The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is set to vote on a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana on tribal land in just two weeks.
Referendum No. 2025-01, which would allow the possession, production, and distribution of marijuana for adults within the tribe’s jurisdiction, is scheduled for a vote during the June 10 special election.
If approved, the measure would make the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians the first tribal nation in the state—and among the first in the Deep South—to establish a regulated marijuana industry for adult-use.
The proposed changes follow a series of public hearings held throughout May in each of the tribe’s eight communities, where members had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the initiative. Representatives from the Office of the Tribal Chief and Tribal Council participated in the hearings to explain the potential impacts of the measure.
According to tribal officials, the referendum would create a framework for licensing and oversight of marijuana businesses on tribal land, though specific regulatory details would be determined by tribal leads following the vote if it passes.
Although the proposal will apply to anyone on tribal land if it’s enacted, only enrolled tribal members are eligible to vote in the election.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians owns approximately 35,000 acres of land, primarily located in east-central Mississippi across ten counties: Neshoba, Newton, Leake, Kemper, Jones, Winston, Attala, Jackson, Scott, and Carroll.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized Native American tribe in Mississippi.
