Cherokee Nation Principal Chief: Assessing the Future of Hemp and Cannabis

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By Chuck Hoskin Jr

February 01, 2020

Guest Commentary

The way that our society views hemp and cannabis is evolving, with many questions yet to be answered in the public’s mind. Some Cherokee Nation citizens have called on the Cherokee Nation to immediately hop on board, while others feel that we should steer clear of this new industry.

With that in mind, I believe we have a responsibility to carefully study any legal, medical or ethical barriers to the use of cannabis before deciding what our involvement will be as a tribal nation.

As a first step, we recently announced changes to our government employment policy regarding drug screenings for existing employees and new hires who hold a valid medical marijuana license. Tribal government employees will not be punished for undergoing medicinal cannabis treatment, and I remain supportive of all valid physician-prescribed treatments.

Even though medicinal consumption of cannabis is legal with a state-issued card in Oklahoma, it is important to note that federal law has not changed. Our Cherokee Nation policy change does not affect policies currently in place at Cherokee Nation Businesses, but CNB is currently reviewing all drug-testing policies. CNB entertainment facilities are located on tribal trust lands, and we remain committed to the safety of both our guests and our employees as we examine policy options within the regulatory framework applicable to those properties.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.

Modernizing Cherokee Nation statutes and policies impacting this emerging industry is a complex road to navigate. Toward that end, we have assembled a team to help the tribe move forward carefully and responsibly. The Cherokee Nation Executive Work Group on Hemp, Cannabis and Related Opportunities is a seven-member panel that I appointed to study a broad spectrum of issues, including commerce, health care and agriculture.

Our exploratory team includes experts from our health services, government relations and natural resources departments, as well as the Cherokee Nation attorney general’s office and Cherokee Nation Businesses. Work group members will evaluate these complex issues and make recommendations for sensible and effective policy in this rapidly expanding area. This work group will report its findings and recommendations by the end of May.

As laws change, work policies modernize and economic opportunities arise, Cherokee Nation will scrutinize whether hemp and cannabis offer long-term options for our citizens, our businesses and northeast Oklahoma. I believe the future is wide open, but we must look before we leap. Our prudent investigation will help to ensure success and sustainability before we step into this newest chapter of health care and economic development.

Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

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