Yakama Nation objects to sale of marijuana on ceded lands

Thursday, February 6, 2014  

The Yakama Nation of Washington has filed hundreds of objections to the sale of marijuana within its treaty-ceded territory.

Washington Initiative 502 authorizes the use, possession and sale of marijuana in limited circumstances. But the drug remains illegal under federal law and the tribe says that includes 12 million acres that were ceded through the Yakama Treaty of 1855.

Citizens of the state of Washington don’t get to vote on what happens” in those lands, tribal attorney George Colby told Time.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board has received 7,000 applications under the new law. A spokesperson said the tribe's objection letters will be considered.

Get the Story:
Legal Marijuana Raises Issues for Indian Tribes (Time 2/6)

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)