A view of Onondaga Nation territory in New York. Photo from Facebook
The Onondaga Nation of New York definitely isn't interested in pursuing marijuana, representatives said. The use of marijuana violates tribal traditions, attorney Joe Heath told The Syracuse Post-Standard. A spokesperson also said the tribe wouldn't get involved in producing or selling marijuana for any purposes. "The Onondagas are very concerned about their youth and the contact they have with the outside world," Heath told the paper. "They haven't given the slightest thought to growing marijuana." A fellow New York tribe, though, is pursuing medical marijuana. The Seneca Nation will develop laws and regulations for its Seneca Care Initiative after voters gave their blessing on Tuesday. Marijuana otherwise remains illegal under federal law although the Department of Justice seemingly opened the door to the drug in Indian Country with the 2014 Wilkinson memo. So far, however, tribe has successfully grown the drug -- or even hemp, marijuana's harmless cousin -- without being raided by state or federal authorities. Get the Story:
As Senecas mull medical marijuana venture, Onondagas want nothing to do with pot (The Syracuse Post-Standard 11/4) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
Join the Conversation
Related Stories
Seneca Nation to move forward with medical
marijuana plan (11/4) Omaha Tribe voters back marijuana in advisory referendum (11/4)
Omaha Tribe voters back marijuana in advisory referendum (11/4)
Omaha Tribe holds advisory referendum on legalizing marijuana (11/2)
Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe to grow marijuana (10/30)
Eastern Cherokees to conduct feasibility study on marijuana (10/29)
BIA looked for hemp while Menominee Nation chair was at NCAI (10/27)
Menominee Nation slams DEA raid of industrial hemp operation (10/26)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe eyes revenues from marijuana (10/21)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe eyes revenues from marijuana (10/21)
Interview with Anthony Rivera on creation of marijuana firm (10/15)
Former chair of Crow Tribe launches cannabis development firm (10/12)
Julian Brave NoiseCat: Trading tribal sovereignty for marijuana (10/09)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big crowd for pot kickoff (10/6)
Colville Tribes pass resolution for small amounts of marijuana (10/6)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big crowd for pot kickoff (10/06)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe fully booked for launch of pot resort (10/05)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe reports strong interest in pot resort (10/01)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe raids marijuana operation on reservation (09/30)
Colville Tribes weigh amendment for small amounts of marijuana (09/30)
Dennis Chappabitty: Tribes should be able to set marijuana laws (9/29)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe prepares for first marijuana resort (9/29)
Ho-Chunk Nation goes slowly when it comes to legal marijuana (09/24)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation sees setback at marijuana operation (09/23)
Hilary Bricken: Suquamish Tribe enters landmark marijuana deal (09/22)
Citizens of Ho-Chunk Nation endorse legalization of marijuana (09/21)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe offers tours of marijuana facility (09/15)
Suquamish Tribe signs first marijuana compact in Washington (09/15)
Tribes taking it slow when it comes to legalization of marijuana (09/08)
Passamaquoddy Tribe takes a step toward marijuana cultivation (9/1)
Menominee Nation supports marijuana in advisory referendum (08/21)
Gyasi Ross: Indian Country entering a new era with drug game (08/19)
Tribes in Oklahoma quick to express disinterest in marijuana (08/18)
Jay Daniels: KIDS Act punishes tribes for exercising sovereignty (08/17)
Opinion: Anti-marijuana bill represents attack on sovereignty (08/11)
Senate bill bars federal funds to tribes that grow marijuana (08/07)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe getting ready to sell marijuana (08/05)
Senate committee examines costs of substance abuse on tribes (07/30)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe claims DOJ support for marijuana (07/29)
Vince Two Eagles: Questions about 'Pezhi' in Indian Country (07/23)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation hires security team at marijuana farm (07/17)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big profits on marijuana (7/16)
Disputed leader of Alturas Rancheria blasts sister on marijuana (7/16)
Yurok Tribe welcomes raid of marijuana farms on reservation (7/15)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in talks with state on marijuana (7/15)
Menominee Nation schedules referendum on legal marijuana (7/14)
Seneca Nation expresses interest in joining marijuana industry (7/14)
Chair of Pit River Tribe slams federal raid of marijuana operation (7/13)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation was initially resistant to marijuana farm (7/13)
Native entrepreneur from Canada funded tribal marijuana grows (7/10)
Alturas Rancheria leadership dispute helped spur marijuana bust (7/9)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe will keep close watch on marijuana (7/9)
Authorities seize marijuana from tribal operations in California (7/8)
Tribes urged to proceed with caution in new marijuana industry (7/8)
