Some Native American tribes want to grow their own pot and smoke it, too!

American indians want to grow, sell and use marijuana recreationally but appear to be concerned what the U.S. government could do if they disagree by removing government subsidies. I had always thought indian reservations were of no concern to the "white man" (anyone who is not of indian blood) including the federal government. Indian reservations are not federal owned land but indian land. The land is governed and ruled by the indian chief and his advisors and not by U.S. law.

I now see why and how Uncle Sam is so quick with handing out subsidies around the nation to states, indian reservations, religious institutes, etc.... this is like someone who sells hard narcotics like heroin ..... the first one is free and then you must pay. After getting you "hooked" is when control starts. Anytime an "entity" that receives federal funding they become a "slave to the system" and must follow a set of rules or loose your federal funding and tax free status. Now to me this is nothing more than a bribe and extortion.

I hope the Sioux see this trap and don't fall for it. With a smart and aggressive sales policy they could possibly earn more money selling marijuana that what Uncle Sam gives them to survive on and once again become self-sufficient without the U.S. government sticking its nose into indian business.

FLANDREAU, S.D. - If some American Indian tribes have their way reservation lands may soon be used to grow and sell marijuana. The Flandreau Santee Sioux in Flandreau, South Dakota became the first Native American tribe June 11 to legalize the cultivation, consumption, possession and distribution of marijuana on tribal lands.

The tribe's move to sell the controversial drug came less than a year after the United States Department of Justice issued a memo in 2014 allowing more than 300 federally recognized Indian tribes to take part in the marijuana industry.

The growth and sale of marijuana on tribal lands is allowed as long as the tribes follow the same regulations required of states where the drug has been legalized, according to the DOJ. Tribes must also ensure the marijuana they cultivate and sell stays on tribal lands.

Tribes, like the Flandreau Santee Sioiux, aren't the only ones interested. The legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use in the United States is growing and currently 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized some form of marijuana use.

Tony Reider, 38, is president of the Flandreau Santee Sioux. His tribe has plans to sell close to 60 strains of the drug. Reider believes marijuana sales could reach $2 million per month.

“There's a number of tribes that are very aggressively looking into [the marijuana industry] and trying to sort through all the legal issues. The rest of us are just kind of on the sidelines watching.” - W. Ron Allen

Other tribes are using more caution and have adopted a 'wait and see' attitude, citing the rampant alcoholism on Indian reservations and the prospect of a new less tribal-supportive administration after the 2016 presidential election.

Some tribes, including many in Washington state, are also seeking guarantees from the government allowing them to retain millions of dollars in grant monies and contracts if they choose to sell a drug still banned by Congress, according to W. Ron Allen, Tribal Council Chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.

The Department of Justice memo mentions eight priorities for United States attorneys to use when enforcing the growth and use of marijuana in their districts, some of which include tribal lands. The priorities range from preventing marijuana distribution to minors, to preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana.

With plans to sell both recreational and medical marijuana, Reider said the Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe may set up something like a pot bar on tribal property to control where the drug is consumed and prevent it from leaving tribal lands.

Though marijuana could deliver a financial boon similar to gambling casinos to tribes, the proximity of the drug may prove too difficult for Native Americans to resist.

For now, it seems some tribes, such as the Flandreau Santee Sioux, want it both ways: the right to grow their own pot – and smoke it, too.

Others involved in the debate, such as Kevin Sabet, president of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, hold firm to the idea that selling pot is a dangerous road for any tribe to go down.

"If we think alcohol has had a negative effect on young people on tribal lands -- we ain't seen nothing yet," Sabet said.

SOURCE

may set up something like a pot bar on tribal property to control where the drug is consumed and prevent it from leaving tribal lands.

Then set up a pizza place next to it and watch profits go through the roof . But seriously it could be a very tricky path , hopefully they get it right .

a reply to: DeathSlayer

There's a number of tribes that are very aggressively looking into [the marijuana industry] and trying to sort through all the legal issues. The rest of us are just kind of on the sidelines watching.” - W. Ron Allen

The way things are heading with this plant and associated legalities in the US, I too would be looking aggressively at potential future business opportunities - from medicinal through to textiles.

Anyone interested should immerse themselves in the fundamentals of horticulture and chemistry - for instance, extracting oils and/or making fabrics to a high standard is no easy task, but with application (personal) one can become quite adept at such things.

