The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is considering opening a 25,000 square foot massive cannabis mega-dispensary near their Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut. While no official statements have come from the tribe, they have mentioned potential expansion. The tribe currently owns and operates Foxwoods and the surrounding area.
“Our tribe is exploring all of the options created by the legislation and has no plans to publicly disclose at this time,” said Rodney Butler in an email statement. He currently sits as chairman for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Rumored options also include hotels, a zip-line, museums, and arcade games along with the mega-dispensary.
Back in February, when Connecticut lawmakers first began considering recreational cannabis legalization, the tribe testified to the Judiciary Committee about the benefits legalization would bring the state and themselves.
“Just as the state has expressed an interest in working with surrounding states regarding cannabis legalization, it would be mutually beneficial for the state and interested tribes to create a cohesive regulatory structure,” the tribe said. “Mashantucket Pequot is well positioned to take on such a role, having developed and maintained with great success comprehensive regulatory schemes concerning gaming, environmental matters and a range of other issues on tribal lands.”
Sovereign Nation
Under Connecticut state law, tribal nations and other sovereign nations are not bound to state laws. So, if they wanted to operate a mega-dispensary on their native grounds, then it’s legal in the state. Additionally, cannabis businesses don’t need a state issued license for operation in all states under federal law. They simply need one issued by their sovereign nation.
Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis at the end of June. Adults 21 and over can purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis at one time. They can also possess up to five ounces of cannabis locked in their homes or in their vehicle glove boxes or trunks.
Tribes have typically taxed sales similar to the state’s requirements. However, instead of the tax money going to the state, it returns directly to the tribe. This allows the tribe to build itself up, offer more job opportunities, and create a better future for themselves. Other tribes in New York and Nevada have done so and have seen tremendous results.
Next Steps
There is still speculation about what the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will do and if they will open a mega-dispensary. There could be possible recreational cannabis sales in this tribal nation long before the state itself. Connecticut lawmakers and cannabis regulators now predict legal recreational sales will begin at the end of 2022. This is much later than originally planned.
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