Tribes wary of selling pot, even if DOJ says OK

Many in Indian Country are wary of the idea of legalizing marijuana on tribal lands, even if the U.S. Justice Department says it’s OK.

The department said Thursday that Indian tribes, which are considered sovereign nations, can grow and sell marijuana on tribal lands as long as they follow the same federal conditions laid out for states that have legalized the drug.

Many tribes have banned marijuana, even in states that have legalized it. Still unanswered is whether tribal pot could become a major bonanza rivaling tribal casinos.

Oregon U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall say the new policy addresses questions raised by tribes about how legalization of pot in several states affects Indian lands.