Casinos to Cannabis

Gaming and Cannabis on Tribal Lands

Legalization of Indian Gaming and Cannabis

The legalization of Indian gaming in 1988 has had a massive impact on the Native American economy and society over the last 30 years. Hundreds of Indian casinos were built on reservation lands, which are sovereign lands and independent of state control.

The legalization of cannabis may follow a similar path on tribal reservations. As state and federal laws change, many tribes see new business opportunities in growing, processing and selling on their land.

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News Headlines

South Dakota
First South Dakota medical marijuana dispensary opened by Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe July 7, 2021 - The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe opened a medical cannabis retail dispensary on July 1 ... Read more New Mexico
New Mexico's Cannabis Regulation Act becomes effective today June 29, 2021 - The Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA) became effective today June 29, 2021 across New Mexico. The law establishes the ... Read more New York
Shinnecock Nation announces marijuana plans April 15, 2021 - The Shinnecock Indian Nation announced plans to open a marijuana dispensary within the next few months, and break ground on a marijuana-cultivation ... Read more Idaho
USDA Approves Nez Perce Tribe Hemp Plan February 20, 2021 - Last week the USDA approved a plan by the Nez Perce Tribe to self-manage the production of industrial hemp on the tribe's reservation in Idaho. ... Read more California
USDA approves hemp plan for Soboba Indians January 12, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a hemp regulatory plan for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Under the 2018 Farm Bill ... Read more New York
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe partners to grow cannabis January 4, 2021 - The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has partnered with MMJ BioPharma Cultivation Inc. to grow cannabis on 20 acres of reservation land ... Read more Headlines continued...

2020 State-by-State Marijuana Laws

Some tribes have banned marijuana on their reservations. Some tribes are evaluating potential business opporutnities. Other tribes have already started marijuana businesses. For information on these tribes, select a state below:

Select a State

Click a state on the map or use the list of states to get more information.

Allows recreational and medical marijuana

Allows medical marijuana

Allows Cannabidiol (CBD)

Prohibits All

Cannabis Opportunities for American Tribes

Recent changes in federal policies and state legalization of marijuana products have created new business opportunities for Native American Tribes.

Some tribes in states that have fully legalized marijuana are growing, distributing and selling marijuana products on their reservations. In states with legalized medical marijuana, some tribes are producing cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component in cannabis used for pain, arthritis, anxiety, epilepsy, seizures and a growing number of other uses.

Tribes fall under both federal and state regulations which may sometimes conflict. This is why many tribes are currently conducting extensive feasibility studies regarding their cannabis opportunities.

Cannabis Businesses on American Indian Reservations

The United States government recognizes 568 tribes as sovereign nations and their lands as sovereign lands. Of these tribes there are 333 living in 33 states and the remainder living in Alaska.

Background

In November 2012 Colorado and Washington voted to legalize the sale and possession of cannabis, which are violations the federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA). This prompted the U.S. Justice Department to issue a policy statement regarding enforcement guidelines for U.S. Attorneys in these states with legalized marijuana.

The Justice Department policy, known as the Cole Memorandum, was published August 29, 2013 telling federal prosecutors and law enforcement to not obstruct state marijuana laws if the drug is regulated to insure key federal priorities. Federal enforcement priorities were distribution to minors, DUI, sales by gangs and cartels, possession or use on federal property, transfers to non-legalized states, drug trafficking, or violence.

Several American Indian tribes were concerned about marijuana legalization and asked the Justice Department to clarify its position for marijuana on tribal lands.

The DOJ followed with the Wilkinson Memo, "Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country," dated October 28, 2014. It parallels the Cole Memo by defining and limiting the conditions for U.S. Attorneys to enforce federal marijuana laws on tribal lands. Tribes will not be prosecuted for growing, processing and selling marijuana inside states that have legalized the drug. This includes medical marijuana per the DOJ's 2009 Ogden Memo.

There remains great uncertainty of enforcement on tribal lands in other states where the drug is illegal. Several tribes are exploring these opportunities and legalities and waiting for further guidance from the federal government.

U.S. Justice Dept Rescinds All Obama-era Marijuana Policies

On January 4, 2018 Attorney General Sessions announced the repeal of all department regulatory memorandums that attempt to supercede Congressional legislation. This include these specific DOJ marijuana policies:

• Cole Memo 2013: "Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement" Cole Memo (PDF)

• Wilkinson Memo 2014: "Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country" Wilkinson Memo (PDF)

• Ogden Memo 2009: "Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana" Ogden Memo (PDF)

The Cole Memorandum in 2013 set guidelines for non-enforcement of the the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) in states that legalize marijuana. The Wilkinson Memorandum 2014 gave similar guidelines for marijuana on American Indian reservations.

