In a bold move that’s reshaping America’s cannabis landscape, indigenous tribes across the United States are launching innovative programs and businesses, turning sovereign lands into thriving hubs for marijuana cultivation and sales. From Nebraska’s Omaha Tribe legalizing adult-use cannabis to a national map revealing one in four tribes involved in the sector, these communities are not just participating they’re leading the charge. But how did this movement gain such momentum, and what does it mean for the future?
The Birth of a Tribal Cannabis Network
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) emerged in 2022 as a game-changer for native entrepreneurs and tribes diving into the cannabis world. Founded by Rob Pero, a Bad River Band member and owner of the CBD beverage company Canndigenous, and led by Executive Director Mary Jane Oatman of the Nez Perce Tribe, the group aims to build equity and opportunities for indigenous people in this booming industry.
Pero and Oatman spotted a clear gap: tribes were innovating in cannabis but lacked a unified voice to share best practices and push for fair policies. Their first meeting in 2021, sparked by shared interests in tribal hemp and CBD markets, quickly turned into action. By August 2022, ICIA was up and running as a nonprofit, focusing on policy, education, and networking.
This association now represents diverse indigenous interests, from tribal nations to individual business owners. It tracks federal cannabis legislation, creates reports on policy priorities, and works to protect tribal sovereignty in reforms. Membership has surged, with over 1,100 LinkedIn followers and events drawing hundreds, showing the hunger for this kind of support.
ICIA’s work goes beyond talk. It hosts conferences, like the Native American Cannabis & Hemp Conference, where tribes learn about regulations and business strategies. Oatman, a longtime cannabis advocate, often speaks at major events, including MJBizCon, highlighting how tribes can lead sustainably.
Tribal Innovations Drive Industry Growth
Tribes are crafting their own rules for cannabis, often moving faster than state governments. Take the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina they voted to legalize marijuana in 2023, becoming the state’s first legal sellers despite opposition from some politicians. This sovereignty allows them to sell to both tribal members and outsiders, boosting local economies.
A groundbreaking map released in May 2025 by ICIA and law firm Vicente LLP shows the scale: more than one in four continental U.S. tribes have launched cannabis or hemp programs. That’s over 140 tribes involved, from cultivation to retail, according to the data compiled through extensive research and tribal consultations.
These programs vary widely. Some focus on medical cannabis, others on adult-use or industrial hemp. For instance, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in July 2025, creating a comprehensive framework that includes licensing and sales on tribal lands. Leaders there said they refused to wait for “broken systems” to catch up.
Independent indigenous entrepreneurs are expanding too, building brands outside reservations. This diversity strengthens the industry, introducing sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge, like eco-friendly farming that respects the land.
Here’s a quick look at key tribal cannabis milestones:
- 2018: American Indian tribes in California push for inclusion in the state’s legal market, highlighting reservation-based farms.
- 2021: South Dakota tribes explore marijuana for new jobs and tax revenue, inspired by western states.
- 2023: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians legalizes sales, defying state restrictions.
- 2025: ICIA’s map reveals widespread tribal involvement, with programs in states like Nebraska and Minnesota.
Challenges in a Complex Market
Despite the progress, tribes face big hurdles in the cannabis industry. Federal laws still classify marijuana as a Schedule I substance, creating banking and trade barriers for tribal businesses. Many can’t access traditional loans or payment systems, forcing creative workarounds.
Social stigma and internal debates add layers. Not all tribal members support cannabis, worrying about health impacts or cultural shifts. Plus, competition from big corporations can squeeze out smaller indigenous operations.
ICIA steps in here, advocating for sensible policies that ensure equity. Their reports, based on 2024-2025 federal bill tracking, push for reforms that recognize tribal rights. Oatman notes that without these efforts, indigenous voices risk being drowned out in national debates.
Yet, there’s hope in data. A 2025 Forbes article highlighted how tribes like the Prairie Island Indian Community in Minnesota are building sustainable visions, blending cannabis with environmental goals. This approach not only creates jobs but also generates revenue for community services, like education and health care.
Tribes are turning these challenges into strengths. By operating on sovereign land, they avoid some state taxes and regulations, attracting customers and investors. This model could inspire broader industry changes, emphasizing community benefits over pure profit.
Future Outlook for Indigenous Leadership
Looking ahead, indigenous tribes are poised to expand their influence in cannabis. With potential federal rescheduling on the horizon, ICIA is gearing up to guide tribes through changes. Their 2024 efforts included international speaking gigs and leadership gatherings, building global networks.
Experts predict more tribes will join, especially as economic pressures mount. A 2025 Cannabis Business Times report on ICIA’s activities showed increased membership and outreach, signaling a sustainable indigenous cannabis economy.
Innovation continues. Tribes are exploring everything from THC-infused beverages to hemp-based products, drawing on ancestral wisdom for modern markets. This could lead to new standards in quality and ethics, challenging mainstream players.
The real win? Empowerment. As Oatman puts it, ICIA empowers communities through education and connections, fostering entrepreneurs who uplift their people.
As indigenous tribes forge ahead in the cannabis industry, they’re not just building businesses they’re reclaiming economic power and rewriting narratives of self-determination. This movement offers hope for marginalized communities, proving that innovation rooted in sovereignty can spark real change.