Squaxin Island Tribe to open marijuana store on November 12


The Squaxin Island Tribal Center in Shelton, Washington. Photo from Wikipedia

The Squaxin Island Tribe of Washington will open a retail marijuana store on Thursday.

The "Elevation" store is located at 90 W State Route 108 in Shelton. It's the first marijuana outlet in Indian Country and it comes after the tribe signed a compact (draft version) with the state government.

“This tribe has a long history of working through jurisdictional issues with the state using cooperative agreements,” council member Jim Peters said in a press release that was posted by The Weed Blog. “We’re pleased to be able to work with the state from the beginning on this one.”

House Bill 2000 authorized the state to enter into marijuana compacts with tribes. The law encourages cooperation to address jurisdiction, law enforcement and other issues in Indian Country.

The Suquamish Tribe also signed a compact with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. The tribe plans to open a store by the end of the year.

Washington has legalized marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes. In fiscal year 2015 -- the first year of sales -- marijuana generated $259.8 million, according to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Taxes generated nearly $65 million for the state.

So far in fiscal year 2016, which started on July 1, sales have generated nearly $278.3 million.

Get the Story:
Squaxin Island Tribe Opens First Marijuana Store On Reservation (The Weed Blog 11/9)

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Squaxin Island Tribe enters marijuana compact in Washington (09/24)
Hilary Bricken: Suquamish Tribe enters landmark marijuana deal (9/22)
Suquamish Tribe signs first marijuana compact in Washington (09/15)

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