Oneida Indian Nation to Launch New York Cannabis Enterprise

Oneida Indian Nation announced Monday that it is launching a new cannabis company in downtown New York, and plans to begin construction on the 50,000-square-foot facility next month. The seed-to-market venture will include cannabis cultivation and production at a new facility in Verona, New York, which will be entirely operated by Oneida Indian Nation. The cannabis retailer, which will be announced at a later date and will be located exclusively on tribal land, is expected to open in late 2023.

Ray Halblitter, president of Oneida Indian Nation and CEO of Oneida Nation Enterprises, said Oneida Indian Nation is a new economic opportunity created by the legalization of marijuana in and around New York City. He said he is starting a business in the cannabis industry to take advantage of the opportunity. range.

“As more and more states across the country, including neighboring states and other tribal nations, enter the cannabis business, it is important that the people of Oneida are not left behind to take advantage of this economic opportunity. .” Hal Blitter said in a statement From the Oneida Indian Nation. “We are excited about this new venture and will build on our expertise and track record in other highly regulated industries to create a safe and successful adult recreational cannabis business on the lands of the Oneida Indian Nation. We are confident that we can set a standard for developing.”

Weed legalized in New York

New York legalized recreational marijuana last year with passage of the Marijuana Taxation and Regulation Act, which was signed into law on March 31, 2021. Adult cannabis dispensaries are expected to open by the end of the year.

New York officials allow Native American sovereign states to freely participate in the state’s legal cannabis market. Cayuga Nation established a cannabis growing and processing facility in Seneca County and a retail store in Cayuga County. Akwesasne Mohawk Nation has cannabis retailers on land in upstate New York, while Seneca Nation has about 20 retailers in its western territories.

For newly announced cannabis businesses, Oneida Indian Nation will manage cannabis businesses and maintain standards comparable to New York state cannabis laws and regulations, including equivalent age and purchase limits and employee licenses. Adopted the Cannabis Act and Regulations to Product safety and quality requirements and guarantees.

Oneida Indian Nation owns and operates all businesses related to the cannabis business rather than issuing licenses to independent operators. The nation is in discussions with the Cannabis Control Authority in New York about the tribe’s plans for the cannabis business and is open to further negotiations, according to Joel Birkin, the nation’s vice president of communications.

Oneida Indian Nation is in talks with the New York State Cannabis Authority to create a joint testing partnership for cannabis products. Mr. Birkin said he would apply the same tax rate as the state on the sale of marijuana “to avoid competitive issues.” All tax revenues are used to support local government services in the tribes and their national territories. They include health care, education, public safety and cultural protection.

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in central New York State, consisting of approximately 1,000 registered tribal members. Employing more than 4,500 people, Oneida Indian Nation businesses include hotels, casinos, retail stores, RV parks and three boat marinas. Proceeds from these businesses are used to develop the Tribe’s economic base and provide essential services to its members, including housing, health care, and educational incentives and programs.