Three Maine American Indian tribes are considering growing and selling marijuana on their lands, part of a growing number of tribes considering cannabis as a revenue source.
The Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Micmacs tribes are considering the economic benefits of legalizing marijuana on native lands, while the state’s fourth recognized tribe, the Penobscot Nation, has said it will not pursue legalization, according to the Portland Press Herald.
The U.S. Department of Justice said in December it would allow Native American tribes to legalize marijuana on their lands as long as they followed guidelines to which states are required to adhere.
Industry experts have mixed feelings about tribal legalization. Some say it will hurt growers and sellers in nearby areas, while others point to an expected boost for ancillary businesses including software providers and testing labs. The first marijuana trade organization for Native American tribes met for the first time last week with the goal of informing and educating tribal leaders about the ins and outs of the marijuana industry.
