Shinnecock Nation Continues With Cannabis Plans Despite TILT Holdings' Decision To Cut Its Social Equity Brands

In a resounding stand, the Council of Trustees of the Shinnecock Nation Tribe responded directly to remarks made during TILT Holdings TLLTF's recent 2Q earnings call. The call from the tribe is clear: the group is resolute and unbowed. Amidst a whirlwind of controversy surrounding TILT's recent decision to cut its social equity brands, the tribe is maintaining a steady course.

“The Shinnecock Nation and Little Beach Harvest would like to make clear that we are continuing to move forward with construction of our dispensary,” the Council told Benzinga Cannabis. To this statement, one can almost imagine the collective nodding of heads among the tribe's members, whose historical resilience reverberates throughout this narrative.

The tribe's statement elucidates further, “Much like New York State, we as a tribal nation are addressing the unlicensed operators and have made significant progress regarding illegal sales and delivery.” A sovereign entity, the Shinnecock Nation asserts its jurisdiction and ability to deal with challenges, much in the way the State of New York does.

Yet, it isn’t just about a dispensary. Behind these words is a broader sentiment, a long-standing endeavor to assert sovereignty and reclaim narratives from external entities that often seem to sidestep indigenous voices.

It's especially pertinent considering the recent turbulence in the cannabis industry. Not long ago, TILT Holdings, under interim CEO Tim Conder's leadership, shocked many when it decided to cut ties with various brands that had a significant focus on diversity and social equity. Stakeholders, including Roz McCarthy of Black Buddha Cannabis, have been left in the lurch, casting a shadow on TILT's purported commitment to such vital causes.

"Ask questions and look under the hood. Even if it's on big media outlets, don't just believe the cannabis fund hype. Go beyond the clickbait!" - @m4mmunited's @rozmccarthy1 at the @Benzinga Conference.

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But where TILT may be retreating, the Shinnecock Nation is advancing. The Council’s statement concludes with a potent affirmation: “This matter has not caused Shinnecock to delay our development to have the first tribally owned legal adult-use dispensary on our sovereign land in Eastern Long Island.”

As the dust settles and the industry watches the shifting sands of alliances and partnerships, the Shinnecock Nation stands tall, reminding all of the strength, independence, and resilience inherent to their legacy.

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Image: render of the dispensary under construction. Company website.