A cannabis plant. Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikipedia

The Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota is taking a closer look at marijuana.

The tribe's law and order committee is proposing a referendum on legalizing the drug, KOTA reports. It would be up to the tribal council to authorize the vote, which could take place in the coming few months.

The drug, however, is illegal under federal law. A Department of Justice policy -- known as the 2014 Wilkinson memo -- seemingly opened the door to marijuana in Indian Country but the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, also in South Dakota, faced significant hurdles when it sought to open a marijuana resort on the reservation.

The state contends that non-Indians cannot use marijuana in Indian Country, complicating the tribe's plans to serve all customers. And the tribe feared being raided by federal authorities after meeting with DOJ officials so plans for the resort were scrapped just weeks before the anticipated opening.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe previously legalized hemp, a close relative of marijuana but which otherwise lacks the same drug characteristics. Despite the differences, federal agents repeatedly destroyed the hemp crops of Alex White Plume, who is now asking a judge for permission to grow the plant again.

Even if tribal members support legal marijuana, the tribal council might not move act on their wishes. That's what happened when voters legalized alcohol nearly two years ago but have yet to see any progress on the issue.

Get the Story:
Oglala Sioux Tribe ponders pot possibilities (KOTA 1/28)

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

Related Stories:
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe won't give up plan for marijuana (11/20)
Hilary Bricken: DOJ sending mixed signals on tribal marijuana (11/17)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe feared raid of marijuana resort (11/10)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe puts hold on marijuana resort (11/9)
Kim Patterson: Tribe makes bad call with marijuana resort (11/04)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe eyes revenues from marijuana (10/21)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe shows pot facility to lawmakers (10/16)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big crowd for pot kickoff (10/6)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe fully booked for launch of pot resort (10/5)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe reports strong interest in pot resort (10/1)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe prepares for first marijuana resort (9/29)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe offers tours of marijuana facility (09/15)
Tribes taking it slow when it comes to legalization of marijuana (09/08)
Lakota Country Times: Alex White Plume continues hemp battle (8/19)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe getting ready to sell marijuana (08/05)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe claims DOJ support for marijuana (07/29)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe expects big profits on marijuana (07/16)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in talks with state on marijuana (07/15)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe will keep close watch on marijuana (07/09)
Tribes urged to proceed with caution in new marijuana industry (07/08)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe shares details of marijuana grow (06/24)
South Dakota official claims non-Indians can't use marijuana (06/23)
Editorial: Marijuana won't benefit Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (06/22)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to sell marijuana by end of year (06/17)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe moves forward with legal marijuana (06/16)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe issues statement on marijuana (05/13)
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to launch marijuana business (05/12)
Brandon Ecoffey: Oglala Sioux Tribe must act on legal marijuana (4/24)
Lakota Country Times: Oglala Sioux district endorses marijuana (4/15)