Citizens of Ho-Chunk Nation endorse legalization of marijuana


Results from the Ho-Chunk Nation general council meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 19, 2015. Photo from Facebook

Members of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin support the legalization of marijuana.

Some 63 percent of attendees at a general council meeting on Saturday want to see the tribe legalize the drug, according to results posted on Facebook. Another 33 percent were opposed.

The vote does not change any of the tribe's laws. But leaders will meet in the coming weeks to determine how to move forward on the issue.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. But the Department of Justice opened the door for marijuana in Indian Country late last yer with the so-called Wilkinson memo.

Marijuana is illegal under Wisconsin law. The state exercises criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country under Public Law 280.

Get the Story:
Ho-Chunk members vote to change rules on marijuana on tribal lands (WKOW 9/19)

Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)

Join the Conversation

Related Stories
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe offers tours of marijuana facility (09/15)
Suquamish Tribe signs first marijuana compact in Washington (09/15)
Tribes taking it slow when it comes to legalization of marijuana (09/08)
Passamaquoddy Tribe takes a step toward marijuana cultivation (9/1)
Menominee Nation supports marijuana in advisory referendum (08/21)
Gyasi Ross: Indian Country entering a new era with drug game (08/19)
Tribes in Oklahoma quick to express disinterest in marijuana (08/18)
Jay Daniels: KIDS Act punishes tribes for exercising sovereignty (08/17)
Jay Daniels: KIDS Act punishes tribes for exercising sovereignty (08/17)
Opinion: Anti-marijuana bill represents attack on sovereignty (08/11)
Senate bill bars federal funds to tribes that grow marijuana (08/07)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe getting ready to sell marijuana (08/05)
Senate committee examines costs of substance abuse on tribes (07/30)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe claims DOJ support for marijuana (07/29)
Vince Two Eagles: Questions about 'Pezhi' in Indian Country (07/23)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation hires security team at marijuana farm (07/17)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big profits on marijuana (7/16)
Disputed leader of Alturas Rancheria blasts sister on marijuana (7/16)
Yurok Tribe welcomes raid of marijuana farms on reservation (7/15)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in talks with state on marijuana (7/15)
Menominee Nation schedules referendum on legal marijuana (7/14)
Seneca Nation expresses interest in joining marijuana industry (7/14)
Chair of Pit River Tribe slams federal raid of marijuana operation (7/13)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation was initially resistant to marijuana farm (7/13)
Native entrepreneur from Canada funded tribal marijuana grows (7/10)
Alturas Rancheria leadership dispute helped spur marijuana bust (7/9)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe will keep close watch on marijuana (7/9)
Authorities seize marijuana from tribal operations in California (7/8)
Tribes urged to proceed with caution in new marijuana industry (7/8)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe shares details of marijuana grow (06/24)
South Dakota official claims non-Indians can't use marijuana (6/23)
Editorial: Marijuana won't help Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (6/22)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to sell marijuana by end of year (6/17)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe moves forward with legal marijuana (6/16)
Umatilla Tribes change marijuana use policy for casino employees (6/15)
Tribes take interest in growing marijuana for medical purposes (6/11)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation faces prosecution over marijuana plants (6/5)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation starts planting marijuana on reservation (6/4)
Tex Hall foresees marijuana as big business for Indian Country (6/3)
Tex Hall joins company to promote marijuana in Indian Country (6/1)
Voters of Red Cliff Band show support for some uses of marijuana (5/28)
Appropriations bill allows VA hospitals to recommend marijuana (5/26)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe issues statement on marijuana (05/13)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to launch marijuana business (5/12)
Washington governor signs tribal marijuana agreement bill (5/11)
Rob Williams: Marijuana generates a buzz in Indian Country (5/8)
Red Cliff Band asks voters about legal marijuana and hemp (5/8)