Pubdate: Sun, 08 Nov 2015
Source: Rapid City Journal (SD)
Copyright: 2015 The Rapid City Journal
Contact:  http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1029

LAWYER: SOUTH DAKOTA TRIBE DESTROYING MARIJUANA CROP

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - An American Indian tribe slated to open the 
nation's first marijuana resort is destroying its crop and 
temporarily suspending the project in South Dakota while leaders seek 
clarification from the federal government, according to the tribe's attorney.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, which planned to open a lounge 
selling marijuana on New Year's Eve, was the first tribe in South 
Dakota to legalize the drug following the U.S. Department of 
Justice's decision last year to allow tribes to do so on tribal land.

Seth Pearman, the tribe's lawyer, said in a statement Saturday to the 
Argus Leader newspaper (http://argusne.ws/1HzRdIH ) that the tribe 
was destroying its existing crop and temporarily suspending its 
marijuana cultivation and disturbing facilities. He said tribal 
leaders were confident that the venture would succeed after seeking 
clarification on regulations from the Justice Department.

"The tribe will continue to consult with the federal and state 
government and hopes to be granted parity with states that have 
legalized marijuana," Pearman said.

Attorney General Marty Jackley told The Associated Press that the 
tribe's attorney and local law enforcement informed him Saturday 
about the decision, which he said was "in the best interest of both 
tribal and non-tribal members." Jackley acknowledged that he and 
tribal officials haven't always agreed, but said their discussions 
about the issue have been good and promised to help the tribe as it 
moved forward. He said he planned to meet with tribal officials 
Monday or Tuesday.

Tribal President Anthony Reider didn't immediately return voicemail 
and text messages from the AP seeking comment Saturday evening. 
Jonathan Hunt, vice present of Monarch America, a Denver-based 
marijuana consulting firm hired by the tribe, said a reported fire 
Saturday was caused by wood and not marijuana, but he declined further comment.

The tribe has said the project could generate up to $2 million a 
month in profit. But some state officials have questioned the plan, 
including Jackley, who has said any changes in tribal laws wouldn't 
affect nontribal land or anyone who wasn't a tribal member.

The tribe's executive committee voted in June to make the sale and 
use of marijuana legal on its reservation in Moody County, about 45 
miles north of Sioux Falls.
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