The rescinded memoranda were department and not federal law passed by Congress and signed by the president.

The repeal action was issued as a DOJ Memorandum titled "Prohibition on Improper Guidance Documents", dated November 16, 2017. Session Memo (PDF)

The immediate reaction from state officials and industry figures was shock and defiance. Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado made this statement in response to the policy rescission:

"Thirty states comprising more than two-thirds of the American people have legalized marijuana in some form. The Cole memo got it right and was foundational in guiding states' efforts to regulate the production and distribution of marijuana."

"Colorado has created a comprehensive regulatory system committed to supporting the will of our voters. We constantly evaluate and seek to strengthen our approach to regulation and enforcement. Our focus will continue to be the public health and public safety of our citizens. We are expanding efforts to eliminate the black market and keep marijuana out of the hands of minors and criminals. Today's decision does not alter the strength of our resolve in those areas, nor does it change my constitutional responsibilities."

Will Tribes Continue to Sell Cannabis?

Jan 5, 2018

The federal policy change has tribes seeking more DOJ information and guidance regarding their business future.

Tribal Cannabis Consulting works with Nevada tribes to develop their marijuana sales. Cassandra Dittus, co-founder and president of the group, said tribal businesses are in a "holding pattern."

"We would hope that the tribal programs that are up and running in the state of Nevada would not be an enforcement priority for the Department of Justice's resources as the programs are very robustly regulated and not a threat or a danger to the community."

"The community desires this, the voters approved this and the tribal program is extremely regulated."

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News Articles

USDA approves three more tribes for hemp programs

April 15, 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved hemp plans from three more American Indian tribes. The federal approval authorizes each tribe to self-regulate the cultivation, production and marketing of hemp on reservation land without oversight from state or local governments.

The three tribes are:

BLACKFEET NATION
Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Browning, Montana
(406) 338-7521

CAYUGA NATION OF NEW YORK
2540 NY-89
Seneca Falls NY, 13148
(315) 568-0750

SAC & FOX TRIBE OF MISSISSIPPI IN IOWA
349 Meskwaki Rd
Tama, IA 52339
(641) 484-4678

In a Cayuga Nation press release, Clint Halftown, the tribe's federal representative, said:

"The Cayuga Nation is excited about this new opportunity to expand and diversify our commercial activities within our reservation."

"The Farm Bill recognized the right of Indian nations to have authority over hemp production on our lands without interference from any other governments. It is a right that is wholly consistent with our sovereignty."

The approval of these three tribes brings the current total to 20 tribal hemp plans approved by the USDA.

The USDA also announced approval of hemp plans submitted by the states of Florida and Kansas bringing the current total of state plan approvals to 16.

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USDA approves hemp plans for three more tribes

April 3, 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Tuesday that is approved hemp regulatory plans for three more tribes: the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. This brings the total to 17 tribes with hemp plans approved by the USDA.

The current list of tribes with approved plans are:

Two more state regulatory plans were also approved by the USDA. They are South Carolina and West Virginia.

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Three more tribes approved by USDA for hemp production

February 27, 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved three more tribal hemp regulatory plans in February raising the total number of hemp-approved tribes to ten. The new tribes are:

Otoe-Missouria Tribe (Oklahoma)
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (Kansas)
Santee Sioux Nation (Nebraska)

Previously approved tribes:

Colorado River Indian Tribes (Arizona, California)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (South Dakota)
Fort Belknap Indian Community (Montana)
Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska (Kansas)
La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian Tribes (California)
Santa Rosa Cahuilla Indian Tribe (California)
Yurok Tribe (California)

The USDA also approved state plans submitted by Wyoming and Washington. These join six other states with approved plans (DE, LA, NE, NJ, OH and TX).

The USDA approves the hemp production plans of the tribes and states the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program established by the 2018 Farm Bill.

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USDA Approves First Tribal and State Hemp Plans Following Federal Hemp Legalization

January 2, 2020

The USDA announced last Friday announced its approvals of hemp regulatory plans submitted by three tribes and three states. The plans establish local regulation of the cultivation, processing, and distribution of henp.

TRIBES: Flandreau Santee Sioux (South Dakota), Santa Rosa Cahuilla (Southern California) and La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian Tribes (Southern California)

STATES: Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio

Last October the U.S. Department of Agriculture published guidelines for tribes and states to establish local regulation for the cultivation, processing and distribution of hemp.

