Puyallup Tribe pursues medical marijuana growing operation

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) – The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is taking steps to grow medical marijuana on tribal land.

The News Tribune reports that tribal leaders have amended a compact with the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board and Gov. Jay Inslee to allow production and sales of marijuana. Earlier this year, the tribe opened a marijuana testing laboratory as part of the original agreement.

Tribal chairman Bill Sterud says the marijuana growing operation would be aimed at improving quality of life for tribal members with cancer. The tribe might explore recreational sales in the future, but Sterud says currently the focus is on marijuana’s medical benefits.

Tribal officials say there is no timeline for when production will begin and distribution has not been worked out either.

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Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com