A view of the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin. Photo from Rewriting Amanda
Members of the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin support the legalization of marijuana on the reservation, according to the results of an advisory referendum. When asked whether marijuana should be legal for recreational purposes, 57.8 percent of voters said yes. An even larger majority -- 76.5 percent -- supported medicinal uses. "The results of this referendum are not binding on the Tribal Legislature, but rather advisory in nature," the tribe said this morning on Facebook. "The results of this referendum do not change existing Tribal Controlled Substance Ordinance that prohibits the use of cannabis (marijuana) on reservation. Nor do these results change existing compliance with federal mandates concerning drug-free workplace requirements." Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. But the Department of Justice opened the door for marijuana in Indian Country late last yer with the so-called Wilkinson memo. Marijuana is illegal under Wisconsin law. The state exercises criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country under Public Law 280. The Menominee Nation, however, does not fall under the law because the tribe's federal status was terminated and later restored by Congress. Get the Story:
Menominee tribal members approve on-reservation marijuana use (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 8/21)
Menominee Tribe Approves Recreational, Medical Marijuana in Advisory Vote (WBAY 8/21)
Menominee Tribe Approves Marijuana Legalization (WUWM 8/21)
Could Menominee tribe end Wisconsin's reservations about pot? (On Milwaukee 8/20)
Marijuana Legalization In Wisconsin 2015: Native American Menominee Tribe To Vote On Medicinal, Recreational Pot For Reservation's Revenue (International Business Times 8/19) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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