Members of the Ho-Chunk Nation attended a general council meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 19, 2015. Photo from Facebook
The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin isn't rushing into the marijuana industry even though members endorsed the legalization of the drug at a general council meeting last week. Some 63 percent of attendees supported legalization, according to results posted on Facebook. But a spokesperson said the discussion is only beginning. “We already know that we're going to be facing legal issues. That's just within our own laws and policies,” Collin Price, the tribe's public relations officer, told WISC. “Then you combine the state of Wisconsin and federal law, now we're talking about a much larger discussion.” 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. The policy said state laws will be taken into account. Marijuana is illegal in Wisconsin and the state exercises criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country under Public Law 280. Another Wisconsin tribe is also considering marijuana. But the Menominee Nation is in a slightly different situation because PL280 does not apply to the reservation. Get the Story:
Ho-Chunk tribe not rushing to consider marijuana legalization (WISC 9/23)
Ho-Chunk Nation looks to legalize marijuana (The Jackson County Chronicle 9/24) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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