The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will vote tomorrow, June 10, on a proposal that would legalize recreational marijuana on tribal land for everyone 21 and older.
Referendum No. 2025-01 would allow the possession, cultivation, and distribution of marijuana within the tribe’s jurisdiction—similar to a recent move by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose territory is currently the only legal place to purchase cannabis in North Carolina (sales began for everyone 21+ in September). If approved, the measure would authorize sales to all adults of legal age, regardless of tribal membership, as long as the activity takes place on tribal land.
While the referendum outlines a basic framework for licensing and regulating marijuana businesses, specific rules and regulations would be finalized by tribal leadership following the vote. Tribal council members have stated they plan to move quickly if voters approve the proposal.
Voting in the special election is limited to enrolled members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The Choctaw Nation, Mississippi’s only federally recognized tribe, controls roughly 35,000 acres spread across ten counties in the eastern part of the state.