"To produce hemp, growers must be licensed or authorized under a state, tribe, or USDA production program. The program a grower is licensed under depends on the location of the hemp growing facility. If a state or tribe has an approved plan or is in the process of developing a plan, growers must apply and be licensed or authorized under its hemp program. If a state or tribe does not have a plan and does not intend to have a plan, growers can apply for a license from USDA."

For the tribes and states that have hemp plans under USDA review, see next news article.

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USDA Status of Tribal and State Hemp Plan Applications (January 1, 2020)

January 3, 2020

The U.S. department of Agriculture maintains a web page summarizing the status of hemp plan applications it has received from tribes and states. If a plan is approved, these governments can regulate the cultivation, processing and distribution of hemp within their geographical jurisdictions. The following summary is the status of all tribe and state applications effective January 1, 2020.

TRIBES

APPROVED TRIBAL PLANS - JAN 1, 2020

TRIBAL PLANS UNDER REVIEW - JAN 1, 2020

TRIBES DRAFTING A PLAN FOR USDA REVIEW

STATES

APPROVED STATE PLANS - JAN 1, 2020

STATE PLANS UNDER REVIEW - JAN 1, 2020

STATES DRAFTING A PLAN FOR USDA REVIEW

OTHER - These states will continue to operate under the 2014 pilot

For the latest status information, visit USDA web page entitled "Status of State and Tribal Hemp Production Plans for USDA Approval".

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Bills Introduced to Legalize Marijuana Nationwide

"Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act" (Bills S420 and HR420)

February 11, 2019

Two companion bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress to legalized marijuana. One bill S. 420 was introduced in the Senate by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, and the other bill H.R. 420 was introduced in the House by Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer.

These bills titled "Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act" would have the federal government legalize, regulate and tax cannabis.

Special provisions areincluded so that Native American tribes would be protected from prosecution under federal cannabis laws, and all veterans would have rights to medical marijuana.

In a press release, Sen. Wyden wrote: "The federal prohibition of marijuana is wrong, plain and simple. Too many lives have been wasted, and too many economic opportunities have been missed. It's time Congress make the changes Oregonians and Americans across the country are demanding."

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U.S. Farm Bill Legalizes Hemp

December 13, 2018

Congress has passed a new an $867 billion farm bill which includes the federal legalization of the production, distribution and sales of hemp.

It is estimated the new hemp industry could reach $20 billion by 2022. Much of that revenue would come from cannabidiol, or CBD, which is a compound recognized its health benefits without the psychoactive THC found in marijuana.

Hemp is now classified as an agricultural product. Previously it was regulated by the 1970 Controlled Substances Act and listed along with marijuana. Marijuana remains regulated as a controlled substance, however, hemp is now removed from the jurisdiction of that law and is now longer a controlled substance.

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The Rebirth of Tribal Hemp

April 21, 2018

Many Native American tribes are considering the farming of hemp as a new source of income. It is being a new way to support the needs of challenges that many people face in a holistic approach. Among them are the Coliville, Meskwaki, Mandan, Menominee, Lakota, and others.

The hemp industry in the United States accounts for $700 million in annual revenue.

It is being used for medicine, food, clothing, and fuel. Some new uses can replace cotton, plastic, and lumber. There are 10,000 known uses for the plant. Tribes are looking at the plant and the uses to help change in their communities.

The tribes are beginning to speak publicly about their plans to farm hemp. Some are starting to meet with state lawmakers.

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are developing industrial hemp plans. They have grown the largest amount of hemp plants, at 60 acres just this last year. One benefit that the tribe would like to use the hemp industry for is to attract their members to stay on their land. Many times, the tribal children leave for college and do not return to their land. The hemp industry would be used as a way to keep skilled and educated people back to their tribal economy and help rebuild it.

For many, the hemp industry is seen as way to assist with social change on the reservations. Not so much about the money. The Intertribal Hemp Association was formed for Native American communities to be educated about hemp. Also, to form tribal collaborations in the hemp industry.

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Trump lifts legal threat to state marijuana laws

April 13, 2018

On Friday an announcement was made that President Donald Trump will continue to allow states with legalized marijuana laws to continue their operations. They may do so without prosecution from the Department of Justice.

On January 04, 2018 U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo that allowed states to determine their own laws towards marijuana. It has been wildly speculated that there would be lawsuits from the DOJ against the states that allow the growing, cultivating, selling, and consumption of marijuana.

It is considered a Schedule I substance and is considered a violation of the federal law to have it.

The president recently met with Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). Gardner promised to block all nominees for the Justice Department as long as the president continued to threaten the state legal marijuana industry in Colorado.

On Wednesday the Senator Gardner was informed by President Donald Trump that he would be supportive of legislation that would amend the federal law to approve cannabis laws at the state level.

Currently there has not been any changes to the federal law. However, states with legalized cannabis laws will not face federal prosecution.

A few of the nominees will be unfrozen by Gardner after the agreement was made between him and Trump. This will be done in good faith that the president will not change his mind.

Before the phone call was made by President Trump, the Justice Department was not informed of the president's position.

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U.S. Governors ignoring Sessions marijuana enforcement

February 27, 2018

Every year a meeting is held in Washington DC for the country's governors to meet with the president and officials of the administration. One topic of conversation was how to successfully implement marijuana regulation in their state. This is despite the Attorney General Jeff Sessions redaction of the Cole Memo.

Private meetings to discuss marijuana policy with Sessions was denied. This brought frustration to governors that wanted to address the issue. Sessions only attended a few events. One was for the anti-opioid briefing. The other was for the Governor's Ball.

It is believed that state recognized legal operations would be prosecuted. However, this possibility has not stopped the states from moving forward with the marijuana business.

A campaign heavily focused on legalizing marijuana in Virginia may have been what helped elect Ralph Northam, the new state governor. He wants the reclassification of marijuana to be approved by Congress. Northam is a physician and believes that marijuana has many benefits for medical use. He also is pushing for more medical research to be conducted. However, since the drug has Schedule 1 narcotic listing, this makes it difficult to conduct research.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are being opened in more states. Recently Hawaii approved medical marijuana and will soon have dispensaries on all of the eight islands.

In 2006 Rhode Island approved medical marijuana. There are three dispensaries in the state. Currently there is a proposed measure that would allow up to nine dispensaries.

It is possible that Oklahoma could also legalize medical marijuana. Voters will decide on the issue in June.

Utah will also be voting in the fall is they want to expand their medical marijuana laws.

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Congress May Block DOJ Prosecution of Medical Marijuana in 2-Year Budget

February 10, 2018

Recently the federal government agreed on a budget for federal operations to be funded for the next two years. In the budgeta a deal was renewed for the amendment that would protect medical marijuana. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment prevents the Department of Justice from spending money on enforcing the laws and prosecution on medical marijuana cases in states with legalized medical marijuana.

The budget has not been finalized as of yet. On March 23 it will be submitted for another review. It is possible that the amendment could be removed at that time.

The amount of money that each department of the government is assigned is determined by the federal budget.

The amendment stops the Department of Justice from using any of the money towards enforcing anti cannabis laws in states that has voter approval for medical marijuana. The DOJ is not allowed to spend any budget money on the prosecution of individual people or businesses under this amendment.

If the government succeeds in another shut down and the amendment does not receive final renewal approval, there is a chance that the Department of Justice could enforce the federal marijuana laws during the shut down. This could affect 29 stateas that have approved marijuana laws.

The cannabis industry is very complex within the legal system. Some states have chosen to legalize both medical and recreational. Oher states have chosen to legalize just for medical use. Some states have voted to legalize use under certain conditions only.

Since the legalization of marijuana as a federal law has been so controversial, the amendment was made to help the states that have chosen to legalize.

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U.S. Justice Dept Rescinds All Obama Marijuana Policies

January 04, 2018

On Thursday the Justice Department rescinded policies that allowed states to decide their own laws on cannabis for recreational and medical use. The policies were written under the Obama administration.

A memo was issued by Attorney General Jeff Sessions stated that there would be a "return to the rule of law".

Previously states were given permission under the Cole Memo to determine what cannabis laws they wanted to implement. The memo was written by former Deputy Attorney General James Cole.

Under the Sessions memo, there will be a certain amount of discretion when it comes to investigation and prosecution.

Marijuana was still listed as an illegal substance under federal law under the Obama policy. However, it lessened the criminal prosecution towards people caught with the drug that did not have connections with drug cartels or gangs.

President Trump believes that federal law should be enforced in all states.

The memo by Sessions was released the same week that California began allowing adults to buy recreational marijuana.

Voter approval has been given for marijuana use in 8 states. Those are Colorado, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Maine.

The sale of pot in these states has created a new way to generate revenue through sales tax. It is estimated that California could earn up to $5.1 billion in 2018 from this sales tax. Colorado has been using the sales tax for construction of schools, educational scholarships, and treatment centers for drug addictions.

