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)
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