FLANDREAU - The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe has been looking into legalizing marijuana on the reservation since 2014.
Tribal executive committee members moved a step closer to making that a reality.
In a meeting Friday, the tribe set up an LLC with the purpose of pursuing recreational marijuana and hemp on the tribe’s reservation.
One of the tribe’s attorneys said this does not mean marijuana is now legal on the reservation.
The Moody County Sheriff has been following the tribe’s decision.
Deputy Troy Wellman says he is afraid legalizing pot will increase trafficking on and off the reservation. He’s also worried it will increase danger on the roads.
"I feel there is going to be a significant increase in the driving while drugged arrests that go on, which will also increase in fatalities, traffic accidents, that kind of thing," Weilman said.
The tribe is in the process of preparing an ordinance to regulate any growth and consumption on the reservation. It's meeting with several consulting groups before making any decisions.
Here is the full statement from tribal attorney Seth Pearman:
"Thank you again for coming to Flandreau to report on the Tribe’s marijuana announcement. On Friday, May 8, 2015, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Executive Committee, while in session, established a wholly owned limited liability company with the purpose of pursuing recreational marijuana and hemp on the Tribe’s reservation. The Tribe has not legalized marijuana in any form yet, and is in the process of preparing an ordinance to regulate any growth and consumption on the Reservation. It too has meet with several reputable companies to consult with the Tribe, and is finalizing selection of a company. The consideration of legalizing marijuana on the Reservation was prompted by an October 24, 2014 Department of Justice Memorandum regarding marijuana enforcement in Indian Country. (Attached) Economic Development is a paramount consideration of the Tribe, and the Tribe looks diligently into different ventures that would create economic stability for the Tribe and its members. As the Tribe continues to pursue marijuana legalization, it will provide more detailed information to the public."