The ability to prosecute the cannabis industry has existed within the federal courts.

The legalization of cannabis in different forms is supported by 60% of Americans.

Medical use is currently available in 29 states. Congress has approved the medical of marijuana. However, that policy is set to expire this month. It is uncertain if Congress will approve it again.

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News Headlines Continued

Iowa
Sac and Fox Tribe opens Meskwaki Organix CBD dispensary November 30, 2020 - The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa opened its Meskwaki Organix Store Nov 13 inside the Meskwaki Travel Plaza ... Read more Michigan
Bay Mills Indians open Northern Light, first tribal marijuana business in Michigan November 14, 2020 - Bay Mills Indian Community has opened the Northern Light Cannabis Comapny and dispensary in ... Read more Idaho
Nez Perce Tribe announces industrial hemp plan October 18, 2020 - The Nez Perce Tribe is seeking member approval for a proposed amendment to the Nez Perce Tribal Code to establish a regulatory framework for ... Read more Arizona, New Mexico
Navajo Nation outlaws hemp October 13, 2020 - A new amendment to the Navajo Nation Criminal Code has changed the legal definition of marijuana to mean the entire cannabis plant including hemp. ... Read more California
USDA Approves Hemp Plan for California Tribe September 17, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week the approval of the hemp regulatory plan submitted by the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla ... Read more Oregon
USDA Approves Hemp Plan for Oregon Tribe September 10, 2020 - The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indian, a federally recognized tribe in Oregon, received approval last month from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to manage and produce hemp under the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. ... Read more Michigan
Bay Mills Indians plan independent move into marijuana industry September 1, 2020 - Last week the Bay Mills Indian Community announced plans to create an independent, tribal marijuana business to compete against the Michigan-regulated marijuana companies. ... Read more Minnesota
White Earth Nation votes to legalize medical marijuana August 26, 2020 - Last week White Earth Nation members voted 994-150 in favor of a measure to legalize production, regulation and distribution of medical marijuana on their reservation. The Tribal Council will now ... Read more Minnesota
USDA-approved hemp plans expands to 33 tribes August 11, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week it has approved the self-regulatory hemp plan of the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Minnesota. The tribe is the 33rd ... Read more Michigan
Sault Tribe partners to open cannabis retail stores August 1, 2020 - The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has formed a partnership with Lume Cannabis, the largest vertically-integrated cannabis operator in Michigan. The partners will open a newly-licensed ... Read more Wisconsin
Oneida Nation is optimistic about hemp potential July 11, 2020 - The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin is in its second year of experimentation with hemp farming and feels optimistic about its economic potential. The Nation believes that over time hemp production will provide ... Read more Minnesota
Red Lake Nation passes medical marijuana referendum July 5, 2020 - Red Lake Nation became the first tribe in Minnesota to approve a medical marijuana referendum. In May members of the tribe voted 80% in favor of the referendum that approves the ... Read more New York
Update: Shinnecock medical marijuana dispensary (late 2020) July 3, 2020 - The Shinnecock Indian Nation began construction of a medical marijuana dispensary and wellness lounge last November but stopped in March for COVID-19. Construction has resumed ... Read more Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin
USDA-approved hemp plans expands to 32 tribes June 25, 2020 - Tribal plans approved by the USDA for self-regulation of hemp production has been granted to 32 tribes across 16 states. The latest approvals are ... Read more Iowa, Montana, New York
USDA approves three more tribes for hemp programs April 15, 2020 - The USDA has approved hemp plans for three more tribes to self-regulate the cultivation, production and marketing of hemp on reservation lands without oversight from state or local ... Read more Nevada
Elko Band is opening 'Newe Cannabis' marijuana dispensary April 11, 2020 - Newe Cannabis is a new marijuana dispensary opening April 18 in Elko, Nevada by the Elko Band Council of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Tribal Nation. ... Read more New York, North Dakota, South Dakota
USDA approves hemp plans for three more tribes April 3, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved hemp regulatory plans for the Oglala Sioux, Seneca Nation and Turtle Mountain Band ... Read more South Dakota
South Dakota tribe approves medical, recreational marijuana March 16, 2020 - Members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe voted this week to legalize medical marijuana (82% approved) and recreational marijuana (74% approved) in hopes of economic opportunities. ... Read more Minnesota
Red Lake Nation plans vote on medical marijuana March 3, 2020 - The Red Lake Tribal Council passed a resolution to place a medical marijuana proposal on a May 20 ballot for Red Lake tribal members ... Read more Washington, Wyoming
Three more tribes approved by USDA for hemp production February 27, 2020 - The USDA approved tribal hemp regulatory plans in February from the Otoe-Missouria Tribe (Oklahoma), Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (Kansas) and Santee Sioux Nation (Nebraska), ... Read more Arizona, California
Colorado River Indian Tribes considering hemp production February 20, 2020 - The Colorado River Indian Tribes will host a public hearing Feb. 25 to consider adopting a proposed ordinance for growing industrial hemp on reservation lands. ... Read more California
Tule River Tribe is building cannabis dispensary near Porterville February 17, 2020 - Construction of a 4,000-SF cannabis dispensary is underway on Hwy 190 in the Springville area. The facility named "Eh-Lo Dispensary" is next to the Eagle Feather Trading Post. ... Read more Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation to study cannabis opportunities February 1, 2020 - Cherokee Nation has created a working group to study business opportunities in the hemp and cannabis industries. A report and recommendations will be presented by May 31. ... Read more Oklahoma
Native American hemp production helped by Oklahoma Hemp Company January 27, 2020 - Native American Hemp LLC (NAH) is a Native American-owned business located in Tulsa, which provides expert consulting to for tribes entering the the hemp industry. ... Read more South Dakota
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is first to grow hemp January 22, 2020 - Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to self-govern the cultivation of industrial hemp on reservation land. This authority overrides state regulations ... Read more California
California tribe gets USDA approval for hemp cultivation in Riverside County January 11, 2020 - The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a new federal program to grow hemp on reservation land ... Read more United States
USDA Status of Tribal and State Hemp Plan Applications January 3, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture published guidelines last October for tribes and states to establish their own hemp plans for governing the cultivation, processing and distribution of hemp within ... Read more United States
USDA Approves First Tribal and State Hemp Plans Following Federal Hemp Legalization January 2, 2020 - The USDA has approved hemp plans from three tribes and three states to allow local regulation of hemp cultivationn, processing and distribution on lands ... Read more

