A cannabis plant. Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikipedia
The Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota is taking a closer look at marijuana. The tribe's law and order committee is proposing a referendum on legalizing the drug, KOTA reports. It would be up to the tribal council to authorize the vote, which could take place in the coming few months. The drug, however, is illegal under federal law. A Department of Justice policy -- known as the 2014 Wilkinson memo -- seemingly opened the door to marijuana in Indian Country but the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, also in South Dakota, faced significant hurdles when it sought to open a marijuana resort on the reservation. The state contends that non-Indians cannot use marijuana in Indian Country, complicating the tribe's plans to serve all customers. And the tribe feared being raided by federal authorities after meeting with DOJ officials so plans for the resort were scrapped just weeks before the anticipated opening. The Oglala Sioux Tribe previously legalized hemp, a close relative of marijuana but which otherwise lacks the same drug characteristics. Despite the differences, federal agents repeatedly destroyed the hemp crops of Alex White Plume, who is now asking a judge for permission to grow the plant again. Even if tribal members support legal marijuana, the tribal council might not move act on their wishes. That's what happened when voters legalized alcohol nearly two years ago but have yet to see any progress on the issue. Get the Story:
Oglala Sioux Tribe ponders pot possibilities (KOTA 1/28) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
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