Many U.S. tribes, some of them gaming tribes, are also getting into the lucrative cannabis cultivation and distribution industry, Connecticut’s Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes aren’t among them.
Instead they are concentrating on the expanded gaming opportunities afforded by the legalization in Connecticut of sports betting and online gaming.
The Pequots, who operate Foxwoods Resort Casino, are looking at possible cannabis retailing, but without any solid plans as yet.
Chuck Bunnell, chief of staff of the Mohegan tribe, which operates the Mohegan Sun, told CT Insider, “As the owners and operators of multiple properties across a number of jurisdictions, we are extremely mindful of any disparities in the individual laws and regulations of each area in which we operate, and the complexities caused by navigating those differences.” He added,. “As such, the Mohegan Tribe has no plans to pursue a role within the cannabis industry at this time.”
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Rodney Butler commented, “The Connecticut legislation that legalized marijuana recognizes the inherent sovereign rights of Native American tribes and the ability for the state to enter into compact with tribes that would build a more collaborative working relationship in this new industry.”
He added, “Our tribe is exploring all of the options created by the legislation, and has no plans at this time.”
