Pubdate: Sat, 13 Dec 2014
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2014 The Day Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Author: Brian Hallenbeck
Page: E1

MOHEGANS 'NOT ACTIVELY PURSUING' MARIJUANA PRODUCTION, SALES

Mohegan- Don't look for marijuana sprouts to start popping up on the 
Mohegan reservation any time soon.

While the tribe that owns Mohegan Sun acknowledged Thursday that it 
is reviewing a U.S. Department of Justice announcement regarding the 
legal cultivation and sale of marijuana on tribal lands, it has yet 
to determine whether such an endeavor would be a good investment.

"We are not actively pursuing this," Chuck Bunnell, the tribe's chief 
of staff, said Friday. "We're absolutely not at the point where we 
are classifying our interest in any particular aspect of the 
business. There is a great deal of due diligence required."

The Justice Department said federally recognized Indian tribes can 
grow and sell marijuana on their lands provided they follow the laws 
adopted by states, like Connecticut, that have legalized the drug.

"Our awareness of this issue did not begin with yesterday's 
announcement," Bunnell said. "The tribe has been aware that states 
have taken different positions (regarding marijuana) over the last 
few years. The new information has not caused the tribe to cross any 
new threshold. We expect to continue to be aware of and to review new 
developments in this area.

"It's important to note that no new laws were changed this week," he 
said. "The change seems to be confined to the position of the 
Department of Justice."

A spokesman for the Mashantucket Pequots, the tribe that owns 
Foxwoods Resort Casino, said his tribe has not debated whether to 
pursue the business of marijuana production or sales.

"The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council has not reviewed or 
considered the issue," Bill Satti, the tribe's director of public 
affairs, said in an email.

Connecticut legalized the medical use of marijuana in 2012, and has 
authorized the drug's sale at six licensed dispensaries, including 
one in Uncasville, not far from the Mohegan reservation.

The state Department of Consumer Protection, which oversees the 
medical marijuana program, also has awarded licenses to four 
marijuana producers, three of which are now producing, with the 
fourth expected to come on line next month, according to the 
department's commissioner, William Rubenstein.

"Those four will have plenty of capacity to meet the demand," 
Rubenstein said Friday. He said the department would issue a request 
for further applications from producers if and when it determines 
there's a need for more supply.

The Mohegans have pushed to diversify their nongaming business 
portfolio the last couple of years, signing franchise agreements with 
restaurant chains, acquiring wood pellet production plants and 
partnering with ventures involved in business software and digital 
office technology.

They've also acquired a professional lacrosse team set to debut next 
month at Mohegan Sun Arena.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom