How Cannabis Legalization is Taking Shape for Indigenous Communities in the US and Canada

In an article published on September 2, 2020 in StratCann, Reggie Snyder provides insight on cannabis legalization and how it is impacting indigenous peoples in both the United States and Canada.

Indigenous people across Canada and the United States have sovereignty, or the right to self-governance unless limited by a treaty or federal lawmakers. “Indian tribes [in the U.S.] maintain their own governmental  systems and often their own judicial systems,” explained Snyder.

With experience assisting Native American bands with their hemp growing ventures, Snyder elaborated, “Indian tribes have the right to tax persons and businesses conducting business on Indian lands. Snyder added that they “Also have the right to require licenses and to impose other forms of regulations and regulatory fees on persons and businesses operating on their lands.”

Snyder explained that tribes are immune from unconsented lawsuits, much like states and the country itself. Additionally, bands generally handle crime on their land, as its jurisdiction typically transcends the U.S. Supreme Court.