Oneida Nation set to join cannabis industry

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Ray Halbritter serves as Representative of the Oneida Nation and as Chief Executive Officer of Oneida Nation Enterprises, the tribe’s business arm. He is seen here at the groundbreaking of a community and cultural center on tribal homelands in New York state on September 13, 2022. Photo: Oneida Indian Nation

Monday, September 19, 2022

Indianz.Com

The Oneida Nation is the latest in Indian Country to join the cannabis industry.

The tribe will break ground next month on a 50,000-square-foot cannabis cultivation and production facility on its homelands in the state of New York. The operation will included retail locations that are set to open on Oneida territory sometime in 2023.

“As more and more states across the country enter into the cannabis business, including neighboring states and other tribal nations, it is important that the Oneida people not be left out from taking advantage of this economic opportunity,” Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises Chief Executive Officer, said in a news release on Monday.

Marijuana cultivation will be regulated by the tribe through its own Oneida Indian Nation Cannabis Commission. Tax revenue from the sale of cannabis will go to public safety, health care, affordable housing, education, cultural preservation and other programs on tribal territory.

“We are excited about this new venture and are confident based on our expertise and proven track record within other highly regulated industries that we will be able to set the standard for developing a safe and successful adult recreational cannabis business on Oneida Indian Nation lands,” Halbritter added.

Marijuana is also highly regulated by the state of New York following the legalization of cannabis for recreational uses in 2021. Previously, use of the plant was limited to medical and health purposes.

Despite widespread use throughout the state, the Oneida Nation said cannabis consumption will remain off limits at all of its business enterprises — including its gaming operations.

Marijuana cultivation, possession and use still remains illegal under federal law. By extension, the prohibition applies to Indian Country, although enforcement varies state-by-state.