Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Passes Law Formalizing Adult-Use Recreational Marijuana

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has formalized adult-use recreational marijuana on its tribal lands. The decision came yesterday during a reservation business committee meeting after gathering public comments for two weeks.

The ordinance creates a framework for both the sale and consumption of adult-use recreational cannabis and cannabis products on tribal lands. According to the band, this new law is meant to protect the “health, safety, and welfare of the band and others.”

During the meeting, the committee also discussed the regulations of operating a tribal owned-business.

“That will allow the regulatory structure to mature, commissioners to learn what is really necessary to regulate a cannabis business and really develop a good set of regulations, while they’re regulating an entity that isn’t trying to circumvent those regulations,” said Christopher Murray, Leech Lake Legal Director.

At the meeting, Murray recommended moving forward with operating and regulating a tribal government cannabis business. It is unknown when the new law will take effect.