Experts say Connecticut’s cannabis compact with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe could benefit both sides.
The agreement requires the tribe to follow state laws governing the adult recreational cannabis industry, but it also allows any businesses on the reservation to be part of Connecticut’s marketplace.
“You do want to have a level playing field between cannabis purchased off the tribal property and on,” Quinnipiac University professor emeritus Patricia Luoma said.
Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Connecticut) announced the compact on Thursday.
“Together, we recognized the need for cooperation and collaboration with regard to cannabis regulation in the state and on tribal lands,” Lamont said in a statement announcing the deal.
Tribal leaders also said the arrangement continues its relationship with the state.
“It strengthens our government-to-government partnership with the state of Connecticut, and opens the door to future commerce between tribally-licensed cannabis businesses and state licensees,” Chairman Rodney Butler said in the statement.