2019

New York
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe approves medical marijuana and future recreational use December 26, 2019 - The St. Regis Mohawk Election Board has certified the results of a Dec 14th referendum in which tribal members approved an ordinance for medical marijuana and also ... Read more Wyoming
Eastern Shoshone Tribe considering medical marijuana and hemp opportunities December 14, 2019 - The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is studying the business opportunities and legalities of producing medical marijuana and hemp on their Wind River Reservation. ... Read more Michigan
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community seeks marijuana licensing December 13, 2019 - The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is seeking state licensing to grow, process and sale marijuana as a long-term profitable business for the tribe. ... Read more Oregon
Warm Springs hemp plan in review at USDA December 11, 2019 - The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have applied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for administrative authority over hemp production on their reservation. ... Read more Washington
Tribe opens cannabis retail store in Sequim, WA October 21, 2019 - The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe opened a new cannabis retail store located 1/3 mile from their 7 Cedars Casino. The store is named Cedar Greens Cannabis Shop and is located ... Read more Nevada
Las Vegas Paiute Indians open cannabis tasting room October 9, 2019 - The first cannabis tasting room in Nevada was opened Oct 5 by the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians just two blocks north of downtown Las Vegas inside their NuWu Cannabis Marketplace store. ... Read more North Carolina
NC Cherokee Council approves Cannabis Commission September 19, 2019 - The Tribal Council of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has established a commission to research and develop economic opportunites in the industrial hemp industry. ... Read more Wisconsin
Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe drops marijuana from employee drug testing August 10, 2019 - Wisconsin's Lac Courte Oreilles Band (LOC) of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians has stopped testing for marijuana in drug tests of new hires. ... Read more Nebraska
Ho-Chunk Farms will grow hemp in Nebraska July 22, 2019 - Ho-Chunk Farms has been selected by the State of Nebraska to participate in a pilot program to cultivate hemp. Ho-Chunk will plant 5.5 acres of hemp this summer on the Winnebago reservation to ... Read more North Carolina
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Study Hemp Feasibility July 10, 2019 - The Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has received and studying a feasibilty study on industrial hemp which it commissioned back in February. ... Read more First Michigan Tribe Legalizes Recreational Cannabis
April 16, 2019 - The Bay Mills Indian Community in Chippewa County is the first tribe in Michigan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Private use is allowed. Public use is prohibited as well as all commercial uses. ... Read more
California Tribes Shut Out of Largest Marijuana Market March 25, 2019 - The California Bureau of Cannabis Control will not allow tribes to conduct off-reservation business without a license, and as a condition for issuing a license the Bureau wants ... Read more
Alaska Is First State To License Marijuana Use in Cannabis Stores March 14, 2019 - Marijuana retailers in Alaska can apply for a "special onsite use endorsement" to allow customers to smoke marijuana in a physical "consumption area" at the store. ... Read more
Colville tribes considers CBD production March 1, 2019 - Last week the Colville Business Council voted for a test plot of hemp crop be designated for evaluation and analysis of producing cannabidiol (CBD) ... Read more
San Diego Tribe opens "Mountain Source Dispensary" February 19, 2019 - The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel opened a new cannabis store this month named "Mountain Source". It is lcoated inside the building of their former casino. ... Read more
Bills Introduced to Legalize Marijuana Nationwide February 11, 2019 - The Bill "Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act" has been introduced in both the Senate and the House and would have the federal government to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis. ... Read more
Mashpee Wampanoag Group Seeks Marijuana Retail Permit February 8, 2019 - A Mashpee Wampanoag group has applied for the single permit to be issued in Mashpee for a recreational marijuana retail dispensary. There are five other applicants. ... Read more
Washington Tribe Sells Hemp Seeds to Oregon Food Company January 4, 2019 - The Colville Tribes has made the first ever sale of Washington-grown hemp since it was legalized in 2014. They sold hemp seeds to a hemp food company in Oregon. ... Read more
South Dakata Introduces Legislation to Legalize Hemp February 7, 2019 - Hemp remains illegal under South Dakota law even though the federal government legalized it in the latest U.S. Farm Bill passed in December. The South Dakota will try to legalize hemp production, distribution and sales. ... Read more

