The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians announced opposition to the legalization of marijuana.

ATNI is partnering with Smart Approaches to Marijuana to oppose the opposing the legalization of marijuana in Alaska and Oregon. The issue will be on the ballot in Alaska in August. Oregon might also put the issue to voters.

“ATNI Member Tribes strive for drug free communities in order to provide safe and healthy environments for their tribal members including the most vulnerable, the children,” Terri Parr W, the executive director of ATNI, said in a press release. “In working toward this objective, they stand strongly in opposition to the legalization of drugs alongside their allies including SAM.”

Washington has already legalized marijuana in certain circumstances. The Yakama Nation, one of ATNI's members, opposes the drug on its reservation and on treaty-ceded lands.

Get the Story:
Northwest tribes oppose marijuana legalization (AP 2/26)
Marijuana legalization: NW Native American tribes oppose legal pot (The Oregonian 2/26)
Pro-pot legalization group targets Alaska (The Juneau Empire 2/27)
Organization representing Northwest tribes opposes legalized marijuana (The Kitsap Sun 2/27)

Related Stories:
Yakama Nation objects to sale of marijuana on ceded lands (02/06)
Al Jazeera: Washington tribes dispute state's marijuana law (01/28)
Yakama Nation opposes marijuana on treaty ceded land (1/13)
Tribes take a pass on Washington's recreational marijuana law (11/05)
Yakama Nation won't recognize marijuana law in Washington (10/29)
Gabe Galanda: State rules must recognize tribal sovereignty (10/7)