Cayuga Nation Native American Tribe to Launch Cannabis Enterprise in New York

NEW YORK – The Cayuga Nation Native American tribe in New York State is preparing to jumpstart their own cannabis cultivation business several months before state-licensed dispensaries are expected to open.

Although possession of cannabis became legal in New York last year under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, state-licensed retail stores are not expected to launch until early 2023.

According to a High Times report, Native American tribal governments, as sovereign nations, are able to regulate the production and use of cannabis on their lands.

The Cayuga Nation is the second tribe to announce a cannabis initiative in New York. Just last year, the Shinnecock Nation of Long Island began a commercial cannabis operation on its land.

“Our vision for the future of the Cayuga Nation remains focused on bettering the lives of our members, our community, and our neighbors,” the Cayuga Nation said in a statement to the Cornell Sun. “As we venture forward in our economic development, we remain committed to working closely with local governments to ensure the health and safety of our community.”

A new cannnabis cultivation facility is also under development at the Cayuga Nation’s Gakwiyo Garden, a 100-acre space in Seneca Falls. Currently, the tribal enterprise grows over 35 crops at the space. The new cannabis cultivation facility will have 15,000 square feet of indoor growing capacity.

Construction on the cultivation facility is expected to begin in the coming months and could be completed before the end of the year.

The tribe hired Jake Brewer to lead the operation. Brewer was the former head grower of a Colorado cannabis company.

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