2018

U.S. Farm Bill Legalizes Hemp December 13, 2018 - Congress has passed a new farm bill which includes the federal legalization of hemp. Hemp is now classified as an agricultural product and legal to produce, distribute and sell. ... Read more
Eastern Cherokee to conduct cannabis feasibility study October 29, 2018 - Tribal leaders at the Annual Council meeting October 25th approved a study on the impacts of hemp and cannabis legalization. ... Read more
Blackfeet Nation members allowed to use medical marijuana October 11, 2018 - The Blackfeet Nation has legalized medical marijuana for its 17,000 members on their reservation. ... Read more
Las Vegas Paiutes will open second marijuana dispensary October 12, 2018 - A second Nuwu marijuana dispensary will open later this year. It will be approxiately 5,000 square-feet with a 24/7 drive up window. ... Read more
Hemp growing on Pine Ridge Reservation September 15, 2018 - Alex Plume is a South Dakota farmer who is growing hemp on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He is selling his crop to a Colorado company in defiance of current federal law. ... Read more
Recreational marijuana will not appear on Oklahoma's November ballot August 20, 2018 - An initiative to legalize the use of recreational marijuana and cannabis sales failed to gather the minimum number of qualified signatures required for the November ballot. ... Read more
Tulalip Tribes opens 'Remedy Tulalip' cannabis store August 10, 2018 - Tulalip Tribes opens 'Remedy Tulalip' cannabis retail store August 10, 2018. The store is located on the tribe's reservation in Marysville, WA. ... Read more
Muckleshoot Tribe opens cannabis store named 'Joint Rivers' July 15, 2018 - The Muckleshoot Tribe has opened a new cannabis retail store in Auburn, WA. The store named Joint River offers a drive thru window for its customers. ... Read more
Medical marijuana remains illegal on Oklahoma tribal lands June 29, 2018 - Although medical marijuana is legalized in Oklahoma, the state's tribes have not agreed to allow any marijuana on their tribal lands. ... Read more
Yurok Tribe banned on any new cannabis businesses and farms by Humboldt County June 19, 2018 - The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to block the Yurok Tribe from growing or selling cannabis on their reservation. ... Read more
Mohawk territory has large number of new marijuana dispensary startups May 27, 2018 - The Tyendinaga Mohawk have opened 42 marijuana shops across Mohawk territory. They believe they can operate any type of cannabis business within their territory. ... Read more
California tribes blocked from cannabis market and may go own way May 23, 2018 - Tribes may be forced by state regulations to develop their own cannabis industry. If they agree to state licensing they could lose their right of self-governance on their own land. ... Read more
The Rebirth of Tribal Hemp
April 21, 2016 - Many American Indian tribes are planning to farm hemp as a new source of income. Among them are the Coliville, Meskwaki, Mandan, Menominee and Lakota. ... Read more
Paiute Tribe's marijuana dispensary sponsors Las Vegas Lights April 13, 2018 - The Las Vegas Lights soccer team has a new sponsorship from NuWu Cannabis Marketplace, a marijuana dispensary owned by the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. ... Read more
Trump lifts legal threat to state marijuana laws
April 13, 2018 - The President announced he will allow states continue their legalized marijuana laws without prosecution from the Department of Justice. ... Read more
Rand Paul Supports Kentucky Medical Marijuana Bill March 13, 2018 - U.S. Senator Rand Paul is giving his support for a state bill being proposed that would legalize marijuana for medical use in the state of Kentucky. ... Read more
Oklahoma places medical marijuana on June ballot May 4, 2018 - Oklahoma voters will decide whether or not to legalize medical marijuana. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has expressed interest in farming and selling it. ... Read more

