Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe issues statement on marijuana


A cannabis plant. Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikipedia

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota has not legalized marijuana, an attorney said in a statement.

The tribal council voted last week to create a new company to pursue marijuana and hemp. But that's just the first step in what could be a longer process.

"The tribe has not legalized marijuana in any form yet, and is in the process of preparing an ordinance to regulate any growth and consumption on the reservation," attorney Seth Pearman said in a statement to KSFY.

The idea, though, has already drawn opposition from the Moody County Sheriff. Marijuana is not legal for any purpose in South Dakota.

Marijuana also 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:
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe steps closer to legalizing marijuana (KSFY 5/12)

Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)

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