Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe presses for decision on industrial hemp

Wednesday, June 5, 2019  

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is asking a federal judge for approval to start growing industrial hemp on the reservation in South Dakota.

Congress legalized hemp through the 2018 Farm Bill and charged the Department of Agriculture with overseeing the industry. But with the window to plant ending soon, the tribe says the Trump administration has failed to take action on its request to start growing.

“A delay in approval of the tribal plan and unlawfully withholding tribal authority curtails receipt of the tribal revenue from hemp production at grave cost to tribal members, putting tribal members’ health, safety, and welfare at risk,” a May 23 complaint states, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported.

A hearing on the tribe's request to start growing took place on Wednesday. A ruling wasn't immediately issued on the motion for a temporary restraining order but one was promised within the next day, KSFY reported.

Flandreau tribe sues USDA, Sonny Perdue over hemp (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader June 5, 2019)
Flandreau tribe files suit against USDA over hemp production (KSFY June 5, 2019)
Federal hearing starts Wednesday for Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's hemp battle (KELO June 5, 2019)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's fight to legalize industrial hemp (KELO May 24, 2019)

'Our inherent sovereignty': Yurok Tribe legalizing hemp on reservation (May 10, 2019)
Cronkite News: Industrial hemp farming now legal in almost every state (May 10, 2019)
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe becomes second to legalize marijuana in Michigan (April 18, 2019)
'A leader in Indian Country': Bay Mills Indian Community legalizes recreational marijuana (April 10, 2019)
Native Sun News Today: Oglala Sioux Tribe secures 'big victory' for hemp in Indian Country (January 31, 2019)
Indian Country makes final push for Farm Bill on Capitol Hill (December 12, 2018)
St. Croix Chippewa Tribe wins agreement over hemp and state jurisdiction (July 27, 2018)
Colville Tribes enter second year of hemp production with bigger grow (June 18, 2018)
Trump will 'probably end up supporting' marijuana bill that helps tribes (June 12, 2018)
Bill recognizes tribal sovereignty over marijuana amid uncertainty in Washington (June 7, 2018)
Winnemucca Indian Colony files lawsuit over raid of hemp grow in California (October 31, 2017)
St. Croix Chippewa Tribe announces plan for cannabidiol business in Wisconsin (September 27, 2017)
White Earth Nation looks to diversify economy with first hemp crop on reservation (August 9, 2017)
Colville Tribes start hemp cultivation and marketing project in Washington (July 31, 2017)
Mashantucket Tribe expresses interest in growing industrial hemp (April 24, 2017)
Brandon Ecoffey: Hemp can bring a better future for our tribal nations (November 29, 2016)
Navajo Nation lawmaker warns further action needed on hemp (October 26, 2016)
Navajo Nation in discussions to cultivate hemp on reservation (October 25, 2016)