February 2018

U.S. Governors ignoring Sessions marijuana enforcement February 27, 2018 - During the annual meeting of our nation's governors there were many discussions about implementing state marijuana regulations. Sec. Sessions did not attend. ... Read more
Will California Tribes start own cannabis industry?
February 27, 2018 - Many of the 100 American Indian tribes in California are looking for ways of develop an alternative cannabis industries as sovereign nations. ... Read more
Alberta defines rules for cannabis retail stores
February 16, 2018 - The new Alerta marijuana distribution regulations were recently released defining legal ways to sell marijuana and provide safe products to the Alberta citizens. ... Read more
California Tribal Cannabis Licenses are Hindered by State Government February 14, 2018 - California is making it more difficult for American Indian Tribes to obtain cannabis resale licenses by restricting the tribes to work with only California licensed companies. ... Read more
St. Croix Tribe Sues State To Grow Hemp
February 12, 2018 - A lawsuit has been filed by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians against the State of Wisconsin for trying to stop the tribe's production of hemp oil. ... Read more
St. Croix Tribe Sues State To Grow Hemp
February 12, 2018 - A lawsuit has been filed by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians against the State of Wisconsin for trying to stop the tribe's production of hemp oil. ... Read more
St. Croix Chippewa sue State over hemp business February 9, 2018 - The tribe has sued the Wisconsin state attorney general for trying to prevent the production of hemp oil on sovereign reservation land ... Read more
Ridgecrest Tribe prohibits cannabis
February 9, 2018 - Amid rumors of plans to grow and sell cannabis on their reservation, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribal Chairman stated that the tribe will "never condone, sell, or carry cannabis" in the city of Ridgecrest. ... Read more
Congress May Block DOJ Prosecution of Medical Marijuana in 2-Year Budget
February 10, 2018 - A budget deal may block the DOJ from money needed to enforce anti-cannabis laws in states that has voter approval for medical marijuana ... Read more

January 2018

White Bear First Nation seeks marijuana dispensary January 27, 2018 - The White Bear First Nation is considering options for operating a marijuana dispensary on their reservation. ... Read more
Suquamish Tribe open Agate Dreams dispensary January 27, 2018 - When recreational cannabis sales become legal in the state of Washington, the Suquamish tribe decided to open a dispensary named Agate Dreams. ... Read more
Ely Shoshone open marijuana dispensary January 8, 2018 - On the Ely Shoshone Tribal land is a cannabis dispensary named Tsaa Nesunkwa. It opened in October offering medical marijuana. Now it sells marijuana for recreational use. ... Read more
Nevada Tribes and their cannabis businesses January 7, 2018 - Last year SB 375 was signed into law giving way to the legal selling of marijuana. This may be a lucrative business for Nevada's Native ... Read more
S'Klallam Tribe will open "High Point" a marijuana retail store on March 3   January 4, 2018 - High Point will begin selling marijuana March 3, 2018 in a temporary building just north of the tribe's Gliding Eagle Market. ... Read more
U.S. Justice Dept Rescinds All Obama Marijuana Policies January 4, 2018 - The DOJ today rescinded all cannabis policies of the Obama Administration that allowed states to decide their own laws on recreational and medical cannabis. ... Read more

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2017

Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Opens "Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace" in Downtown Las Vegas 10.17.2017 - Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace is a 15,500 square foot marijuana dispensary located in downtown Las Vegas. ... Read more
St. Croix Chippewa Will Grow Hemp for CBD Oil
09.27.2017 - The tribe plans to grow hemp for medical use. They will produce CBD Oil which contains low levels of THC. ... Read more
First Nevada Tribes Sign Marijuana Compacts
08.03.2017 - Nevada' governor has signed the first state marijuana compacts with tow tribes: the Ely Shoshone Tribe and the Yerington Paiute Tribe. ... Read more