The way things are heading with this plant and associated legalities in the US - this is a potential game-changer for average Joe, in sooooooo many ways.

Who wants to be a muillionaire?

I hope the Native Americans are fully successful and end up become global powerhouses in their cultivation standards and abilities.

originally posted by: hutch622

may set up something like a pot bar on tribal property to control where the drug is consumed and prevent it from leaving tribal lands.

Then set up a pizza place next to it and watch profits go through the roof . But seriously it could be a very tricky path , hopefully they get it right .

It'd be a whole lot less trickier than the current situation with legal alcohol.

Have you actually been to towns like Kununurra or Hall's Creek lately? People walking around with brain damage and missing limbs, due to alcohol abuse. If only they had the right to legally grow cannabis, they'd be a hell of a lot more wealthier and healthier.

a reply to: DeathSlayer

" I had always thought indian reservations were of no concern to the "white man" (anyone who is not of indian blood) including the federal government. Indian reservations are not federal owned land but indian land. The land is governed and ruled by the indian chief and his advisors and not by U.S. law. "

Who told you THIS??!!!!
In some cases once treaty land disputes have been fought for in court this is true, but on many Rez's this is NOT the case and the Feds hold the land in trust with many strings attached. Besides the Tribal Government only the feds have jurisdiction. While it may be Indian Land in many cases the Nations do not have total autonomy.

www.sacbee.com...
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com...

QUOTE-
"Horwood also said that while the US Attorney’s Office doesn't normally comment on ongoing investigations, because of the public nature of this raid, they are releasing information. She explained the marijuana grows have received substantial attention in Modoc County, as well as the US Department of Justice’s guidance relating to marijuana cultivation on tribal lands."
www.krcrtv.com...

Very obviously the Feds have their fingers in how things are done on the Rez/Tribal lands, same as how things were when the casino craze hit yrs ago.
FFS!!! please educate yourself?

Going to the Indian casinos might be a whole lot more fun in awhile. And the buffet's! Anyway, more power to them, and the Indian shall rise again (or at least think they are).

originally posted by: Caver78
a reply to: DeathSlayer

" I had always thought indian reservations were of no concern to the "white man" (anyone who is not of indian blood) including the federal government. Indian reservations are not federal owned land but indian land. The land is governed and ruled by the indian chief and his advisors and not by U.S. law. "

Who told you THIS??!!!!
In some cases once treaty land disputes have been fought for in court this is true, but on many Rez's this is NOT the case and the Feds hold the land in trust with many strings attached. Besides the Tribal Government only the feds have jurisdiction. While it may be Indian Land in many cases the Nations do not have total autonomy.

www.sacbee.com...
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com...

QUOTE-
"Horwood also said that while the US Attorney’s Office doesn't normally comment on ongoing investigations, because of the public nature of this raid, they are releasing information. She explained the marijuana grows have received substantial attention in Modoc County, as well as the US Department of Justice’s guidance relating to marijuana cultivation on tribal lands."
www.krcrtv.com...

Very obviously the Feds have their fingers in how things are done on the Rez/Tribal lands, same as how things were when the casino craze hit yrs ago.
FFS!!! please educate yourself?

Yes, you are right. The Feds do attach strings and change the goal posts.

The fact is that in the now on August 6 2015 most Indian Reservations are experiencing a much deeper level of poverty than their Union States counterparts. It reflects in all areas from life expectancy to crime to alcohol and drug abuse.

If I was a Native American I think I would take my chances trying to make a life in the United States. I don't think ganja growing will make a lot of difference. It will soon hit saturation point and you bet when it suits corporations' interests to take over this mainly cottage industry as it stands they will do so.

a reply to: DeathSlayer

please consider using Indian country Today as a source as well....that article had quite the little "bias".

QUOTE-
"For now, it seems some tribes, such as the Flandreau Santee Sioux, want it both ways: the right to grow their own pot – and smoke it, too."

REALLY?????
South & North Dakota have issues with racism towards their Native Populations going back years.
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com...

