Warriors of the Sunrise, a group that consists of Shinnecock Nation members and supporters, is asking for Tribal Nations to be included in New York State’s adult-use cannabis programs.
“New York State must include Tribal Nations in its Cannabis Adult-Use Programs!” read an Instagram post, calling for virtual action. “NYS will influence most of the country’s Minority Inclusion & Social Equity initiatives and should lead the US on this critical & important issue.” The post states that tribes have been ignored by New York State and have suffered continued social inequality.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on January 6 a proposal to legalize and create a comprehensive system to oversee and regulate cannabis in New York as part of the 2021 State of the State.
“Tribal Nations in the State of New York has suffered for generations under the harmful effect of social inequities. The historical trauma of land loss and relocation causes present socio-economic harm,” read the Warriors of the Sunrise post. “Tribes have announced their intention to enter the cannabis industry in the State of New York, however NO feedback or consideration from New York State has materialized.”
According to a press release from the state, “Under the Governor’s proposal, a new Office of Cannabis Management would be created to oversee the new adult-use program, as well as the State’s existing medical and cannabinoid hemp programs. Additionally, an equitable structure for the adult-use market will be created by offering licensing opportunities and assistance to entrepreneurs in communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. Once fully implemented, legalization is expected to generate more than $300 million in tax revenue.”
“Not only will legalizing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market provide the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue, but it also allows us to directly support the individuals and communities that have been most harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition,” Cuomo said on January 6.
The call to action from the Warriors of the Sunrise stated that, “The social inequities and conditions that have kept the Tribal Nations locked in poverty with substandard housing, education and lack of economic stability need to be considered now.”
