Pubdate: Mon, 29 Dec 2014
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122

CAUTION ON LEGALIZING TRIBAL POT

American Indian tribes are now free to join states like Colorado that 
have legalized the sale and growing of marijuana, according to the 
U.S. Justice Department, but tribes considering the venture should 
pay heed to some of this state's lessons.

First, establishing a legal framework for a federally banned drug is 
not easy and the lure of tax revenue from pot sales may not turn out 
to be all that was expected.

Second, homemade hash oil extraction with butane should be banned. It 
is dangerous and should be allowed only by manufacturers.

Third, if edible marijuana is permitted, write regulations that 
consider packaging, potency limits and how to distinguish products 
outside of their packaging.

Colorado lawmakers and regulators are still wrestling with these 
issues, attempting to keep marijuana away from children or those who 
aren't intending to consume it.

Seattle attorney Anthony Broadman, who represents tribal governments, 
told the Associated Press that this could be an "enormous economic 
tool" for tribes. But that sounds like exaggeration.

The tribes would be violating U.S. law if the pot was transported 
across state lines, meaning it would have to be consumed by tribal 
members or tourists or transported intrastate only.

And the issue is especially difficult because Indian tribes have 
struggled with substance abuse problems.

Tribes have every right to adopt regulations to legalize the sale and 
cultivation of marijuana. But they should move cautiously rather than 
be taken in by promises of a bonanza awaiting them.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom