Shinnecock Nation Approves Medical Marijuana Dispensary On Tribal Land
SOTUHAMPTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Shinnecock Indian Nation has voted in overwhelming support of a proposed medical marijuana facility on its tribal land on Long Island's East End.
The proposed plan would include the development of medical marijuana cultivation and dispensary facilities, owned by the Shinnecock Nation, under designation of New York State, according to a statement released by Shinnecock officials on Wednesday.
The Shinnecock-owned operations would work in compliance with New York's new medical marijuana program, with revenue from the project going to fund day-to-day tribal operations.
Members of the Shinnecock Nation voted 71 percent in favor of the development of a facility, according to an official statement.
According to Shinnecock officials, "at least 15 tribes across the U.S. have explored entering or have already entered the medical cannabis industry."
New York State's medical marijuana program kicked off at the beginning of 2016, with several dispensaries opening in New York City and Long Island. The program rolled out around 18 months after Governor Andrew Cuomo approved the legislation in July 2014.
Long Island's first two medical marijuana dispensaries opened in late January, with one location in Lake Success and the other in Riverhead.
New York is the 23rd state to approve medical marijuana use.
