On March 14, 2024, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the signing of a significant tribal-state cannabis compact with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This agreement aims to enhance public health, safety, and well-being regarding adult-use cannabis across the state, marking a critical milestone in intergovernmental collaboration.
Details of the Compact
The compact, which is the fifth of its kind between Minnesota and a tribal nation, is designed to create an equitable and well-regulated cannabis market. According to a release from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the compact will also facilitate economic development for both the Leech Lake Band and the broader state community.
Faron Jackson, chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, expressed his pride in participating in this historic ceremony. He stated, “On behalf of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, I am honored to participate in this historic signing ceremony, which marks a critical moment for the economic development of the tribe and the State of Minnesota.” Jackson emphasized that the compact protects the rights of the tribe and supports cannabis enterprises on and off tribal lands.
Economic Opportunities Ahead
Jackson further highlighted the potential of the compact to generate jobs and stimulate revenue, stating, “This is an important step toward producing jobs for tribal citizens and other community members. We look forward to stimulating revenue and significant job growth on tribal land in northern Minnesota and across the state.”
The Minnesota Legislature directed Governor Walz to negotiate these intergovernmental agreements to strengthen health and safety standards while providing financial benefits to both the state and tribal nations. OCM Executive Director Eric Taubel remarked, “This tribal-state compact with the Leech Lake Band represents another important step in our collaboration with tribal nations to build a unique cannabis industry in Minnesota.” Taubel noted that this partnership will create economic opportunities beneficial to all Minnesotans.
Each tribal-state compact is tailored to the specific tribal nation involved, but they share a commitment to ensuring public health and safety. This includes stringent product testing, data collection, and analysis, which aim to maintain consistency across Minnesota’s cannabis market. The state government plans to announce additional tribal-state cannabis compacts in the near future.
For more information about the tribal-state compacts, including signed agreements, interested parties can visit the OCM’s tribal compacts webpage.
