Tribal Council releases statement on marijuana measure's passage

Although Oregon voters passed Measure 91, which will make possession of marijuana legal in July, the Grand Ronde Tribal Council issued a statement on Nov. 17 reminding employees and Tribal members that the measure does not apply to the Tribe.
"On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Oregon voters approved Measure 91," the statement says. "It allows adults 21 and older in Oregon to possess and grow marijuana under state regulation. The measure will take effect July 2015. Measure 91 does not apply to the Tribe. The Tribe is a sovereign nation. The Tribe is a 'drug-free workplace.' Marijuana use and possession is still illegal under federal law, and many of the Tribe's federal grants require us to be a drug-free workplace.
"This said, the Tribe has been examining its position on marijuana use. The Tribal Council has met with senior Tribal staff, the United States Attorney and members of the Oregon congressional delegation to discuss the impacts of Measure 91. The Tribe will continue examining the issue of marijuana use in the coming months. For now, and until the Tribal Council decides otherwise, the use and possession of marijuana on the Grand Ronde Reservation is illegal."
Oregon voters approved the measure 55.6 percent to 44.4 percent, joining the states of Alaska, Washington and Colorado in allowing recreational use of the plant.
When Measure 91 goes into effect, Oregonians will be allowed to possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and up to four plants.