Ho-Chunk Nation Decriminalizes Cannabis, But What Does It Mean?

By Robert D'Andrea

Wisconsin Public Radio

Read Full Story Here

The Ho-Chunk Nation will decriminalize cannabis on tribal lands and Ho-Chunk police will not issue citations for possession, according to an announcement released April 30.

While advocates celebrate this as a step toward legalization, tribal law experts advise the drug is still illegal.

“This is a step in the process for them to get to a spot where they are not just decriminalizing, but feel that they can put in a regulatory structure to cultivate, grow, or possess hemp,” said Rob Pero, founder of the nonprofit Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association. 

Still, legal experts question how quickly any broader change can happen.

“It remains illegal under state law and federal law,” said Scott Idleman, a professor at Marquette University Law School.

An FAQ distributed within the Ho-Chunk nation indicates county or state police could still issue citations, Pero said.

Read More...