Federal Government gives O.K. for Tribal Communities to grow, sell Pot.
- seniorsmmjnetwork
- Dec 13, 2014
- 2 min read
Tribal Communities around the country have been given the green light from the Federal Government to grow and sell MMJ. Pot activists are happy, prohibition stalwarts are scared. Looking at the big picture, both are correct.
One of the largest positive impacts would be the financial one. As seen in States like Colorado and California, the legal sales of MMJ products produces millions of tax dollars and revenue for local economies. The announcement is also one that can create jobs in local areas where good paying options are few.
If you ask us, the best part is the legal availability of MMJ from regulated businesses.
The announcement is far from an "anything goes" mentality. Similar to States that have voted to legalize MMJ, the Federal government reserves the right to prosecute for eight issues: Sales to kids, marijuana proceeds going to criminal enterprises, shipping marijuana to states where it is illegal, illegal sales, firearms and violence, drugged driving and other public health issues, growing marijuana on public lands and possession of marijuana on federal property.
Basically, they are not coming after you and your $50 stash of MMJ. When treated and used responsibly, growers and users are in the clear.
One of the larger concerns is the social impact the legalization of this "drug" (we prefer the term medicine) will have on Tribal communities. Seattle attorney Anthony Broadman, whose firm works with various Tribal communities in the West, said -
"Indian tribes have been decimated by drug use. Tribal regulations of pot are going to have to dovetail with tribal values, making sure marijuana isn't a scourge like alcohol or tobacco. If tribes can balance all the potential social issues, it could be a really huge opportunity."
As always, we believe in the education of people in order to make an informed decision. Before the traditional minds focus too intently on the possibility of a negative impact, we encourage Tribal leaders to seek out sources highlighting the many positive impacts the legalization of MMJ can have on local people and communities.
A huge advantage that Tribal Dispensaries will have over the State managed MMJ outlets will be that the Tribes are not required to pay the same 25% sales tax. This would actually allow Tribal Dispensaries to undercut sales off-reservation and it has a few of the already licensed Dispensaries wary. Again, it would be a large economic opportunity.
Here are a few links to other sources covering this story -
Huffington Post -
LA Times -
DailyMail UK -
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