It is quite amazing how quickly a new enterprise can get rolling when it doesn’t have to wait on red tape.
According to a report in the MJBiz news, the Shinnecock Nation’s new partnership with Tilt Holdings is already bearing results, with the partnership taking the Shinnecock cannabis brand, “Little Beach Harvest,” to Massachusetts. For 2023, the partners have planned to introduce a physical store, a cultivation facility, and a wellness lounge.
The Native American tribe’s reservation is in Long Island, and there are no federal regulations which hold up the establishment of this type of enterprise on tribal land. The Shinnecock worked with Tilt to develop their own particular strain of cannabis and begin marketing it within New York. However, Tilt Holdings is based in Massachusetts, so it made sense to introduce Little Beach Harvest to other Northeastern states. In addition to the collaboration on the cultivation and sale of the plant, Tilt is also opening up a scholarship for members of the tribe who wish to learn and participate in the industry.
With the number of younger smokers of cannabis increasing, there will certainly be a niche spot for young and enterprising young Shinnecock members to connect with this younger generation of weed smokers. A scholarship to learn about the cultivation of cannabis will offer that and more.
This initiative is an example of the speed with which economic development can take place when the government is not there to stand in the way. Smaller growers and retailers have had delay after delay in achieving the same successes in the same amount of time, indicating that the holdup is with the state.
This is a huge step forward for Native American tribes, as it represents an opportunity to play a much larger role in the cannabis industry. With the Shinnecock’s claim to centuries of knowledge of plant-based medicines, this tribe is perfectly positioned to make a significant contribution to the knowledge base and the growth of the industry.
It seems unfortunate that other small growers must wait on the state to be able to achieve the same great strides as the Shinnecock.
Other Native American tribes who have taken the opportunity to branch out into another industry are the Mohawk, Arapahoe and Cherokee peoples.
