Seneca Nation voters in western New York gave their leaders approval to explore entering the medical marijuana industry.
In a referendum that coincided with the tribe’s judicial elections, the measure passed this week 448-364, according to The Buffalo News.
“I think this is an opportunity for the Senecas to pursue staying on the front end of something that’s an emerging industry,” local radio host John Kane, who lives on the Seneca’s Cattaraugus territory, told WGRZ News.
In August, the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin approved a referendum to begin growing and selling either or both medical and recreational marijuana.
The DEA raided the Menominee’s hemp grow sites last month, as well as grow sites operated by two smaller tribes in California in July.
Amid growing criticism, NCIA chief Aaron Smith admits missteps and hopes to move the trade group in a new direction.