Tribal nations in Minnesota are rapidly establishing cannabis businesses, gaining an advantage over state competitors. This movement is creating jobs and sparking discussions about who benefits from this growth. Many tribal members view this as a “model” approach, despite the challenges that come with it.
Rob Pero, founder of Canndigenous and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), expressed optimism about Minnesota’s cannabis rollout. He noted that tribes have the right to advance faster than the state because they possess civil regulatory authority.
As Minnesota navigates its adult-use cannabis rollout, several tribal nations, including White Earth, Red Lake, and Prairie Island, are quickly setting up retail operations both on and off their reservation lands. Pero highlighted that tribes are strategically implementing long-term business plans, spanning 5 to 10 years, instead of rushing to distribute cannabis revenues to tribal members.
However, this swift growth has prompted internal discussions within tribal communities about the allocation of cannabis profits and who should benefit from these new enterprises. Pero pointed out that community members often expect quick returns from these businesses, leading to a disconnect between their expectations and the tribes’ long-term goals for sustainable growth.
A recent incident involving Todd Thompson, a member of the White Earth Band, has brought these internal tensions to light. Thompson’s cannabis business was raided by Mahnomen County law enforcement, raising concerns about the role of tribal law enforcement, as ICIA Executive Director Mary Jane Oatman claimed they “looked the other way” during the raid.
During the raid, Thompson reported that authorities seized personal and sacred items, highlighting the cultural insensitivity often experienced during such operations. Oatman noted that Thompson is now competing against tribal corporations and resources, creating a frustrating situation for him. She advocates for tribes to ensure that their citizens have opportunities to obtain licenses and participate in the cannabis industry.
Oatman, who has a personal history tied to cannabis advocacy, explained her commitment to tracking tribal cannabis operations nationwide. She created a comprehensive database of tribal nations and their cannabis activities, which she felt was necessary due to a lack of existing resources.
She also warned about the dangers of outsiders attempting to exploit tribal communities for business opportunities, including in the cannabis sector. The potential for exploitation poses a significant threat to the integrity and intentions behind tribal cannabis enterprises.
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