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In the state of California, recreational pot went into law and for that reason; Native Americans have been looking for the same equity in legal marijuana. The cannabis market is open to everyone as long as it is on the legal front. More than one hundred Indian tribes consider the state of California to be their home. And because of that, the Native Americans want to get a piece of the cannabis market, especially since Prop 64 has been passed in 2016.

The Regulations

Under the laws and regulations of the state of California, each cannabis product that is sold within the state must be created by a licensed manufacturer and grower. Holders of licenses must be subject to strict rules and regulations and pay increased taxes.

In order for Native American tribes to participate in the cannabis market and get approved for a license, they have to give up their sovereignty rights or immunity. The tribe also has to submit to the government regulations and rules.

Before the new rules took effect, the state government and the tribes tried to come to an amicable agreement. Prior to sealing this agreement, it was a trade group that told the state that the tribes could take things into their own hands and surpass the government's regulations.

The Tribal Way

The Native American Cannabis Association warned the Californian government in December that their tribe might try to get involved with commercial marijuana activities using their inherent sovereign authority. If that does take place, the government in the state of California will not be able to enforce any marijuana laws on tribal land as the letter indicated.

However, the Native Americans could only grow and sell marijuana on their own lands and not throughout the state of California. In other words, their products that might be developed cannot enter the general cannabis market.

The Agreements

To avoid this kind of scenario, the Native American tribes have been looking to create a liaison between their tribal government and the state. With such agreements, the tribes would be allowed to access the legal cannabis market to sell their products.

In addition, the state would go ahead and affirm the fact that tribes could retain and maintain their own authority for the regulations and laws pursuant to operating on their own lands. The agreement between California Native Americans and the government of California would be the same as is being carried out in the state of Washington.

Since the legalization of pot in the state of Washington, there are seven tribes that have gone into such agreements. And more tribes in that location are still in talks with the government in the state of Washington. In the state of California, the same is being done as the government tries to appease multiple tribes there.

The Playing Field

So many experts agree that the playing field should be even for the Native Americans as it is to any entrepreneur or company in the state of California. However, getting all the specifics ironed out will take some time.

The Assembly Bill 924 has been drafted to provide the Santa Ysabel and other Native American tribes access to the cannabis market in the state of California. This bill will help to regulate marijuana on tribe land and subject the tribes to the same strict rules as the rest of applicants in the state of California.

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Final Thoughts

It is only feasible that the Native American tribes be given a chance to enter the cannabis market. They should not be excluded. In fact, the market and industry could benefit from their business input. To learn more about the cannabis market, visit the Cannabis Training University's online weed classes.

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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