Minneapolis, MN: A growing number of Native American tribes are operating marijuana retail businesses, according to data published in the trade publication Marijuana Business Daily.
Nationwide, nearly 60 cannabis retailers are tribally owned – an increase of nearly 25 percent since 2023. Currently, tribes are operating businesses in nine states: California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington. About three-quarters of tribes engaging in marijuana sales also own and operate casinos.
The greatest number of tribal-owned retailers is in Minnesota. State lawmakers legalized the adult-use marijuana market last year, but regulators have yet to begin licensing retail establishments.
In April, members of the North Carolina Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened a medical cannabis dispensary on tribal lands. Tribal leaders are anticipated to approve a separate ordinance to expand sales to adults. Marijuana is not yet legal for either medical use or adult use in the state.
The federal government recognizes 574 Native American tribes, and roughly 350 are in the contiguous 48 states.
The full text of the column, “Tribally owned marijuana store numbers up 25% since 2023,” is available from MJBizDaily.
