industrial or recreational use. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The Department of Justice opened the door to legal marijuana in Indian Country with the 2014 Wilkinson memo but so far no tribe has successfully grown the drug, or even its innocuous cousin hemp, without being raided by state or federal authorities. Get the Story:
Tribe to do feasibility study on cannabis (The Cherokee One Feather 10/29) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
Join the Conversation
Related Stories
BIA looked for hemp while
Menominee Nation chair was at NCAI (10/27) Menominee Nation slams DEA raid of industrial hemp operation (10/26)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe eyes revenues from marijuana (10/21)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe eyes revenues from marijuana (10/21)
Interview with Anthony Rivera on creation of marijuana firm (10/15)
Former chair of Crow Tribe launches cannabis development firm (10/12)
Julian Brave NoiseCat: Trading tribal sovereignty for marijuana (10/09)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big crowd for pot kickoff (10/6)
Colville Tribes pass resolution for small amounts of marijuana (10/6)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big crowd for pot kickoff (10/06)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe fully booked for launch of pot resort (10/05)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe reports strong interest in pot resort (10/01)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe raids marijuana operation on reservation (09/30)
Colville Tribes weigh amendment for small amounts of marijuana (09/30)
Dennis Chappabitty: Tribes should be able to set marijuana laws (9/29)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe prepares for first marijuana resort (9/29)
Ho-Chunk Nation goes slowly when it comes to legal marijuana (09/24)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation sees setback at marijuana operation (09/23)
Hilary Bricken: Suquamish Tribe enters landmark marijuana deal (09/22)
Citizens of Ho-Chunk Nation endorse legalization of marijuana (09/21)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe offers tours of marijuana facility (09/15)
Suquamish Tribe signs first marijuana compact in Washington (09/15)
Tribes taking it slow when it comes to legalization of marijuana (09/08)
Passamaquoddy Tribe takes a step toward marijuana cultivation (9/1)
Menominee Nation supports marijuana in advisory referendum (08/21)
Gyasi Ross: Indian Country entering a new era with drug game (08/19)
Tribes in Oklahoma quick to express disinterest in marijuana (08/18)
Jay Daniels: KIDS Act punishes tribes for exercising sovereignty (08/17)
Opinion: Anti-marijuana bill represents attack on sovereignty (08/11)
Senate bill bars federal funds to tribes that grow marijuana (08/07)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe getting ready to sell marijuana (08/05)
Senate committee examines costs of substance abuse on tribes (07/30)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe claims DOJ support for marijuana (07/29)
Vince Two Eagles: Questions about 'Pezhi' in Indian Country (07/23)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation hires security team at marijuana farm (07/17)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big profits on marijuana (7/16)
Disputed leader of Alturas Rancheria blasts sister on marijuana (7/16)
Yurok Tribe welcomes raid of marijuana farms on reservation (7/15)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in talks with state on marijuana (7/15)
Menominee Nation schedules referendum on legal marijuana (7/14)
Seneca Nation expresses interest in joining marijuana industry (7/14)
Chair of Pit River Tribe slams federal raid of marijuana operation (7/13)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation was initially resistant to marijuana farm (7/13)
Native entrepreneur from Canada funded tribal marijuana grows (7/10)
Alturas Rancheria leadership dispute helped spur marijuana bust (7/9)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe will keep close watch on marijuana (7/9)
Authorities seize marijuana from tribal operations in California (7/8)
Tribes urged to proceed with caution in new marijuana industry (7/8)
