A resolution authorizing a feasibility study to be performed to look into the “issues and impacts associated with legalization of cannabis” on tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has been vetoed by Principal Chief Patrick Lambert. Tribal Council passed Res. No. 40 (2015) unanimously during Annual Council on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Chief Lambert issued his veto of the legislation on Monday, Nov. 23.
“I have stated my opposition to the recreational use of drugs many times, and this includes marijuana,” Chief Lambert wrote in his veto letter to Tribal Council Chairman Bill Taylor. “At a critical time in our Tribe’s history in dealing with all the human misery associated with illegal recreational use of drugs, I cannot in good conscience sign this legislation. There are some drugs that do have good and solid medicinal uses, but when done for recreation often leads to severe addiction and misery for the user, the family of the user and the larger community.”
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