We no longer celebrate Christopher Columbus and his oppressive ways. Instead we celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day to recognize those that truly founded this land. In doing so I researched how the legalization of cannabis industry is developing on reservations and affecting Native Americans.

In September of 2015, the Suquamish Tribe located in Washington became the first Tribe to legalize cannabis in the United States. Under their Tribal- State compact they are the only in the state that can sell house branded products. Shortly after, the Squaxin Island Tribe opened Elevation dispensary that November.

Many of the Washington tribes work with Puyallup Tribal Cannabis Enterprises, which was formed to create jobs and career paths, while contributing to the local economy. Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud said in regard to opening the new Tacoma store in April 2019 and expanding the cannabis market in Washington that "It’s economic development at its best. It’s medicine at its best. It’s people getting together at its best.”

In March of 2020 the Oglala Sioux Tribe passed a referendum to legalize medical and recreational marijuana on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.The same time voting against alcohol in casinos. The Oglala Sioux will become the only Native American tribe to set up a cannabis market in a state where it’s otherwise illegal.

Chase Iron Eyes, a spokesman for the tribe president, Julian Bear Runner, said the vote for cannabis over alcohol is because many tribe members call alcohol a “poison” forced on the tribe: versus cannabis being a “healing plant” that is a path out of poverty and historical trauma. Iron Eyes said that though traditional Lakota society still dislike both alcohol and pot, but people were persuaded by the medicinal and economic potential in cannabis.

Initially they planned to open up retail around August or September, but those plans were pre-pandemic. A marijuana resort may be next in the works, to help bring tourism.  Hopefully next month when South Dakota votes for cannabis legalization to be passed, this will give the tribe a head start in the industry.

Support Native grown and owned operations when you can. Just like other minority groups, we can not let these groups get left out of this thriving industry. Social equity is a priority and Indigenous people deserve their piece of the pie.

www.nativebusinessmag.com/washington-tribes-leverage-the-cannabis-economy

www.apnews.com/article/2a5c67db989dfbd4396b3db69a727338