This is just the latest in what goes on out there....before that it was off-res beer/liquor distributors making a killing
profit-wise by selling product at inflated prices, then bashing Natives for having addiction issues......
sigh.....

a reply to: Sublimecraft

I totally agree. A few years ago before Canada agreed to allow medical marijuana become available there was a documentary out (film) concerning a Canadian doctor who has been extracting and making oil from the marijuana plant for years and numerous witnesses claim they have been healed from various cancers, etc... He does not charge for his services. Meanwhile the Canadian government has been trying to shut him down for years and even threatened him numerous times with prison but he refuses to stop. Helping those sick mean more to him then the threats from the government.

originally posted by: Caver78
a reply to: DeathSlayer

" I had always thought indian reservations were of no concern to the "white man" (anyone who is not of indian blood) including the federal government. Indian reservations are not federal owned land but indian land. The land is governed and ruled by the indian chief and his advisors and not by U.S. law. "

Who told you THIS??!!!!
In some cases once treaty land disputes have been fought for in court this is true, but on many Rez's this is NOT the case and the Feds hold the land in trust with many strings attached. Besides the Tribal Government only the feds have jurisdiction. While it may be Indian Land in many cases the Nations do not have total autonomy.

www.sacbee.com...
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com...

QUOTE-
"Horwood also said that while the US Attorney’s Office doesn't normally comment on ongoing investigations, because of the public nature of this raid, they are releasing information. She explained the marijuana grows have received substantial attention in Modoc County, as well as the US Department of Justice’s guidance relating to marijuana cultivation on tribal lands."
www.krcrtv.com...

Very obviously the Feds have their fingers in how things are done on the Rez/Tribal lands, same as how things were when the casino craze hit yrs ago.
FFS!!! please educate yourself?

I was allowed to go on a few Choctaw reservations since I can prove my indian heritage to buy tax free items and the reservation had its own police force and judicial system. When state or federal agents wanted to come on they had to call first and then they were escorted while on the reservation. Now it has been some time since I have been back (35 years) but I know in Oklahoma...... and you are a city, state, or federal agent you can NOT make demands. It is called common courtesy and is shown on both sides.

I have seen indians get arrested by white police officers on a reservation (I was sixteen) AFTER the indian police arrested the individual. Then both vehicles (one being the indian police, the other a city, stated or federal agent vehicle) drive together to the main gate; the SUSPECT was driven in the indian police vehicle until they reached the main gate, the indian police officer took off his handcuffs and the white police officers put their set of handcuffs on the individual, put the SUSPECT inside their car and drove off. This was the seventies.....

The same goes for those Alaskan indian tribes in Alaska. Been on a reservation up there when serving in the military and everything was the same as if on a Choctaw reservation.

As far as the Sioux.... it can be different because I do not know.

BTW are you indian? Or are you simply quoting someone or some website?

Have you ever been on an indian reservation? It is a lot different than the movies.

a reply to: Revolution9

Thanks for that Revolution9.
Native issues are complicated, misunderstood and mostly Native Peoples are very capable of speaking for themselves without "outsiders" spinning the issues.
Respect would dictate we acknowledge that....and listen to them.

Pot-grows "may" be a way out of some of that poverty, but it also brings it's own problems. It's up to each Nation to decide their own future. Enterprise is limited by lack of infrastructure, some federal restrictions as well.

I agree many Rez's are in essence "third world countries" crippled by many factors. It's pretty bad when even Huff-Post picks up the story.....( GEEZE!!! )
www.huffingtonpost.com...

Oak Flats land grab is a hot mess leaving the Apache and others with (IIRC) land in trade off littered with ordinance.
OT...but just another example of we need to let Native Peoples speak for themselves.

www.apache-stronghold.com...

a reply to: Caver78

Yes, me too! Let the Native Americans speak for themselves.

originally posted by: Caver78
a reply to: DeathSlayer

please consider using Indian country Today as a source as well....that article had quite the little "bias".

QUOTE-
"For now, it seems some tribes, such as the Flandreau Santee Sioux, want it both ways: the right to grow their own pot – and smoke it, too."

REALLY?????
South & North Dakota have issues with racism towards their Native Populations going back years.
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com...

This is just the latest in what goes on out there....before that it was off-res beer/liquor distributors making a killing
profit-wise by selling product at inflated prices, then bashing Natives for having addiction issues......
sigh.....

I can remember (it was years ago) when a couple of tribes along the U.S and Canadian borders would kill any white man who even came near an indian reservation. They actually claimed war against the US government. Have heard about this? of course once it got out and the press got hold of this ..... further news about this event went "dark" and there was no further mention of this. The tribes had to have a "sit down" with the government and the indians who did the killings were never charged with murder.

