The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of Flandreau, South Dakota, which became the first tribal nation to legalize marijuana in September, recently burned their first marijuana crop, which was to be the basis of a projected million-a-month business. The tribe, which owns the Royal River Casino & Hotel in Flandreau, built a marijuana greenhouse and a lounge where the marijuana would be dispensed and consumed for medicinal and recreational purposes, and had planned a grand opening event on New Year’s Eve.
However, the Flandreau Santee Sioux tribal council voted to temporarily suspend the project after South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said any changes in tribal law would only affect tribal members. As a result, anyone not a member of the tribe who used marijuana on the reservation risked being prosecuted under state law. In addition, state officials said, any non-tribal members returning to state land with marijuana in their system were breaking state law and also subject to prosecution.
Sources said tribal officials were tipped off that federal agents were planning to raid the operation with a few weeks.
Tribal attorney Seth C. Pearman said in a statement, “After government-to-government consultation with the United States, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is temporarily suspending its marijuana cultivation and distribution facilities. This suspension is pivotal to the continued success of the marijuana venture, and tribal leadership is confident that after seeking clarification from the United States Department of Justice, it will be better suited to succeed. The tribe will continue to consult with the federal and state governments, and hopes to be granted parity with states that have legalized marijuana. The tribe intends to successfully participate in the marijuana industry, and tribal leadership is undaunted by this brief sidestep.”
Tribal council member Kenny Weston added, “We are moving forward with a calculated approach. We made an investment, and we have to continue to protect that investment while legislation catches up to the current times. Believe me when I say this, we will continue to advocate for our tribe and Indian Country. We will advocate for sovereignty.” He added, “It was a very small amount burned, definitely not millions. We planted a very small amount to begin with.”
Flandreau Santee Sioux tribal officials hope to meet soon with state and federal officials. “We never approached this as us versus them. We’re not taking that approach at all. We’re trying to work together, be proactive and continue to work government-to-government. Tribal, state and federal officials can resolve this together,” Weston said.
