National Indigenous Cannabis Summit: Mapping The Future Of Tribal Hemp And Marijuana

The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) is gearing up to host its second annual National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit. Scheduled for Nov. 1-3, the event aims to position Indigenous voices at the forefront of cannabis legalization and advocacy discussions.

Held in the nation's capital, the summit promises to be an influential gathering, bridging Tribal leaders, government officials, health experts, and advocacy groups. Its objective is clear: to shape the future of cannabis legalization, ensuring it complements the sovereign rights and economic interests of Indigenous communities.

Rob Pero, ICIA's founder and the mind behind the Wisconsin-based hemp firm Canndigenous, remarked, “Our main goal is to bring Indigenous communities to the fore, driving the conversation on destigmatization and federal deregulation of cannabis and hemp.”

The event kicks off on Nov. 1 with an exclusive roundtable for Tribal leaders and regulators. Following this, the summit will open its doors to the public on Nov. 2 and 3, offering a vast educational tableau. Seminars will range from hemp's agricultural potential to the challenges of marketing and banking in the cannabis industry. The comprehensive agenda is accessible at indigenouscannabissummit.com/agenda.

The summit's crescendo is set for Nov. 3, a day dedicated to advocacy and action. ICIA's Executive Director, Mary Jane Oatman, expressed her aspirations for the day, stating, “We want Indian Country's voice to resonate on Capitol Hill. A uniform approach won't work for Tribal cannabis policy; consultation with Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations is crucial.”