When I was a teenager trying to pass my "Buck" trials there were certain religious ceremonies I had to attend and if any white person was caught near these sites they disappeared and were never found no matter who you were.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Havent been up north now for about 5 years but i did see the effects of alcohol in Darwin (not so much ) Katherine and some other places which i wont name . Alcohol is a killer , as is aerosols glue etc etc . I feel for our indigenous people and i dont have any answers . But . Whatever the path we go down from here on it had better be better than the one we have been treading .

I can remember (it was years ago) when a couple of tribes along the U.S and Canadian borders would kill any white man who even came near an indian reservation. They actually claimed war against the US government. Have heard about this? of course once it got out and the press got hold of this ..... further news about this event went "dark" and there was no further mention of this. The tribes had to have a "sit down" with the government and the indians who did the killings were never charged with murder.

When I was a teenager trying to pass my "Buck" trials there were certain religious ceremonies I had to attend and if any white person was caught near these sites they disappeared and were never found no matter who you were.

Sent you a u2u
I actually agree with your last statement and no one has any business interfering or bothering someone who is praying pursuing their culture. Missed the northern drama, but don't doubt you.

Altho on the flip-side there are many places where if you are not a local (white or other) person you run the risk of getting disappeared, so it's not just unique to what happened up north.

originally posted by: DeathSlayer

originally posted by: Caver78
a reply to: DeathSlayer

please consider using Indian country Today as a source as well....that article had quite the little "bias".

QUOTE-
"For now, it seems some tribes, such as the Flandreau Santee Sioux, want it both ways: the right to grow their own pot – and smoke it, too."

REALLY?????
South & North Dakota have issues with racism towards their Native Populations going back years.
indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com...

This is just the latest in what goes on out there....before that it was off-res beer/liquor distributors making a killing
profit-wise by selling product at inflated prices, then bashing Natives for having addiction issues......
sigh.....

I can remember (it was years ago) when a couple of tribes along the U.S and Canadian borders would kill any white man who even came near an indian reservation. They actually claimed war against the US government. Have heard about this? of course once it got out and the press got hold of this ..... further news about this event went "dark" and there was no further mention of this. The tribes had to have a "sit down" with the government and the indians who did the killings were never charged with murder.

When I was a teenager trying to pass my "Buck" trials there were certain religious ceremonies I had to attend and if any white person was caught near these sites they disappeared and were never found no matter who you were.

Wow, is that really true? Heavy business.

Reading Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" did my brain right in. It is a great thick book that takes a good while to read, basically a catalogue of slaughter described in acute detail. No book has made me cry more. A grown man sobbing for weeks over it. Since that time I have a very deep sympathy for these people. I hope they can recover their identity, yet also bring their culture into the modern world and forgive the past...somehow.

a reply to: Revolution9

That is indeed some heavy reading, altho just the tip of the iceberg.
Did you know on different Rez's if you disagree with the tribal gov't, or families in charge your house gets fire-bombed?
Yeah.....

It's ugly out there in the world.
That said at least currently in Canada the Nations are now ordered to release their budgets for both public & Tribal Members to view. It's controversial, but necessary as some Nations keep this info from their own members.

www.cbc.ca...
www.cbc.ca...

...and now I think I went way OT.....
altho there is also good things happening...
www.motherearthwaterwalk.com...

Plus the kayak blockade of Dam #3 site in BC.....plus this
www.cbc.ca...

a reply to: Revolution9

Oh yeah.....no joke.

I lived in Oklahoma.....deep, deep woods.....near Wister, Oklahoma, dirt roads, no phone lines, no sewer system or city water.... it was water from a well.... good ole brown water. Then once a month the Feds would stop by with dry milk, large blocks of cheese, powder eggs, sugar and flour. I think there was food stamps back then but no stores around to redeem them and I can't remember if we ever used them but I do remember going to bed hungry a few times. You either grew your own veggies and fruits and shot animals for meat or you traded with your neighbors. We survived by hunting, trapping and fishing plus my dad received a small check from the government .... back in early 70's .... family of four .... $25.00 per person (if I am remember) for a total of $100.00 per month.

Trees so tall sunlight would not shine through. I am Cherokee but lived amongst the Choctaws. It took several years before our family was accepted. Indians can be prejudice just like anyone else and there is much fighting/arguing between tribes.