The Shinnecock Indian Tribe Explores Idea Of Producing Medical Marijuana

Jacob Redmond

Well-Known Member
The Shinnecock Indian Nation is considering the idea of producing medical marijuana on its land - complying with state and federal law - hoping it would produce needed revenue for the tribe.

Tribal Trustee Chairman Bryan Polite said in a statement that after the New York State Legislature passed the Compassionate Care Act last year - an act that allows health care providers to recommend forms of medical marijuana to patients with serious conditions - the nation began to think about what that act meant for the tribe.

A memo from December, called the Cole Memorandum, serves as a guide to Indian tribes that wish to pursue medical marijuana programs in states where medical marijuana is legal. There are restrictions, though, that the tribes must carefully understand, including preventing its distribution to minors and ensuring that revenue from marijuana sales do not go to criminal enterprises, such as gangs, among others.

The memo reads, "The eight priorities in the Cole Memorandum will guide United States Attorneys' marijuana enforcement efforts in Indian Country, including in the event that sovereign Indian Nations seek to legalize the cultivation or use of marijuana in Indian Country."

In his statement on Tuesday, Mr. Polite said, "The Shinnecock Indian Nation is constantly exploring various economic development initiatives that could help improve the lives of our members."

He added, "Since the Compassionate Care Act became law last year, our tribal leaders - like many others - have sought counsel from the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of New York on what this means for a sovereign nation like ours. We are continuing to gather information as part of that exploratory process. No decisions have been made, nor will they be, without the input and approval of the Shinnecock Indian Nation membership."

Mr. Polite did not wish to elaborate further on the project.

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Full Article: Tribe Explores Idea Of Producing Medical Marijuana
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