It’s been three years since marijuana for medicinal use became legal in Mississippi. Now, a tribal group in the state is making strides toward legalizing recreational use on their lands.
Tribal Vote on Cannabis Reform
Members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians voted earlier this month in favor of a referendum for cannabis reform, according to official results from the tribe. This ballot option followed multiple public hearings and information sessions on the topic.
The June 10 ballot presented voters with a straightforward question: “Do you support the Tribe developing legislation to decriminalize and regulate the possession, production, and distribution of marijuana on Tribal lands?” Out of over 2,500 votes cast, approximately 55% of members approved the measure.
Next Steps for Recreational Use
Despite the support, the vote does not immediately legalize recreational marijuana on the tribe’s lands, which include areas in eastern Mississippi and a satellite community in Henning, Tennessee. Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben clarified in a community meeting that “this vote does not automatically authorize or legalize marijuana on Choctaw tribal trust land.”
However, the affirmative vote empowers the 17-member Tribal Council to hire consultants for a feasibility study and conduct research on public health and potential regulations regarding recreational marijuana.
Understanding Future Potential
Cyrus Ben, who has served as tribal chief since July 2019, emphasized the need for careful consideration during discussions about cannabis. He stated, “This does not mean that dime bags will start selling on our streets the next day. All this means is that [the Tribal Council] will conduct a study of feasibility to determine the best use of marijuana on our lands.”
Context of Cannabis Legalization Among Native American Tribes
The initiative from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians aligns with a broader trend among Native American groups across the country exploring their own cannabis regulations. According to the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, over 25% of Indigenous communities in the continental U.S. are now involved in marijuana or hemp markets.
Notable examples include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, which approved a legalization referendum in 2023, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, the first to legalize marijuana in a state where it remained illegal as of 2020.
Land Use and Economic Considerations
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians oversees more than 35,000 acres of land in Mississippi and Tennessee. This land serves various purposes, including residential communities, cultural preservation, and economic development. Three casinos operate within this framework, with the Tribal Council holding the authority to determine whether recreational marijuana use will be permitted on these gaming grounds.
Specific regulations regarding the production and sale of marijuana will also be established by the council as part of this ongoing process.
