Alex White Plume, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, tried to grow hemp on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota but was blocked by federal drug laws. Photo from The Flying Cloud Eco-DiscoveryTour
Tribes across the nation are considering whether to legalize marijuana on their lands, a move that could spur a new era in economic development. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law but a new Department of Justice policy opens the door in Indian Country. Since the document became public last last year, advocates have been helping tribes address legal, economic and other issues surrounding the drug. "It could be a very big opportunity if its done properly," Jeff Doctor, a member of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians who formed the new National Indian Cannabis Coalition told Vice. "It almost coincides with what's happened with Indian gaming over the years. It's something that cannot be rushed into. There's a lot to consider." So far, tribes in California, Washington, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Arizona and Oklahoma have expressed interest in revising their laws and policies towards marijuana. Three tribes in California, where the drug is legal for medical purposes have already signed deals to establish grow operations. But other tribes -- including the Navajo Nation, the largest in the U.S., and the Yakama Nation of Washington, whose treaty covers millions of acres of ceded lands -- are not interested. Even those those who are interested, tribes in states where marijuana laws remain strong and in states where Public Law 280 remains in effect are likely to face significant hurdles if they try to enter the industry. Get the Story:
Native American Tribes Are Looking to Cash in on the Legal Weed Industry (Vice 4/22) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
Join the Conversation
Related Stories
Kashia Band interested in timber not marijuana
on new lands (4/22) Colville Tribes schedule June 13 referendum on legal marijuana (4/21)
Santa Rosa Band enters deal to grow marijuana on reservation (4/21)
St. Croix Band debate over marijuana leads to restraining order (4/20)
Lakota Country Times: Oglala Sioux district endorses marijuana (4/15)
Warm Springs Tribes consider marijuana as economic opportunity (04/09)
Walt Lamar: Tribes weigh big issues with marijuana cultivation (04/06)
Bill against legal marijuana advances in Navajo Nation Council (04/03)
Alex White Plume aims to grow hemp on Pine Ridge Reservation (03/30)
Law firm hosts tribes for session on marijuana in Indian Country (03/26)
Bill for tribal marijuana compacts up for hearing in Washington (3/25)
Opinion: Huge tax advantages for marijuana in Indian Country (3/23)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation marijuana farm appears to be on hold (3/20)
Ute Mountain Ute Tribe cites interest from marijuana industry (3/19)
Three tribes in Maine are latest to express interest in marijuana (3/16)
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community weighs marijuana referendum (3/16)
State laws remain an issue as tribes consider growing marijuana (3/13)
Tribal Hemp and Cannabis Summit set for April 23 in New Mexico (3/12)
Former leader of Hoopa Valley Tribe pushes action on marijuana (3/12)
Torres Martinez Tribe won't sell marijuana directly to consumers (3/12)
Opinion: High stakes in debate for marijuana in Indian Country (3/11)
Jacqueline Keeler: Tribes showing interest in growing marijuana (3/10)
Interview: Allyson Doctor on National Indian Cannabis Coalition (3/10)
Workshop on tribal marijuana to be held in California next month (3/9)
Tribes in Wisconsin discuss marijuana with federal prosecutors (3/9)
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribe launches marijuana project (3/5)
Measure reaffirms Navajo Nation policy against legal marijuana (3/5)
Lummi Nation leader moves ahead with tribal cannabis group (3/3)
Marijuana presented as another opportunity for Indian Country (3/2)
Former Sisseton Wahpeton chairman joins marijuana company (2/26)
Hoopa Valley Tribe places marijuana referendum on April ballot (2/26)
Opinion: Tribes get ready to discuss marijuana in Indian Country (2/25)
Bill for tribal marijuana agreements advancing in Washington (2/24)
Ray Cook: Indian Country should say yes to cultivation of hemp (2/23)
Menominee Nation leader wants to move quickly on marijuana (2/20)
Poarch Creeks bring up marijuana in Florida gaming deal talks (2/20)
Closed session at NCAI winter meeting to focus on marijuana (2/19)
Lummi Nation leader announces meeting to discuss marijuana (2/18)
Northern Cheyenne Tribe enters debate over legal marijuana (2/17)
Opinion: Vast opportunities for tribes and marijuana industry (2/16)
Evictions linked to Pinoleville Pomo Nation's marijuana project (2/13)
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)
